Buying Guide
5 Best 6 Inch Drop Hitch With Sway Control in 2026: A Practical RV Guide
Weight distribution hitches with a 6 inch drop and built-in sway control: Andersen and Weigh Safe models compared by rating, shank size and bracket options.
By Hardcastle's RV Editors
10 min read5 products evaluated
A 6 inch drop suits many stock-height trucks and mid-height trailers, which makes it the most common drop for weight distribution hitches. The five picks here share that drop, so the choice comes down to rating, shank size and how the sway control works.
Three are Andersen hitches with a friction cone and tension chains, and two are Weigh Safe True Tow hitches with an adjustable anti-sway head. Each entry says what the listing states about ratings and brackets, and where to confirm fit.
Hardcastle’s RV field notes
The Rig Fit Check
A quick way to connect the shortlist to the space, workload and ownership details that matter after the box arrives.
- Start with the job
- Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 3 4 5 6 Inch Bra leads this shortlist for 2 inch receivers, up to 14K. Use that fit as a reference point, then compare the alternatives against your own space and workload.
- Specs that separate the picks
- The first details to compare are 2 inch shank, 6 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank, 6 inch drop. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
- Trade-off to plan for
- Listing gives little sway detail
The Practical Shortlist
A road-tested-thinking look at 5 options, organized around the job each one suits best.
Best Overall 6 Inch Drop
Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 3 4 5 6 Inch Bra
2 inch receivers, up to 14K
Our take Check price for Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 3 4 5 6 Inch Bra (opens in a new tab)
Best Fixed Bracket
Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 4-3/8 Inch Brack
One truck, one trailer
Our take Check price for Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 4-3/8 Inch Brack (opens in a new tab)
Best for Heavy Trailers
Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2-1/2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 16K GTWR 3 4 5 6 Inch
Heavy trailers on 2.5 inch receivers
Our take Check price for Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2-1/2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 16K GTWR 3 4 5 6 Inch (opens in a new tab)
Best Weigh Safe Option
Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight
Trailers under 12,500 lb
Our take Check price for Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight (opens in a new tab)
Lighter-Duty Weigh Safe
Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight
Small trailers under 8,500 lb
Our take Check price for Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight (opens in a new tab)
Why Each Pick Made the Cut
Best Overall 6 Inch Drop1 of 5
Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 3 4 5 6 Inch Bra on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The strongest case for Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 3 4 5 6 Inch Bra is four bracket sizes for head angle.
Best for
- 2 inch receivers, up to 14K
Why it made the shortlist
For 2 inch receivers, up to 14K, this is one of the more relevant configurations in the shortlist. The documented setup centers on 2 inch shank, 6 inch drop, 14K GTWR in the title, 3, 4, 5 and 6 inch brackets.
Its case starts with four bracket sizes for head angle. Its 2 inch shank, 6 inch drop specification sits at the lower end of the comparable range in this 5-product comparison. Check that dimension against access points, working space and storage before choosing.
The trade-off worth checking first is listing gives little sway detail. Measure the narrowest access point and the available storage footprint before ordering. Confirm what the stated dimension refers to on the exact model and configuration.
Key dimensions & specs
- 2 inch shank, 6 inch drop
- 14K GTWR in the title
- 3, 4, 5 and 6 inch brackets
Pros
- Four bracket sizes for head angle
- 14,000 lb GTWR stated in the title
- Built in the USA
Cons
- Listing gives little sway detail
- Bracket choice needs some measuring
Best Fixed Bracket2 of 5
Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 4-3/8 Inch Brack on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 4-3/8 Inch Brack is the better fit when one truck, one trailer.
Best for
- One truck, one trailer
Why it made the shortlist
The intended use case is One truck, one trailer. The documented setup centers on 2 inch shank, 6 inch drop, 14,000 lb GTWR, fixed 4-3/8 inch brackets.
What separates it on paper is friction cone and tension chains listed. Its 2 inch shank, 6 inch drop specification sits at the lower end of the comparable range in this 5-product comparison. Check that dimension against access points, working space and storage before choosing.
Before committing, account for only one bracket size. Measure the narrowest access point and the available storage footprint before ordering. Confirm what the stated dimension refers to on the exact model and configuration.
