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Best Drop Hitch for Lifted Trucks

By David Wardell | Updated: January 9, 2022

Lifted trucks have a lot to offer in terms of performance, capability, and style. But, they can make hauling a trailer a challenge. The best drop hitch for lifted trucks will allow you to match the trailer’s height, opening up a world of possibilities in what you can haul.

Drop hitch for lifted trucks

Choosing a drop hitch is something you should not take lightly. With precious cargo and safety on the line, you must find a unit that works for your particular needs. Most people don’t realize this until they start shopping for a new hitch and find out there are very few options available to them.

Fortunately, there are ways around this problem if you’re willing to do some research before spending any money on an adjustable ball hitch that will fit your needs perfectly.

We’ve hand-picked some of the best drop hitches for lifted trucks the market has to offer. Check them out in the comparison chart and reviews below!

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Below is a list of the best adjustable drop hitches for lifted trucks.

CarInMyDNA’s Best Adjustable Drop Hitches for Lifted Trucks of January 2022

  1. CURT 45900 Adjustable Trailer Hitch – Best All-Around Product
  2. Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5 Adjustable Drop Hitch – Best for Heavy-Duty Trucks
  3. B&W Trailer Hitches TS20049B Tow & Stow Receiver – Best Product for Multiple Trailers
  4. GEN-Y GH-524 Adjustable Drop Hitch – Most Durable Option
  5. MaxxHaul 70380 Black/Chrome Drop Hitch – Most Affordable
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Best Adjustable Drop Hitches for Lifted Trucks

CURT 45900 Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, 2-Inch Receiver, 6-Inch Drop, 2 and 2-5/16-Inch Balls, 14,000 lbs , Black
Our Top Pick
CURT 45900 Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, 2-Inch Receiver, 6-Inch Drop, 2 and 2-5/16-Inch Balls, 14,000 lbs , Black
  • Up to six-inch drop
  • Flippable dual-ball design
  • Weather-resistant and durable
  • Quiet anti-rattle system
  • Works with several ball and pintle systems
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Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5 8
Best for Heavy-Duty Trucks
Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5 8" Drop Hitch, 2.5" Receiver 18,500 LBS GTW - Adjustable Aluminum Trailer Hitch Ball Mount & Chrome Plated Combo Ball, Dual Pin Keyed Lock
  • Holds up to 18,500 pounds of GTW
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Sleek chrome plating
  • Secure dual-pin lock
  • Significant drop distance
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B&W Trailer Hitches Tow & Stow - Fits 2.5
Best for Multiple Trailers
B&W Trailer Hitches Tow & Stow - Fits 2.5" Receiver, Tri-Ball (1-7/8" x 2" x 2-5/16"), 7" Drop, 14,500 GTW - TS20049B
  • Comes with tri-ball hitch
  • Very versatile setup options
  • Up to seven-inch drop
  • Supports up to 10,000 pounds of GTW
  • Easy to adjust
  • Stays out of the way when not in use
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1. CURT 45900 Adjustable Trailer Hitch – Best All-Around Product

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CURT 45900 Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, 2-Inch Receiver, 6-Inch Drop, 2 and 2-5/16-Inch Balls, 14,000 lbs , Black Review
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First impressions: This drop hitch hits all the marks and has the basic features most would need. It’s made of durable alloy steel and features a very flexible design.

This unit provides a maximum drop of six inches. But, you can make incremental adjustments based on your needs. The hitch even flips to accommodate a rise of about five and a quarter inches. Furthermore, it accepts a wide range of ball designs. You can use the included dual-ball attachment. Or, you can switch it out for a pintle. The choice is yours!

Overall, the drop hitch is quite durable. The ball attachment uses two secure pins. Thanks to some innovative engineering, the CURT hitch is surprisingly quiet and prevents rattling! Check out also the updated model CURT 45902 with a gross trailer weight capacity of up to 20,000 lbs.

Pros
  • Up to six-inch drop
  • Flippable dual-ball design
  • Weather-resistant and durable
  • Quiet anti-rattle system
  • Works with several ball and pintle systems
Cons
  • Finish is prone to damage in cold weather

2. Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5 Adjustable Drop Hitch – Best for Heavy-Duty Trucks

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Weigh Safe Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount - 8' Adjustable Drop Hitch for 2.5' Receiver - Premium Heavy Duty Aluminum Trailer Tow Hitch w/Chrome Plated Tow Balls (2' & 2 5/16') - 18,500 GTW Review
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If you have a larger heavy-duty truck and a sizable load to haul, this hitch from Weigh Safe may be for you. It’s a beautifully made hitch that’s just as durable as it looks! Thanks to the chrome plating, it adds a nice touch to your truck while also offering some protection from the weather.

Security and safety are a priority with this drop hitch. The hitch itself is made of solid aircraft-grade aluminum. Meanwhile, the flippable ball mount is chrome-plated style. Not only that, but the ball mount uses a dual-pin locking system. It stays put and can only be removed with the included key set.

Weigh Safe CTB8-2.5 is a drop hitch that’s built for tough jobs. With a maximum drop distance of eight inches, it works well with taller lift kits.

