Buying Guide
5 Best Class 5 Sway Control Hitch in 2026: A Practical RV Guide
Hitches with sway control and a 2.5 inch shank for Class 5 receivers: Weigh Safe, Andersen and a CURT shank compared by drop, rating and fit.
By Hardcastle's RV Editors
10 min read5 products evaluated
Class V receivers are the big ones, and they usually take a 2.5 inch shank instead of the 2 inch shank on lighter hitches. The picks here all state a 2.5 inch shank, so the real questions are the drop you need, the rating you need, and whether the listing contradicts itself.
Four are complete weight distribution hitches with anti-sway features, and one is a replacement shank. The entries say which is which, and flag where you should confirm the receiver size before ordering.
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 2-1/2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 16K GTWR 3 4 5 6 Inch leads this shortlist for Heavy trailers on 2.5 inch receivers. 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 2.5 inch shank, 6 inch drop, 8 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank, 10 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
- Trade-off to plan for
- Needs a 2.5 inch receiver tube
The Practical Shortlist
A road-tested-thinking look at 5 options, organized around the job each one suits best.
Best Overall Class 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
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 Mid Drop
Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight
Mid-height 2.5 inch receivers
Our take Check price for Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight (opens in a new tab)
Best Tall Drop
Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight
Lifted trucks on 2.5 inch receivers
Our take Check price for Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight (opens in a new tab)
Best Short Drop
Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight
Stock-height trucks
Our take Check price for Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight (opens in a new tab)
Replacement Shank Only
Curt Manufacturing 17132 Weight Distribution Hitch Replacement Shank
CURT hitch owners
Our take Check price for Curt Manufacturing 17132 Weight Distribution Hitch Replacement Shank (opens in a new tab)
Why Each Pick Made the Cut
Best Overall Class 51 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)
The strongest case 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 is four bracket sizes in the box.
Best for
- Heavy trailers on 2.5 inch receivers
Why it made the shortlist
For Heavy trailers on 2.5 inch receivers, this is one of the more relevant configurations in the shortlist. The documented setup centers on 2.5 inch shank, 6 inch drop, 16,000 lb GTWR, friction cone with tension chains.
Its case starts with four bracket sizes in the box. Its 2.5 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 needs a 2.5 inch receiver tube. 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
- Friction cone with tension chains
Pros
- Four bracket sizes in the box
- Tension chains replace heavy spring bars
- Built in the USA per the listing
Cons
- Needs a 2.5 inch receiver tube
- Only a 6 inch drop in this version
Best Mid Drop2 of 5
Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight is the better fit when mid-height 2.5 inch receivers.
Best for
- Mid-height 2.5 inch receivers
Why it made the shortlist
The intended use case is Mid-height 2.5 inch receivers. The documented setup centers on 8 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank, 12,500 lb towing capacity, live adjustment head.
What separates it on paper is head adjusts without removal. Its 8 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank specification sits at between the lower and upper ends 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 listing text mentions 2 inch receivers. 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
- 8 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank
- 12,500 lb towing capacity
- Live adjustment head
Pros
- Head adjusts without removal
- Anti-sway technology listed
- Clear drop and shank sizes in the title
- Middle drop covers many trucks
Cons
- Listing text mentions 2 inch receivers
- Anti-sway method is not detailed
Best Tall Drop3 of 5
Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Choose Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight for 10 inch drop suits tall receivers.
Best for
- Lifted trucks on 2.5 inch receivers
Why it made the shortlist
Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight is positioned for Lifted trucks on 2.5 inch receivers. The documented setup centers on 10 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank, 12,500 lb towing capacity, anti-sway technology.
The feature doing most of the work here is 10 inch drop suits tall receivers. Its 10 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank 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 listing text mentions 2 inch receivers. 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
- 10 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank
- 12,500 lb towing capacity
- Anti-sway technology
Pros
- 10 inch drop suits tall receivers
- Live adjustment head with internal pivot
- Anti-sway technology listed
Cons
- Listing text mentions 2 inch receivers
Best Short Drop4 of 5
Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight makes the shortlist because 6 inch drop suits stock-height trucks.
Best for
- Stock-height trucks
Why it made the shortlist
This model is aimed at Stock-height trucks. The documented setup centers on 6 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank, 12,500 lb towing capacity, live adjustment head.
The most useful documented advantage is 6 inch drop suits stock-height trucks. Its 6 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank specification sits at between the lower and upper ends 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 listing text mentions 2 inch receivers. 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
- 6 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank
- 12,500 lb towing capacity
- Live adjustment head
Pros
- 6 inch drop suits stock-height trucks
- Head adjusts without removal
- Clear drop and shank sizes in the title
- Anti-sway technology listed
Cons
- Listing text mentions 2 inch receivers
Replacement Shank Only5 of 5
Curt Manufacturing 17132 Weight Distribution Hitch Replacement Shank on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The strongest case for Curt Manufacturing 17132 Weight Distribution Hitch Replacement Shank is multiple holes adjust head height.
Best for
- CURT hitch owners
Why it made the shortlist
For CURT hitch owners, this is one of the more relevant configurations in the shortlist. The documented setup centers on 2.5 inch receiver, 8 inch drop, 15,000 lb GTW, 1,500 lb tongue, multiple head height holes.
Its case starts with multiple holes adjust head height. Its 2.5 inch receiver, 8 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 shank only, no sway control. 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 receiver, 8 inch drop
- 15,000 lb GTW, 1,500 lb tongue
- Multiple head height holes
Pros
- Multiple holes adjust head height
- Fits CURT weight distribution hitches
- Rated for heavy loads
Cons
- Shank only, no sway control
- Needs a compatible CURT hitch head
How We Built This Shortlist
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Shank size
- We compared stated shank sizes and flagged listing text that contradicts the title.
