The best ball and pin hitch depends on your receiver size, trailer coupler, and towing needs. For ATV and UTV owners who want multiple connection styles, the TOPTOW 3-in-1 models offer a ball and clevis options; choose the 2-inch receiver version or the 1.25-inch version to match your receiver. For a conventional 2-inch receiver, METOWARE is another 3-in-1 option, while AC-DK and CURT suit buyers seeking a ball mount with a stated towing rating. Check receiver fit and capacity before towing.
| Product | Best For | Receiver Size |
|---|---|---|
| TOPTOW 3-in-1 ATV/UTV Hitch | Multiple coupling styles | 2 inches |
| METOWARE 3-in-1 Hitch | ATV/UTV towing with listed capacity | 2 inches |
| AC-DK Ball Mount | Rated conventional towing setup | 2 inches |
| TOPTOW 1.25-inch Hitch | Smaller ATV/UTV receivers | 1.25 inches |
| CURT Loaded Ball Mount | Ready-to-use ball mount | 2 inches |
TOPTOW 3-in-1 ATV/UTV Hitch
This TOPTOW hitch is best for ATV and UTV owners who need more than a standard trailer-ball connection. It has a 2-inch ball for standard couplers, a 1/2-inch clevis pin for a clevis hook or winch strap loop, and a 3/4-inch pin hole for a clevis mount. The 2-by-2-inch shank fits a standard 2-inch receiver, and the included 5/8-inch hitch pin supports installation.
Choose it if you want these three coupling styles in one receiver-mounted accessory. Its listed application emphasizes yard work and utility towing. The supplied information does not state a towing capacity, so confirm that the hitch and vehicle are suitable for your intended load before use.
METOWARE 3-in-1 ATV/UTV Hitch
METOWARE is best for ATV and UTV owners who want a 3-in-1 hitch with stated capacity figures. The product listing gives a 3,500-pound capacity and a 5,000-pound winch strap loop capacity. It has a 2-inch ball and a 2-by-2-inch shank for a standard 2-inch receiver. Its two-stage finish includes an E-coat pre-coat and textured black powder coat.
Choose this model if the listed ball and strap-loop ratings match your planned use and you need a compact, multi-purpose setup. The product information mentions a bridge pin, but does not detail all three coupling styles in the same way as some comparable listings. Verify the connection method and the ratings for your exact towing configuration.
AC-DK 2-Inch Ball Mount
The AC-DK is best for buyers seeking a conventional ball mount with a stated 7,500-pound gross trailer weight rating and 750-pound tongue weight rating. It fits a standard 2-inch receiver and includes a 2-inch chrome-plated ball, a 5/8-inch hitch pin, and a safety clip. The mount has a black powder-coated finish, while the ball has a chrome finish.
This is a better fit for standard ball-coupler towing than for buyers who need a clevis-pin connection. The listing says the trailer ball must be firmly tightened with tools until the anti-loosening nut is seated. Confirm that the vehicle, receiver, and other towing components are rated for the load; the hitch’s stated rating alone does not establish system capacity.
TOPTOW 1.25-Inch Receiver Hitch
This TOPTOW model is best for ATV and UTV owners whose receiver measures 1.25 by 1.25 inches. It offers the same three connection types described for its 2-inch counterpart: a 2-inch ball for standard couplers, a 1/2-inch clevis pin for a hook or winch strap loop, and a 3/4-inch pin hole for a clevis mount. A hitch pin is included.
Choose this version when receiver size is the deciding factor and you need ball-and-pin versatility. Do not select it for a 2-inch receiver; its shank is specifically sized for a 1.25-inch receiver. The supplied product information does not include a towing capacity, so check the applicable ratings before towing.
CURT 45036 Loaded Ball Mount
The CURT 45036 is best for buyers who want a ready-to-use ball mount for a standard 2-inch receiver. It includes a pre-attached 2-inch ball and a hitch pin, with a 2-inch drop, 7.5-inch overall length, and 5/8-inch pin hole. Its listed rating is 7,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 750 pounds tongue weight.
This straightforward ball mount is better for standard trailer couplers than for clevis or winch-strap connections. Check whether its 2-inch drop provides the needed trailer alignment. The product information notes that capacity may change if the trailer ball is removed.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Ball And Pin Hitch
Which receiver size do you have?
Match the hitch shank to the receiver opening. The listed TOPTOW models differ: one fits a 2-inch receiver and the other fits a 1.25-inch receiver. METOWARE, AC-DK, and CURT use 2-inch receiver shanks. Measure the receiver or consult the vehicle documentation rather than choosing by appearance.
Do you need a ball, a pin, or both?
A hitch ball connects to a compatible trailer coupler. A clevis pin or pin hole serves a different connection style, such as a clevis hook or winch strap loop when specified. A 3-in-1 design can offer more options, while a conventional loaded ball mount is simpler for standard ball-coupler towing. Confirm that each connection matches the equipment being towed.
How should you compare capacity?
Compare gross trailer weight and tongue weight ratings where provided, and follow the lowest applicable rating among the vehicle, receiver, hitch, and towing equipment. Some products in this selection do not list a capacity in the supplied information. Do not assume their capacity based on another model’s figures.
Does drop or finish matter?
A drop measurement can help match trailer and vehicle height; CURT lists a 2-inch drop. Finish details can also guide selection: AC-DK lists a chrome ball and powder-coated mount, while METOWARE lists E-coat and powder-coat layers. These features do not replace proper fitment and load checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ball and pin hitch?
It is a hitch setup that may provide a trailer ball connection and one or more pin-style connection options. The exact arrangements vary by product.
Can a 2-inch hitch fit a 1.25-inch receiver?
No. Match the hitch shank to the receiver size. The TOPTOW 1.25-inch model is designed for a 1.25-inch receiver; the 2-inch models are for 2-inch receivers.
Is a clevis pin the same as a hitch pin?
No. A clevis pin connects compatible towing equipment, while a receiver hitch pin secures a shank inside the receiver. Check the product’s intended pin function and dimensions.
Which option has a stated towing capacity?
The supplied information lists capacities for METOWARE, AC-DK, and CURT. Check each product’s stated rating and compare it with the ratings of the rest of the towing system.
Should I choose a 3-in-1 hitch or a loaded ball mount?
Choose a 3-in-1 hitch if you need the listed ball and pin connection options. Choose a loaded ball mount if your setup uses a standard coupler and you want a ball already attached.