Best Trailer Hitch Review, Tested By Experts (2024 Ratings) (2024)

Written and Tested By:

Ben Kasierski

Written and Tested By: Ben Kasierski Contributor – Motor1 Review Team

Ben Kasierski is a North Carolina native who covers the latest automotive and motorcycle products. He has tested hundreds of car detailing products – including tire shines, car wash soaps, and full detailing kits – as well as gadgets to make life easier for the everyday driver like key finders and GPS trackers.

Reviewed By: Charles Noyes

Last Updated 11/26/2023

Motor1 Reviews Team Take:

• The best trailer hitches on the 2024 market are Curt Fusion, Reese Towpower Drop Standard, MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount, Towever Tri-Ball Mount, and Bulletproof Hitches.
• With an average price of around $160, trailer hitches can cost anywhere from as little as $30 to upwards of $500.
• We suggest looking out for trailer hitches with a high towing capacity so you can reliably lug as much cargo as possible. In our review, there are options ranging from 2,000.0 – 14,000.0 pounds of towing capacity.

Trailer hitches are for more than just trailers. You can link bike racks, kayak racks, cargo carriers, and more to your vehicle thanks to these handy devices. A great trailer hitch creates a steadfast lock between your vehicle and whatever it is towing, bringing you peace of mind when hauling your extra cargo.

It’s important to choose the best trailer hitch for both your transportation needs and vehicle’s weight requirements. Keep reading to learn more about the best trailer hitches our product team recommends for your next big move. We’ve also tested and reviewed the best trailer hitch locks to keep your trailer secure.

Trailer Hitch Reviews

For this review, our team thoroughly tested and evaluated each trailer hitch based on each hitch’s ease of installation, versatility, and maximum towing capacity. The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars.

Each trailer hitch’s ratings, including their scores in each review category, are highlighted below:

What Is The Best Trailer Hitch?

Based on these criteria, the best trailer hitches are the Curt Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount, Reese Towpower Drop Standard Class III Starter Kit, MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount, Towever Tri-Ball Mount, and the Bulletproof Hitches 6-Inch Drop/Rise Adjustable.

*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.

Trailer Hitch Ratings: Our Testing Process

After looking at factors such as tongue weight, gross trailer weight, customer ratings, and prices, our product testing team ordered the trailer hitches that best met these standards. A team member tested each product on a 2013 Toyota Highlander, taking note of how easy the trailer hitch was to install, along with versatility and maximum towing capacity. Each trailer hitch was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on these criteria.

Learn more about how we tested the best trailer hitches here.

1. Curt Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount: Best Trailer Hitch

• Cost: $30 – $180
• Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 (approx. 840 reviews)
• What’s in the box: The Curt Trailer Hitch Mount and a locking pin and clip
• Hitch class: Class III
• Gross trailer weight: 7,500.0 lbs.
• Tongue weight: 750.0 lbs.

Curt Fusion Ball Mount Review

Both our top pick and Amazon’s Choice for the best trailer hitch, the Curt Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount is suitable for basic moving needs. It’s rated to tow 7,500.0 lbs. in gross trailer weight with a 750.0-lb. tongue weight and its 4.0-inch drop promotes level towing with almost any trailer setup. Its 2.0-in. by 2.0-in. shank fits almost any 2.0-in. receiver with ease.

The Curt’s 2.0-in. bulb is corrosion-resistant thanks to its durable black powder coating finish and chrome plating.

You can see how the Curt Fusion Ball Mount performed in each of our testing categories below:

The Curt Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount is a great choice for anyone who wants the basic functions of a trailer hitch for day-to-day transportation. If you’re only moving your trailer around and don’t need more than a 2.0-in. receiver and ball, this is the best option. Below are the pros and cons of Curt Fusion Ball Mount:

Curt Fusion Ball Mount: Our Experience

We gave the Curt trailer hitch a rating of 5.0 out of 5.0 stars for its excellent fit, high weight capabilities, and smooth operation.