Key dimensions & specs
- 2 inch shank, 6 inch drop
- 14,000 lb GTWR
- Fixed 4-3/8 inch brackets
Pros
- Friction cone and tension chains listed
- Fixed brackets make hookup repeatable
- 14,000 lb GTWR stated
- Faster hookup than spring bars
Cons
- Only one bracket size
Best for Heavy Trailers3 of 5
Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2-1/2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 16K GTWR 3 4 5 6 Inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Choose Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2-1/2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 16K GTWR 3 4 5 6 Inch for four bracket sizes in the kit.
Best for
- Heavy trailers on 2.5 inch receivers
Why it made the shortlist
Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2-1/2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 16K GTWR 3 4 5 6 Inch is positioned for Heavy trailers on 2.5 inch receivers. The documented setup centers on 2.5 inch shank, 6 inch drop, 16,000 lb GTWR, 3, 4, 5 and 6 inch brackets.
The feature doing most of the work here is four bracket sizes in the kit. Its 2.5 inch shank, 6 inch drop specification sits at the upper end of the comparable range in this 5-product comparison. Check that dimension against access points, working space and storage before choosing.
The practical constraint here is needs a 2.5 inch receiver. Measure the narrowest access point and the available storage footprint before ordering. Confirm what the stated dimension refers to on the exact model and configuration.
Key dimensions & specs
- 2.5 inch shank, 6 inch drop
- 16,000 lb GTWR
- 3, 4, 5 and 6 inch brackets
Pros
- Four bracket sizes in the kit
- Friction cone dampens sway and bounce
- Built in the USA
Cons
- Needs a 2.5 inch receiver
- Not suited to 2 inch receivers
Best Weigh Safe Option4 of 5
Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight makes the shortlist because head adjusts without being removed.
Best for
- Trailers under 12,500 lb
Why it made the shortlist
This model is aimed at Trailers under 12,500 lb. The documented setup centers on 2 inch shank, 6 inch drop, 12,500 lb towing capacity, live adjustment head.
The most useful documented advantage is head adjusts without being removed. Its 2 inch shank, 6 inch drop specification sits at the lower end of the comparable range in this 5-product comparison. Check that dimension against access points, working space and storage before choosing.
The main limitation to plan around is sway method is not detailed. Measure the narrowest access point and the available storage footprint before ordering. Confirm what the stated dimension refers to on the exact model and configuration.
Key dimensions & specs
- 2 inch shank, 6 inch drop
- 12,500 lb towing capacity
- Live adjustment head
Pros
- Head adjusts without being removed
- Anti-sway technology listed
- Clear drop and shank in the title
- Fits 2 inch receivers
Cons
- Sway method is not detailed
Lighter-Duty Weigh Safe5 of 5
Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The strongest case for Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight is head adjusts without being removed.
Best for
- Small trailers under 8,500 lb
Why it made the shortlist
For Small trailers under 8,500 lb, this is one of the more relevant configurations in the shortlist. The documented setup centers on 2 inch shank, 6 inch drop, 8,500 lb towing capacity, anti-sway technology.
Its case starts with head adjusts without being removed. Its 2 inch shank, 6 inch drop specification sits at the lower end of the comparable range in this 5-product comparison. Check that dimension against access points, working space and storage before choosing.
Measure the narrowest access point and the available storage footprint before ordering. Confirm what the stated dimension refers to on the exact model and configuration.
Key dimensions & specs
- 2 inch shank, 6 inch drop
- 8,500 lb towing capacity
- Anti-sway technology
Pros
- Head adjusts without being removed
- Anti-sway technology listed
- Clear drop and shank in the title
- Suits lighter trailers
How We Built This Shortlist
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Drop and shank
- We confirmed that every pick states a 6 inch drop and noted 2 inch versus 2.5 inch shanks.
- Rating
- We compared stated gross trailer weight or towing capacity.
- Sway mechanism
- We separated friction cone designs from adjustable anti-sway heads.
- Bracket options
- We compared fixed and multi-size bracket choices.
- Price against rating
- We compared prices against stated ratings.
What Matters Before You Choose a 6 Inch Drop Hitch With Sway Control
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Is a 6 inch drop right for you
Drop is the vertical distance from the receiver to the ball, and it sets the trailer's attitude. Measure from the ground to the top of the receiver and to the trailer coupler with the trailer level, and subtract. A 6 inch drop only fits if your measurement lands near that number.
Shank size
A 2 inch shank fits a 2 inch receiver and a 2.5 inch shank fits a 2.5 inch one. The Andersen 16K 2.5in is the only larger shank in this list. Measure the receiver tube opening before ordering.