Pros
  • Holds up to 18,500 pounds of GTW
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Sleek chrome plating
  • Secure dual-pin lock
  • Significant drop distance
Cons
  • Lock prone to sticking

3. B&W Trailer Hitches TS20049B Tow & Stow Receiver – Best Product for Multiple Trailers

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B&W Trailer Hitches Tow & Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount - Fits 2.5' Receiver, Tri-Ball (1-7/8' x 2' x 2-5/16'), 7' Drop, 14,500 GTW - TS20049B Review
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Next up, we have this unique drop hitch from B&W Trailer Hitches. It features an innovative ball combination with three different sizes. When you need to switch trailers, just turn the ball set to accommodate the coupler you’re pairing it with.

Another cool feature of this drop hitch is the stowing feature. When not in use, you can slide the ball trio under the truck. It keeps it out of the way but always nearby when you need it.

If you need versatility, you can’t go wrong with this hitch. The flippable hitch offers up to seven inches of drop and seven and a half inches of lift. It’s adjustable in so many different ways, giving you ultimate flexibility.

Pros
  • Comes with tri-ball hitch
  • Very versatile setup options
  • Up to seven-inch drop
  • Supports up to 10,000 pounds of GTW
  • Easy to adjust
  • Stays out of the way when not in use
Cons
  • Can rattle in rough driving conditions

4. GEN-Y GH-524 Adjustable Drop Hitch – Most Durable Option

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GEN-Y 2' Receiver 16,000 lb Drop Hitch, Drop/Rise: 7.5' Pintle/Ball Mount Combo Hitch, Dual-Ball Mount, Adjustable Pintle, GH-524 Review
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Check out this heavy-duty drop hitch from GEN-Y! Take one look at it and there’s no question about its build quality. This thing is made out of tough hardened steel and features a strong design that can hold up to a lot of weight.

The unit is flexible, too. If you need a drop, it can provide about seven and a half inches. But, you can also flip the hitch over and get a lift of up to 17 and a half inches! It comes with a dual-ball hitch and is pretty easy to adjust on the fly.

Cosmetics aside, this drop hitch doesn’t disappoint! It’s super durable and can hold up well to years of use!

Pros
  • Impressive 16,000 pound GTW capacity
  • Made of hardened steel
  • Easy to adjust
  • Durable and robust pin holes
Cons
  • Finish is susceptible to chipping

5. MaxxHaul 70380 Black/Chrome Drop Hitch – Most Affordable

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MaxxHaul 70380 Black/Chrome Adjust Dual Ball Mount Review
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Last but not least, we have this affordable option from MaxxHaul. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles as some other drop hitches. But, that doesn’t mean it’s not a suitable choice!

This hitch offers an adjustable drop of up to six and a half inches. Flip it over and you can get a seven and a half inch lift. The no-frills drop hitch is made out of durable stainless steel and has all of the core features you would need to haul safely.

The only potential downside is the pins. You’re getting basic pins to secure the dual-ball mount into place. While it gets the job done, it’s prone to rattling and doesn’t offer the same level of security as some other hitch systems.

All in all, this is a good choice if you’re on a budget. It’s durable and flexible enough to meet the needs of most.

Pros
  • Flippable
  • Secure dual-pin design for ball mount
  • Durable steel construction
  • Fits all 2-inch receivers
  • Affordably priced
Cons
  • Can be noisy on bumpy roads

Choosing the Best Drop Hitch for Lifted Trucks

Best Drop Hitch for Lifted TrucksYour tow hitch is instrumental in helping you haul cargo safely from point A to point B.

This isn’t a purchasing decision you should take lightly!

To help guide you in the right direction, here are some important considerations to make while you find the perfect drop hitch for you.

Drop Distance

The drop distance is the amount of vertical space the hitch offers. This can vary widely from hitch to hitch. Before you invest in a new piece of gear, it’s important to take some accurate measurements!

Put your trailer and your lifted truck on level ground. Position the trailer coupler close to the receiver so you can better gauge the height difference.

Now, measure the distance from the ground to the inside of the top of your truck’s receiver tube. Then, measure from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler. Subtract the second measurement from the first and you have the necessary drop distance!

Adjustability

As mentioned earlier, many drop hitches have adjustable heights. If you plan on hauling different trailers, it’s certainly an investment worth considering. You can also find models that are “flippable.” With these units, you can reinstall the hitch upside down to haul trailers that are taller than your truck’s receiver.

Read also: Best Car Rooftop Cargo Carrier

Weight Capacity and Hitch Class

Here’s an important consideration you don’t want to ignore!

Not all trucks are capable of lifting heavy-duty loads! Many factors go into your vehicle’s towing capabilities. Always check with your manufacturer or owner’s manual to learn about your truck’s towing capacity.

From there, you’ll have a better idea of the hitch class you need. The hitch class refers to the capabilities of the hitch itself. You must match the hitch class to your trailer as well as your truck.

Two specifications impact hitch class. These include gross trailer weight (GTW) and tongue weight (TW).