Ease of installation: The Curt hitch took no time to install in our testing vehicle. After installing it using the provided locking pin, the hitch mount did not rattle or slide around in the receiver.

Versatility: Because it’s only designed for trailers with a 2.0-in. hitch, this device is limited. Its 2.0-in. ball size works on nearly any trailer that has the same locking size and the 4.0-in. drop sets trailers at a safe height for driving.

Maximum towing capacity: As a Class III device, the Curt hitch can handle a gross trailer weight of up to 7,500.0 lbs.

Curt Fusion Ball Mount: What Customers Are Saying

Some reviewers claim to have been buying Curt products for years and have been very satisfied with their consistently high quality. Other negative reviews complain that the Curt hitch doesn’t actually have a 4.0-in. drop, likening it closer to a 2.0- or 3.0-in. drop instead.

2. Reese Towpower Class III Starter Kit: Best Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

• Cost: $15
• Amazon review score: 4.8 out of 5.0 (approx. 3,400 reviews)
• What’s in the box: The Reese Towpower trailer hitch and a locking pin and clip
• Hitch class: Class III
• Gross trailer weight: 6,000.0 lbs.
• Tongue weight: 600.0 lbs.

Reese Towpower Drop Standard Class III Starter Kit Review

With a 2.0-in. drop and 0.75-in. rise, the Reese Towpower Starter Kit is everything you need for a beginner’s trailer hitch. Its standard sizing and gross trailer weight of 6,000.0 lbs. is perfect for hauling small loads. This hitch also has 600.0 lbs. of tongue weight for handling medium-sized trailers.

Like the Curt trailer hitch, the Reese Towpower Starter Kit fits 2.0-in. receivers and has a 2.0-in. hitch ball mount.

You can see how the Reese Towpower Drop Standard Class III Starter Kit performed in each of our testing categories below:

If you’re a beginner to trailer hitches or simply need to move your furniture across town with a U-Haul trailer, check out the Reese Towpower Starter Kit. It’s an easy-to-use basic trailer hitch that won’t break the bank.

Reese Towpower Drop Standard Class III Starter Kit Pros And Cons

Below are the pros and cons of the Reese Towpower Drop Standard Class III Starter Kit:

Reese Towpower Starter Kit: Our Experience

Our testing team rated the Reese Towpower Starter Kit at 4.8 stars. It has many similar features to the winner of our roundup, the Curt Fusion hitch, except with less weight capacity and a slightly higher price tag.

Ease of installation: There was no hassle when installing the Reese hitch to our testing vehicle. Its locking pin and clip secured a tight fit with no rattling.

Versatility: Like the Curt hitch, this Reese hitch is designed specifically for 2.0-in. receivers and has a 2.0-in. ball. Its drop is higher, though, which improves the trailer’s aerodynamics when moving.

Maximum towing capacity: The Reese hitch has a maximum towing capacity of 6,000.0 lbs. with a tongue weight of 600.0 lbs., making it a Class III device.

Reese Towpower Starter Kit: What Customers Are Saying

Many of the positive customer reviews commend the Reese hitch for its dependability at a low price. Some customers who leave negative reviews, however, notice that their Reese hitches rattle at high speeds.

3. MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount: Best Multi-Ball Hitch

• Cost: $30
• Amazon review score: 4.8 out of 5.0 (approx. 1,800 reviews)
• What’s in the box: The MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount
• Hitch class: Class III/IV
• Gross trailer weight: 2,000.0, 5,000.0, and 7,500.0 lbs.
• Tongue weight: 200.0, 500.0, and 750.0 lbs.

MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount Review

With three separate hitch ball mounts welded together, the MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount is exceptionally versatile. It’s equipped with 1.5-, 2.0-, and 2.5-in. mounts that handle 2,000.0, 5,000.0, and 7,500.0 lbs. of gross trailer weight, respectively. And the MaxxHaul hitch’s 10.0-in. length lessens the chances of collision between a trailer and your vehicle.

This trailer hitch has a tongue weight of 200.0, 500.0, and 750.0 lbs. and is made of hallowed steel. It also has a heavy-duty black powder coat finish to prevent scratching.

