Ball Mount Brand Recommendations

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Does anyone have any recommendations on a good brand of ball mount to pull a trailer rated for either 7,000 pounds or 10,000 pounds? Reese? Curt? TriMax? WeighSafe? Any brands to avoid?

I've been towing a little 3,500 pound rated single axle trailer with my 4Runner. I never worried much about the ball mount on the 4Runner because it was way overrated for the small loads I was pulling.

But I just bought a new F150 3.5 EcoBoost, and intend to buy a trailer rated for either 7,000 or 10,000 pounds (depending on which one I can find that fits my requirements). So I want to buy a Class 4 ball mount and 2-5/16" ball, and I want a quality one. Towing is not something I would trust to a cheapo Harbor Freight ball mount or ball.

 

[bcp]

Solid shank one-piece forged.

Example:
Forged Ball Mount 1" Rise or 2" Drop, 16, lbs Draw-Tite Ball Mounts 4

Bruce

 

[Cord]

Here's my opinion: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...-reese-weight-distribution-hitch-cracked.html

 

[CJONE]

All my HD mounts are solid 2" with 1" steel for the ball mount. There are some nice forged one out there now also. CJ

 

[coobie]

I just bought a Curt drop down hitch model 45900(2inch & 2 5/16 ball)from e-trailer.Very stout hitch IMHO.

 

[Bigfoot62]

There are some really good Class V forged ball mounts rated at 10K and up. You won't find them at Harbor Freight or Walmart or AutoZone.
Check with a local RV dealer or order online.
Here's a link to one at Amazon (rated for 16K): Amazon.com: Reese Towpower (2133) Class III / V Forged Ball Mount: Automotive

 

[Parkanzky]

I have this one:

Amazon.com: GenY 314,Drop Hitch Tri-Ball Combo,Dual Hitch Receiver,Adjustable 2" Solid,Dual Receiver Hitch,drop/raise 7.5" W/ Tri-ball: Automotive

I've been really happy with it.

 

[wolfpack2]

Keep in mind the the max trailer weight without a weight distribution hitch is only 5000 lbs. To tow the 7000 to 10000 you want, you will need a good quality weight distribution hitch. E-Trailer has a good selection and I have had good luck with them. As long as you stick with the quality name brands, you should be fine.

You can find all of the details on the towing rating at the link below. The max trailer weights can be found on page 16 and 28 of the 2016 guide.

RV & Trailer Towing Guides
| fleet.ford.com

 

[bdog]

I would either get a forged solid one or a BW tow and stow. The BW isn't solid but they make them with US steel and they are stout. I have had mine since 2012 and it has 10's of thousands of towing miles on it. I like always having 2" and 2-5/16" with me and the adjustable height.

 

[Fordman1981]

I have this one: Amazon.com: GenY 314,Drop Hitch Tri-Ball Combo,Dual Hitch Receiver,Adjustable 2" Solid,Dual Receiver Hitch,drop/raise 7.5" W/ Tri-ball: Automotive I've been really happy with it.

+1 I have the 2" and the 2.5 version for different trucks.

 

[mrbacklash]

You dont need a ball mount, you need to use a weight distributing hitch. I have an Ultra Fab it works great on my f150 and 16' trailer

 

[Diamondpilot]

I personally use Curtis solid ones.

Chris

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

You dont need a ball mount, you need to use a weight distributing hitch. I have an Ultra Fab it works great on my f150 and 16' trailer

For the foreseeable future, I'll only be hauling a Kubota BX or my Grasshopper ZTR mower. So I won't even be flirting with the upper limits of the towing capacity of my truck. I'll deal with the weight distributing hitch when necessary, but for now I just need solid a ball mount.

 

[C4Ranch]

I just bought a Curt drop down hitch model 45900(2inch & 2 5/16 ball)from e-trailer.Very stout hitch IMHO.

X2. $120 on eBay with free shipping and no tax. 14k # both balls adjustable height. All you'll need.

 

[C4Ranch]

X2. $120 on eBay with free shipping and no tax. 14k # both balls adjustable height. All you'll need.

Well, let me clarify... Unless heavy loads and then, yes, weight distribution hitch. When I had 1/2 ton, preferred the stability of weight distribution and used it a lot.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Another vote for Curt.

Matt

 

[Qapla]

Does the truck already have the receiver installed and you are looking for the slide/stinger with a ball?

Or, are you needing an entire hitch assembly. If you need the whole thing I have found that most U-Haul stores (actual stores not just guys who rent trucks) sell a quality product and do a professional install at reasonable/competitive prices

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Does the truck already have the receiver installed and you are looking for the slide/stinger with a ball?

Or, are you needing an entire hitch assembly. If you need the whole thing I have found that most U-Haul stores (actual stores not just guys who rent trucks) sell a quality product and do a professional install at reasonable/competitive prices

No, my truck has the tow package with the hitch/receiver assembly and integrated proportional brake controller. I just need to buy the mount or "stinger" as you call it.