The GTW is the maximum weight of the trailer and its contents. Think of it as the total weight of everything you’re hauling behind the truck. Meanwhile, the TW is the maximum amount of weight that’s pressing down on your hitch.

With these two specs in mind, here are the available classes for your drop hitches.

  • Class 1: 2,000 pounds GTW and 200 pounds TW
  • Class 2: 3,500 pounds GTW and 350 pounds TW
  • Class 3: 8,000 pounds GTW and 800 pounds TW
  • Class 4: 10,000 pounds GTW and 1,000 pounds TW
  • Class 5: up to 25,000 pounds GTW and 4,000 pounds TW

There are also several sub-classes. This is especially true with Class 5 hitches, as heavy-duty commercial trucks can handle a lot more than consumer trucks.


How Does a Drop Hitch Work?

Drop hitches are pretty rudimentary in the grand scheme of things. Essentially, they are nothing more than a hitch extension. But rather than focusing on horizontal length, it provides vertical flexibility.

In most cases, a drop hitch attaches to any standard hitch receiver. Secure it with a pin and you’re good to go! Depending on the design of the hitch, you may get anywhere between two and 10 inches of additional vertical space.

Some models even come with adjustable tow balls, giving you even more versatility.


Do You Really Need a Drop Hitch?

There are no denying the benefits of having a lifted truck. Not only does it look cool, but more lift provides more ground clearance and better off-road performance.

However, it’s not the most practical choice for hauling trailers, campers, or cargo vans. Lift kit laws can vary from state to state, but high-quality kits and solid tires can add several inches of height to the chassis. With extreme kits, you can go as high up as 24 inches!

Now, that’s all good and well for most driving situations. But when you compare the height of your trailer coupler to the height of the existing hitch, you start to see some problems! You can’t safely connect trailers to taller hitches. If you do, you run the risk of losing that reliable connection. Plus, you can end up dragging the tail-end of your trailer!

A drop hitch solves that problem, allowing you to haul trailers confidently.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if I need a drop hitch?

The easiest way to tell if you need a drop hitch is by simply looking at the height difference between the trailer coupler and your existing hitch. An inch or two of difference isn’t going to make a huge difference. But if there’s a significant discrepancy, you’ll need to invest in a drop hitch to stay safe on the road.

2. Can you increase tongue weight?

There’s no way to change the maximum tongue weight on your hitch. But, you can make adjustments by balancing the load.

Moving the weight of your cargo forward or back on the trailer will impact the pressure on the tongue. This could affect sway and control.

3. Can you increase towing capacity on a truck?

The only method of increasing your truck’s total towing capacity is to upgrade its performance. That would involve upgrading the engine, getting a better axle, and more.

However, you can get a weight-distribution hitch. This won’t help you exceed the maximum payload specifications of your truck. But, it can help you get higher towing capacities for the hitch itself.

4. How do you adjust the height of a hitch?

Adjusting the height of a drop hitch is pretty simple. Most feature incremental lock points. Making adjustments is a matter of removing your existing pins on the ball mount, moving them to the desired position, and locking everything in.


Conclusion

Drop hitches are a must-have for any lifted truck. They help to bridge the gap between the hitch and the trailer. No more worrying about lowering your truck or questionable trailer connections! With a solid drop hitch, you can tow anything your truck can handle!

Of all of our recommended picks, the CURT 45900 hitch is the clear winner of this roundup. The hitch is a good universal option that will fit the needs of most truck owners. Thanks to the adjustable six-inch drop, you’re getting enough flexibility to haul large trailers, cargo vans, and more. Plus, the flippable design will cover you on those rare occasions when you need a lift!

Check it out for yourself and see what you think! You won’t be disappointed!

Contents

    • CarInMyDNA’s Best Adjustable Drop Hitches for Lifted Trucks of January 2022
  • Best Adjustable Drop Hitches for Lifted Trucks
    • 1. CURT 45900 Adjustable Trailer Hitch – Best All-Around Product
    • 2. Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5 Adjustable Drop Hitch – Best for Heavy-Duty Trucks
    • 3. B&W Trailer Hitches TS20049B Tow & Stow Receiver – Best Product for Multiple Trailers
    • 4. GEN-Y GH-524 Adjustable Drop Hitch – Most Durable Option
    • 5. MaxxHaul 70380 Black/Chrome Drop Hitch – Most Affordable
  • Choosing the Best Drop Hitch for Lifted Trucks
    • Drop Distance
    • Adjustability
    • Weight Capacity and Hitch Class
  • How Does a Drop Hitch Work?
  • Do You Really Need a Drop Hitch?
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • 1. How do I know if I need a drop hitch?
    • 2. Can you increase tongue weight?
    • 3. Can you increase towing capacity on a truck?
    • 4. How do you adjust the height of a hitch?
  • Conclusion

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About David Wardell

I am a technical specialist with over 14 years of experience in the automotive industry. I am well versed in the field of computer diagnostics and car repairs of various brands and models, so I can solve complex issues while providing quality service. Read More.

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