You can see how the MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount performed in each of our testing categories below:

If you transport multiple sizes of trailers or just like having the option to do so, check out the MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount. While it may need some extra tools to fit in your vehicle’s receiver, it has unmatched utility.

MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount Pros And Cons

Below are the pros and cons of the MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount:

MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount: Our Experience

We gave the MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount 4.8 stars. Its various ball mounts offer a great deal of variety for different hitches, but sadly it doesn’t come with a hitch lock or pin to secure it.

Ease of installation: Although the MaxxHaul hitch fit snugly in our testing vehicle, it didn’t come with a hitch pin or lock. We had to find a spare to attach this hitch.

Versatility: The MaxxHaul’s tri-ball mount is suited for multiple types of trailer couplers, and is designed to fit into a standard 2.0-in. receiver.

Maximum towing capacity: This is a Class III/IV device, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,500.0 lbs. and tongue weight of 750.0 lbs. when towing with the 2.5-in. ball mount.

MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount: What Customers Are Saying

Positive reactions to the MaxxHaul hitch love its solid build quality and finish. Negative reviews mark against the MaxxHaul hitch’s lack of drop, which customers complain makes their trailers ride higher than intended.

4. Towever Tri-Ball Mount: Best Hook

• Cost: $40
• Amazon review score: 4.7 out of 5.0 (approx. 1,300 reviews)
• What’s in the box: The Towever trailer hitch
• Hitch class: Class III/IV
• Gross trailer weight: 2,000.0, 6,000.0, and 10,000.0 lbs.
• Tongue weight: 200.0, 600.0, and 1,000.0 lbs.

Towever Tri-Ball Mount Review

Some trailer hitches have tow hooks, which allow for vehicles to pull each other using a winch or act as added security measures. The Towever Tri-Ball Mount comes equipped with a chrome-plated steel hook for extra towing purposes. It also has 1.88-, 2.0-, and 2.5-in. balls for fitting onto multiple trailer hitch sizes.

This trailer hitch has a black powder-coated finish for rust and chipping prevention. Its gross trailer weights are greater than those of the MaxxHaul thanks to its alloy steel body.

You can see how the Towever Tri-Ball Mount performed in each of our testing categories below:

The Towever Tri-Ball Mount works best for anyone who may need the extra hauling capabilities of a hook to tow vehicles or heavy trailers. The various sizes of the ball mounts offer competitive weight capacities over other tri-ball hitches.

Towever Tri-Ball Mount Pros And Cons

Below are the pros and cons of the Towever Tri-Ball Mount:

Towever Tri-Ball Mount: Our Experience

With its well-made hook and various possibilities with a tri-ball design, the Towever Tri-Ball Mount earned 4.8 stars. Like the MaxxHaul, this hitch didn’t come with a hitch pin or lock.

Ease of installation: While the Towever hitch fit in our testing vehicle’s 2.0-in. receiver, we had to find a spare hitch lock to secure it.

Versatility: The Towever hitch is incredibly well-rounded with its tri-ball design and added hook. As a zero drop hitch, however, high ride height is a potential issue.

Maximum towing capacity: It has a staggering gross trailer weight capacity of 10,000.0 lbs. with the 2.5-in. ball, making this a Class III/IV device.

Towever Tri-Ball Mount: What Customers Are Saying

On Amazon, customers have rated the Towever Tri-Ball Mount highly, citing the optionality of multiple mounts as a major plus. Around 84 percent of all reviews have been 5.0 stars, and they celebrate the Towever hitch as one of their favorite hooked hitches.

Negative reviews, although very scarce, penalize the Towever hitch for rusting easily.

5. Bulletproof Hitches Drop/Rise Adjustable: Best Adjustable Trailer Hitch

• Cost: $230 – $530
• Amazon review score: 4.7 out of 5.0 (approx. 200 reviews)
• What’s in the box: The Bulletproof Hitches steel hitch, a dual ball mount, and two locking pins and clips
• Hitch class: Class IV
• Gross trailer weight: 14,000.0 lbs.
• Tongue weight: 2,000.0 lbs.