- Drop options
- We grouped the picks by 6, 8 and 10 inch drops.
- Rating statements
- We compared stated towing and tongue weight ratings.
- Sway method
- We noted friction cones, anti-sway heads and what each listing says.
- Complete or part
- We marked down parts that are not complete hitches.
What Matters Before You Choose a Class 5 Sway Control Hitch
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Receiver and shank size
Class V receivers commonly use a 2.5 inch opening, and a 2.5 inch shank is made for that. Putting a 2 inch shank in a 2.5 inch receiver, or the reverse, will not fit. Measure the receiver tube and match it to the shank size in the title.
Drop and rise
Drop is how far the ball sits below the receiver, and the right value makes the trailer ride level. Too little drop tilts the trailer nose down, and too much tilts it up. Measure from the ground to the coupler and from the ground to the receiver with the trailer level.
Gross and tongue weight
A hitch lists the trailer weight it can handle and often the tongue weight. The Andersen 2.5in 6in lists 16,000 lb GTWR, while the Weigh Safe models list 12,500 lb towing capacity. Pick the number that exceeds your loaded trailer without going far over.
Sway mechanism
The Andersen uses a friction cone in the ball housing, while Weigh Safe describes anti-sway technology and an adjustable head. Friction cones work all the time and are not switched off. Read the listing for how the sway control works.
Listing contradictions
The Weigh Safe titles say 2.5 inch shank, but one line says it fits 2 inch receivers. Contradictions like this are a reason to check with the seller before ordering. Compare the title, the specifications line and the photos.
Complete hitch or replacement part
Some listings sell only a shank, like the CURT 17132, and not the head, bars or ball. A shank alone does not give you sway control. Look for words like replacement shank in the title.
Match a Class 5 Sway Control Hitch to Your RV
By Drop Needed
| Your situation | Recommended pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 6 inch drop, heavy trailer | Andersen 2.5in 6in | 6 inch drop and 16,000 lb GTWR. |
| 6 inch drop, trailer under 12,500 lb | Weigh Safe 6in | 6 inch drop at a lower rating. |
| 8 inch drop on a taller truck | Weigh Safe 8in | 8 inch drop with a 2.5 inch shank. |
| 10 inch drop on a lifted truck | Weigh Safe 10in | 10 inch drop, the tallest here. |
| Own a CURT hitch, need a 2.5 inch shank | CURT 17132 | 8 inch drop replacement shank. |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By Budget
| Budget | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| $190 to $790 | CURT 17132 or Andersen 2.5in 6in |
| $950 to $970 | Weigh Safe 6in or Weigh Safe 8in |
| Around $980 | Weigh Safe 10in |
Friction Cone vs Anti-Sway Head
- Friction cone
- The cone in the ball housing dampens sway and bounce continuously. Andersen 2.5in 6in uses this design.
- Adjustable anti-sway head
- A head with an internal pivot and anti-sway technology, adjusted without removal. Weigh Safe 6in, Weigh Safe 8in and Weigh Safe 10in fit here.
Most buyers with a heavy trailer should default to the Andersen 2.5in 6in, and use a Weigh Safe model when they need a 8 or 10 inch drop.
By Rating Needed
| Trailer weight | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Up to 16,000 lb gross | Andersen 2.5in 6in |
| Up to 12,500 lb at 8 inch drop | Weigh Safe 8in |
| Up to 12,500 lb at 10 inch drop | Weigh Safe 10in |
| Up to 15,000 lb with a 1,500 lb tongue | CURT 17132 |
For a Lifted Truck With a 2.5 Inch Receiver Specifically
- Look for
- A 2.5 inch shank with a drop of 8 to 10 inches, confirmed with the trailer level, such as the Weigh Safe 10in at 10 inches.
- In this comparison
- The Weigh Safe 10in gives a 10 inch drop and the Weigh Safe 8in gives 8 inches, while the Andersen 2.5in 6in is only listed at 6 inches.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- Spend more on the Andersen 2.5in 6in for the 16,000 lb rating and friction cone, or buy the Weigh Safe 10in if you need the extra drop.
- Save if
- Save with the Weigh Safe 6in or Weigh Safe 8in when your trailer is under 12,500 lb, or the CURT 17132 if you already own a compatible CURT hitch.
Before You Bring One Home
Is a Class 5 receiver always 2.5 inches?
Class V receivers commonly use a 2.5 inch opening, but the listings here state only the shank size. Measure your receiver tube and match it to the 2.5 inch shank before ordering.
What mistake do buyers make with drop?
Guessing it. Measure the coupler and receiver heights with the trailer level, then pick a Weigh Safe 6in, 8in or 10in or the Andersen 2.5in 6in to match.
Is the Andersen 2.5in 6in worth it over the Weigh Safe 6in?
If you tow near or above 12,500 lb, yes. The Andersen lists 16,000 lb GTWR and a friction cone, while the Weigh Safe 6in lists 12,500 lb towing capacity.
How do I set up one of these hitches?
Level the trailer, set the head angle and drop, and attach the bars or chains per the instructions. The Weigh Safe heads adjust without being removed.
How do I maintain a weight distribution hitch?
Check bolts and brackets, keep moving parts clean and follow the maker's lubrication guidance. Store the hitch dry to prevent rust.
Bottom Line
Best overall: 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 — best overall class 5 pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all class 5 sway control hitch on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.