Gross trailer rating
The rating is the trailer weight the hitch can handle, and it should exceed your loaded trailer without a wide margin. Andersen models here list 14,000 or 16,000 lb, and Weigh Safe models list 12,500 or 8,500 lb. Match the number to your trailer's loaded weight.
Friction cone versus anti-sway head
The Andersen friction cone dampens sway continuously in the ball housing, while Weigh Safe describes an adjustable anti-sway head. A continuous cone works without adjustment, but it cannot be switched off. Read how each listing describes the sway control.
Bracket size
Brackets set the head angle and tongue weight transfer. The Andersen 14K Adjustable and 16K 2.5in include 3, 4, 5 and 6 inch brackets, and the 14K Fixed has one 4-3/8 inch bracket. Pick adjustable brackets if you may change trailers.
Price against capacity
The Andersen models cost less than both Weigh Safe models here and list higher ratings. A higher price does not always mean a higher rating. Compare the rating line with the price before choosing.
Match a 6 Inch Drop Hitch With Sway Control to Your RV
By Trailer Weight
| Your situation | Recommended pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer up to 14,000 lb, 2 inch receiver | Andersen 14K Adjustable | 14K rating with four bracket sizes. |
| Same truck and trailer every trip | Andersen 14K Fixed | Fixed 4-3/8 inch bracket, repeatable. |
| Trailer over 14,000 lb, 2.5 inch receiver | Andersen 16K 2.5in | 16,000 lb GTWR. |
| Trailer under 12,500 lb | Weigh Safe 12.5K | 12,500 lb towing capacity. |
| Small trailer under 8,500 lb | Weigh Safe 8.5K | 8,500 lb towing capacity. |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By Budget
| Budget | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| $740 to $790 | Andersen 14K Adjustable or Andersen 14K Fixed |
| $780 to $920 | Andersen 16K 2.5in or Weigh Safe 8.5K |
| Around $930 | Weigh Safe 12.5K |
Friction Cone vs Anti-Sway Head
- Friction cone
- Dampens sway and road bounce in the ball housing with tension chains. Andersen 14K Adjustable, Andersen 14K Fixed and Andersen 16K 2.5in fit here.
- Anti-sway head
- An adjustable head with an internal pivot point and anti-sway technology. Weigh Safe 12.5K and Weigh Safe 8.5K fit here.
Most buyers should default to an Andersen, and consider Weigh Safe 12.5K only if they prefer its adjustment head.
By Bracket Preference
| Preference | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Four bracket sizes | Andersen 14K Adjustable |
| One fixed bracket | Andersen 14K Fixed |
| Four bracket sizes on a 2.5 inch shank | Andersen 16K 2.5in |
| Head readjusts without removal | Weigh Safe 12.5K |
For a Stock-Height Pickup Specifically
- Look for
- A 6 inch drop confirmed by measuring a level trailer, with a rating above your loaded weight, such as the Andersen 14K Adjustable.
- In this comparison
- The Andersen 14K Adjustable lists a 6 inch drop and 14K GTWR, and the Weigh Safe 12.5K lists the same drop at 12,500 lb.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- Spend more on the Andersen 16K 2.5in if you have a 2.5 inch receiver and a heavy trailer, or the Andersen 14K Fixed if you hitch the same pair every trip.
- Save if
- Save with the Andersen 14K Adjustable, which is the lowest priced and lists a 14K rating, rather than a Weigh Safe model.
Before You Bring One Home
How do I know if I need a 6 inch drop?
Measure from the ground to the top of the receiver and to the bottom of the trailer coupler with the trailer level, and subtract. If the difference is near 6 inches, the Andersen 14K Adjustable or Weigh Safe 12.5K fits.
What mistake do buyers make with drop?
Measuring with the trailer unlevel. A trailer tipped nose-up or down changes the number, so level it first.
Is an Andersen worth it over the Weigh Safe 12.5K?
On these listings, yes. The Andersen 14K Adjustable lists a higher rating at a lower price, while the Weigh Safe has an adjustable head.
How do I set up a friction cone hitch?
Install the head with the bracket size that gives the right angle, attach the tension chains, and check that the truck and trailer sit level. Follow the maker's manual for bracket choice.
How do I maintain it?
Check the chains and brackets for wear, keep the ball housing clean and follow the maker's guidance on lubrication. Store it dry.
Bottom Line
Best overall: Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 3 4 5 6 Inch Bra — best overall 6 inch drop pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all 6 inch drop hitch with sway control on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.