Bulletproof Drop/Rise Adjustable Trailer Hitch Review

If you have trailers of various heights, an adjustable hitch can save the hassle of changing out hitches based on their drops. The Bulletproof Drop/Rise Adjustable Trailer Hitch has five height settings that its double-sided 2.0- and 2.5-in. ball mount can reach. It’s also a Class IV hitch with a gross trailer weight of 14,000.0 lbs. for a 2.0-in. receiver.

While many other trailer hitches have a sleek black powder coat, this Bulletproof hitch has a textured powder coating that’s nearly impossible to scratch or rust.

You can see how the Bulletproof Drop/Rise Adjustable Trailer Hitch performed in each of our testing categories below:

While many other trailer hitches have a sleek black powder coat, this Bulletproof hitch has a textured powder coating that’s nearly impossible to scratch or rust.

Bulletproof Hitches 6-Inch Drop/Rise Adjustable Pros And Cons

Below are the pros and cons of the Bulletproof Hitches 6-Inch Drop/Rise Adjustable:

Bulletproof Drop/Rise Adjustable Trailer Hitch: Our Experience

We rated the Bulletproof Adjustable hitch at 4.7 stars. It’s incredibly versatile and offers best-in-class weight capacity, but also sits very low to the ground.

Ease of installation: We loved how easily the Bulletproof hitch attached to our testing vehicle. It did not come with a locking pin, which we had to find separately. One thing we found was that the Bulletproof hitch sits dangerously close to the ground if your vehicle is not lifted.

Versatility: In terms of drop options, the Bulletproof hitch is virtually unbeatable. All five heights can work for a multitude of various trailers, and it fits to sit comfortably in a 2.0-in. Receiver.

Maximum towing capacity: The Bulletproof hitch beat out the rest of the hitches in our roundup for the best towing capacity. It has a gross trailer weight capacity of 14,000.0 lbs. and a tongue weight of 2,000.0 lbs.

Bulletproof Drop/Rise Adjustable: What Customers Are Saying

Many customers claim this is the most versatile hitch they’ve ever used, calling its durability outstanding. Some negative reviews say the hitch is too big for the vehicles, nearly dragging on the pavement as they drive with it installed.

Trailer Hitch Buying Guide

We’ve included a short buyers guide to give you a basic overview of what trailer hitches are and how they function.

Compare Trailer Hitches

What Is A Trailer Hitch?

A trailer hitch, also known as a tow hitch, is a sturdy metal device that mounts to the frame of a vehicle. It allows drivers to connect a variety of accessories such as trailers, cargo carriers, bike racks, and more to their cars.

Trailer Hitch Safety

When you have to move a ton of cargo, a good trailer hitch becomes a necessity. Pulling a trailer behind your truck, RV, SUV, or any other vehicle, can also be a dangerous task if done improperly. Before setting out on the open road assuming you have everything you need, familiarize yourself on the proper safety procedures and create a plan beforehand.

Steps such as greasing the bearings, making sure the coupler is pinned, and making sure the trailer is level with the towing vehicle are all necessary tasks that can be easily (and disastrously) forgotten. This guide from Family Handyman has all these steps and more written out to help make your next tow as safe and easy as possible.

Trailer Hitch Classes

Trailer hitch classes represent the levels of trailer attachments. These are each designed for different vehicle types and weight distributions.

• Class I: Designed for crossovers and cars with a 1.25-in. receiver that can tow up to 200.0 lbs.
• Class II: Designed for crossovers, cars, and minivans with a 1.25-in. receiver that can tow up to 350.0 lbs.
• Class III: Designed for crossovers, vans, trucks, and SUVs with a 2.0-in. receiver that can tow up to 800.0 lbs.
• Class IV: Designed for trucks and SUVs with a 2.0-in. receiver that can tow up to 1,000.0 lbs.
• Class V: Designed for trucks and SUVs with a 2.0-in. receiver that can tow up to 2,550.0 lbs.

