If you want rugged durability, a stowable design for off-roading, and American-made reliability, choose B&W Trailer Hitches Tow; if you need maximum vertical adjustability with a built-in anti-rattle system and a secure locking pin included, choose CURT 45900.
• B&W Trailer Hitches Tow: Its standout strength is the innovative stowable arm that tucks safely under the vehicle to prevent damage, paired with a lifetime warranty and heavy-duty construction; however, it lacks the extreme range of vertical adjustment found in flip-style mounts. This pick is for owners who prioritize convenience, storage, and long-term resilience over raw height versatility.
• CURT 45900: Its biggest advantage is the channel-style shank that flips to offer a massive 6-inch drop or 5-1/4-inch rise, along with an integrated anti-rattle feature and a included locking pin; the trade-off is that it remains fixed in place rather than stowing away. This pick is for drivers who need precise leveling for varying trailer heights and value immediate security features.
• The Verdict: If your priority is keeping the hitch out of the way when not in use, go with B&W; if you are constantly swapping between different trailer setups requiring significant height changes, the CURT is the logical choice.
The B&W Trailer Hitches Tow & Stow Adjustable Ball Mount is engineered for the user who views their towing setup as part of their daily vehicle utility. The defining feature here is the ability to rotate the entire ball assembly under the chassis of your truck or SUV. When you are done hauling equipment to the jobsite or launching the boat on the weekend, you don't have to remove the unit entirely. Instead, you simply pull the stainless steel adjustment pins, rotate the arm downward, and secure it back into place. This keeps the hitch tucked safely away from your shins during tight maneuvers and prevents accidental strikes against garage doors or low-hanging obstacles.
For those who engage in off-roading, this stowable design is a critical safety feature. Off-road trails often present uneven terrain, deep ruts, and hidden debris where a protruding hitch ball could easily catch on rocks or vegetation, potentially damaging the tow vehicle or the hitch itself. By stowing the hitch under the frame, you maintain a cleaner approach angle and reduce the risk of snagging. The high-strength American-made steel construction, finished with two layers of protection including an e-coat and ironclad black powder coat, ensures this unit can withstand the toughest conditions without succumbing to corrosion or wear.
You should buy this product if you value versatility in how you store your gear and want a hitch that works as hard as you do without becoming an obstacle. The inclusion of a limited lifetime warranty signals confidence in the build quality, suggesting that this is a long-term investment rather than a temporary fix. However, you should skip this model if your primary requirement is extreme vertical flexibility. While the B&W offers height adjustment via pins, it does not offer the massive flip-range of some other designs. If you frequently tow trailers that require a six-inch drop or more, the B&W might not reach the necessary geometry without additional accessories.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-11-05 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
The CURT 45900 Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount is designed for the driver who needs absolute control over their trailer's height and stability. Its channel-style shank allows for a dramatic flip, providing up to a 6-inch drop or a 5-1/4-inch rise. This level of adjustability is essential when you are dealing with a wide variety of trailers, from light utility carts to heavy travel trailers, each sitting at different heights relative to your tow vehicle. The ability to fine-tune the angle ensures that your trailer rides level, which is crucial for safe handling and preventing tongue sag.
Beyond just height, this unit addresses the common annoyance of noise and vibration while on the road. It comes equipped with a built-in anti-rattle feature specifically designed to deter vibrations, chucking, and rattling at the coupling point. This means a smoother, quieter ride whether you are cruising down the highway or navigating rougher roads. Furthermore, the package includes a dependable security component: a barbell-style locking hitch pin made from high-strength carbon steel. With a simple quarter-turn activation, you can lock the hitch pin to protect your investment from theft, and the included watertight dust cap shields the internal components from the elements.
This product fits perfectly for owners of Class 3, 4, and 5 hitches who need a standard shank to fit virtually any 2-inch receiver. However, unlike the B&W option, this hitch does not stow under the vehicle. It remains a permanent fixture once installed. If you are concerned about ground clearance in technical off-road situations or frequent garage parking, this fixed design might be less convenient than a stowable alternative. Additionally, while the anti-rattle feature is robust, it is important to note that the locking pin is not compatible with double-walled receiver tubes, so compatibility must be verified before purchase.
• Best for off-roading and ground clearance → B&W Trailer Hitches Tow. The ability to rotate the hitch under the vehicle eliminates the risk of striking obstacles on rough terrain, a feature the fixed CURT mount cannot match.
• Best for extreme height adjustments → CURT 45900. The flip-shank design offers a wider range (6-inch drop vs 5-1/4-inch rise) compared to the pin-adjusted B&W, making it superior for mismatched trailer heights.
• Best for noise reduction → CURT 45900. The built-in anti-rattle mechanism provides a smoother towing experience by actively dampening vibrations at the connection point.
• Best for storage convenience → B&W Trailer Hitches Tow. The stowable arm keeps the hitch out of the way, protecting it from debris and preventing interference with garage doors or pedestrians.
• Best for security features included → CURT 45900. This kit comes with a dedicated locking hitch pin and dust cap, whereas the B&W relies on the receiver lock for security.
• Best for long-term warranty coverage → B&W Trailer Hitches Tow. The limited lifetime warranty covers defects and provides peace of mind that the manufacturer stands behind the product indefinitely.
• Best for heavy-duty load capacity → Tie. Both units are built from high-strength steel with ratings that handle substantial loads, though the specific ball capacities differ slightly based on size.
• Best for ease of operation → B&W Trailer Hitches Tow. Swapping ball sizes is as simple as rotating the assembly, while the CURT requires flipping the shank and re-pinning.
In my opinion, I would choose the B&W Trailer Hitches Tow for my own setup, primarily because of its stowable design. For someone who drives a truck for both work and play, having the ability to tuck the hitch away when not in use is a game-changer. It solves the problem of accidental damage in tight spaces and significantly improves the vehicle's approach angle for off-roading. While the CURT 45900 offers impressive adjustability and a great anti-rattle feature, the fixed nature of the mount feels like a compromise when you consider the added convenience and protection offered by the B&W's unique rotation mechanism. The lifetime warranty seals the deal for me, confirming that this is a piece of gear built to last through years of hard use.
The B&W Trailer Hitches Tow is superior for off-roading because its adjustable arm can be rotated underneath the vehicle. This clears the path of any protruding hardware, reducing the chance of hitting rocks or logs and preserving your approach angle.
Yes, the CURT 45900 includes a high-strength steel locking hitch pin with a quarter-turn activation and a watertight dust cap to protect against corrosion, ensuring your hitch is secured against theft.
Absolutely. The B&W design allows you to simply rotate the ball assembly to switch between the 2-inch and 2-5/4-inch balls, making it quick and easy to adapt to different trailers without removing the entire unit.
Both units are designed to fit standard 2-inch x 2-inch trailer hitch receivers. However, the CURT locking pin is explicitly noted as not being compatible with double-walled receiver tubes, so check your receiver type before buying the lock.
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