Best Trailer Hitches: Bottom Line

Trailer hitches are designed to make towing cargo easier than ever before. After testing each product, our team has determined the best trailer hitches for different uses, considering ease of installation and versatility. Our buyers guide and review is a tool for you to make the process of finding the right trailer hitch for your vehicle easier than ever.

Below are our picks for the best trailer hitches in 2024:

1. Curt Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount: Best Trailer Hitch
2. Reese Towpower Drop Standard Class III Starter Kit: Best Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
3. MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount: Best Multi-Ball Hitch
4. Towever Tri-Ball Mount: Best Hook
5. Bulletproof Hitches 6-Inch Drop/Rise Adjustable: Best Adjustable Trailer Hitch

Trailer Hitches: FAQ

Below are some common frequently asked questions about trailer hitches:

Full Trailer Hitch Testing Methodology

By highlighting how we test each product, we give you a better idea of what our testing process looks like so you can help narrow down the most important aspects of a trailer hitch when the time comes to invest in a new hitch.

Ease of Installation

When installing any trailer hitch, you want the process to be simple and for the hitch to attach securely. We wanted to see how simple each trailer hitch was to install by attaching it to our vehicle and seeing how secure the hitch was once installed properly. The trailer hitches that were easy to install scored the highest in this category.

Versatility

Trailer hitches can serve a lot of purposes from lugging cargo to towing your trailer or camper, so it’s important to find a trailer hitch that can accommodate different uses. We looked at the specifications of each trailer hitch to see how versatile the hitch was compared to other trailer hitches on the market. The hitches that could carry different types of cargo in this review scored best.

Towing Capacity

When investing in a trailer hitch, you want to find the product that will reliably tow the heaviest cargo you may be traveling with. To test this, we looked at how the weight capacities of each trailer hitch compared to each other while also considering price differences and how durable the material was. The trailer hitches that were the best value and held the most weight scored best in this category.

How We Score Products

Among the trailer hitches we tested that are featured in this review, we averaged a score of 4.8 out of 5.0 stars. We have also provided a guide on our star ratings, helping you understand the weight each score holds and the thorough product testing that goes into providing a reliable score and review.

• 5.0 Stars: This rating means that we found the trailer hitch to be well above average in ease of installation, versatility, and towing capacity. If the trailer hitch exceeded our expectations in at least one of the testing criteria, we gave it a 5.0-star rating.
• 4.0 Stars: A 4.0-star rating means that the trailer hitch we tested performed above average but not as high as a 5.0-star rating. For example, if we had some difficulty installing the hitch but it still fit appropriately, we gave the hitch a slightly lower rating.
• 3.0 Stars: This star rating means that the trailer hitch performed averagely compared to other trailer hitches on the market. If the trailer hitch had some difficulty with installation and wasn’t the best value but still worked reliably, you’ll see an average rating.
• 2.0 Stars: A 2.0-star rating is a below-average score. For example, if the trailer hitch we reviewed had compatibility issues with our vehicle despite being advertised as a proper fit, we would score this trailer hitch with a below-average rating for installation.
• 1.0 Star: You’ll rarely see a 1.0-star rating in our reviews because this means a product scored well below average. For example, if the trailer hitch is defective, poor quality, or has a low towing capacity for the price, you can expect to see a 1.0-star rating.

Why Trust Motor1.com?

Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.

We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.

Ben Kasierski Contributor – Motor1 Review Team

Ben Kasierski is a North Carolina native who covers the latest automotive and motorcycle products. He has tested hundreds of car detailing products – including tire shines, car wash soaps, and full detailing kits – as well as gadgets to make life easier for the everyday driver like key finders and GPS trackers.

Charles Noyes Editor – Motor1 Review Team

As a member of both the APA and IMPA, Charles Noyes has devoted himself to creating and refining quality content covering automotive products and accessories, motorcycle products, RV products, and more. As the lead editor serving the product review team, he has personally reviewed, critiqued, and fact-checked over 200 product reviews.