Buying guide · 10 min read · Updated October 2, 2026

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 Bowen HigginsRV Editor at RV Gear Lab5 products comparedSpec-sheet researched

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.

RV Gear Lab field notes

The Rig Fit Check

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

Before you buy

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.

01
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.
02
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.
03
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.
04
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.
05
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.
06
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.

Our standards

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

At RV Gear Lab, we compare products based on rig fit and power or hookup compatibility, verified specifications, usability, setup requirements, weight, durability, and real-world trade-offs. We do not rank products purely on marketing claims or commission rates.

We have not personally tested every product listed. Where hands-on testing is not available, recommendations are based on verified manufacturer specifications, product documentation, use-case fit, and comparative research.

How we review RV gear →

Detailed reviews

The 5 best 6 inch drop hitch with sway control, explained

Best Overall 6 Inch Drop · 1 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

2 inch shank, 6 inch drop
14K GTWR in the title
3, 4, 5 and 6 inch brackets

Check price on Amazon

Best for: 2 inch receivers, up to 14K

Our take

Best for a 2 inch receiver and a trailer up to about 14,000 lb.

Why it made the shortlist

The Andersen No-Sway hitch has a 2 inch shank, a 6 inch drop, a 2-5/16 inch ball and a 14K GTWR in its title, with 3, 4, 5 and 6 inch bracket options.

It ranks first because it carries the same 14,000 lb rating as the Andersen 14K Fixed below at a lower price, and it includes four bracket sizes.

What works

Four bracket sizes for head angle
14,000 lb GTWR stated in the title
Built in the USA

Watch out for

Listing gives little sway detail
Bracket choice needs some measuring

Check price on Amazon

Best Fixed Bracket · 2 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

2 inch shank, 6 inch drop
14,000 lb GTWR
Fixed 4-3/8 inch brackets

Check price on Amazon

Best for: One truck, one trailer

Our take

Best for one truck and one trailer that you hitch up regularly.

Why it made the shortlist

The Andersen hitch with 4-3/8 inch brackets has a 2 inch shank, a 6 inch drop and a 14,000 lb GTWR.

Compared with the Andersen 14K Adjustable above, it fixes the bracket at 4-3/8 inches instead of giving four sizes, and costs a little more. The fixed size makes repeat setup simple if you tow the same pair.

If you swap trailers, the Andersen 14K Adjustable is more flexible.

What works

Friction cone and tension chains listed
Fixed brackets make hookup repeatable
14,000 lb GTWR stated
Faster hookup than spring bars

Watch out for

Only one bracket size

The catch: The listing says the friction cone and tension chains work together to combat sway and road bounce, and the fixed bracket suits heavier travel trailers and fifth-wheel setups.

Check price on Amazon

Best for Heavy Trailers · 3 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

2.5 inch shank, 6 inch drop
16,000 lb GTWR
3, 4, 5 and 6 inch brackets

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Heavy trailers on 2.5 inch receivers

Our take

Best for a heavy bumper-pull trailer on a 2.5 inch receiver.

Why it made the shortlist

The Andersen 2-1/2 inch shank hitch has a 6 inch drop, a 2-5/16 inch ball and a 16,000 lb GTWR, with 3, 4, 5 and 6 inch bracket options. The listing describes a friction cone in the ball housing that dampens sway and road bounce.

It needs a 2.5 inch receiver, which the 2 inch Andersen models do not.

If your truck has a 2 inch receiver, one of the 14K Andersen models fits instead.

What works

Four bracket sizes in the kit
Friction cone dampens sway and bounce
Built in the USA

Watch out for

Needs a 2.5 inch receiver
Not suited to 2 inch receivers

Check price on Amazon

Best Weigh Safe Option · 4 of 5

Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight

2 inch shank, 6 inch drop
12,500 lb towing capacity
Live adjustment head

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Trailers under 12,500 lb

Our take

Best for a trailer under 12,500 lb when you prefer the Weigh Safe adjustment head.

Why it made the shortlist

The Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight with a 6 inch drop, a 2 inch shank and 12,500 lb towing capacity has a live adjustment head with an internal pivot point and anti-sway technology. The listing says measure your receiver before purchase.

It has a head that can be readjusted without removal.

What works

Head adjusts without being removed
Anti-sway technology listed
Clear drop and shank in the title
Fits 2 inch receivers

Watch out for

Sway method is not detailed

Check price on Amazon

Lighter-Duty Weigh Safe · 5 of 5

Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight

2 inch shank, 6 inch drop
8,500 lb towing capacity
Anti-sway technology

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Small trailers under 8,500 lb

Our take

Best for a small travel trailer under 8,500 lb where you want a Weigh Safe head.

Why it made the shortlist

The Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight with a 6 inch drop, a 2 inch shank and 8,500 lb towing capacity shares the live adjustment head and anti-sway technology wording of the 12.5K model. The listing says to measure your receiver before purchase.

That makes it the hardest to justify on price.

Otherwise a rated-up Andersen is the better buy.

What works

Head adjusts without being removed
Anti-sway technology listed
Clear drop and shank in the title
Suits lighter trailers

Check price on Amazon

Methodology

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.

Decision guide

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.

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.

FAQ

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

The short version

Browse more 6 inch drop hitch with sway control on Amazon →

About the author

Bowen Higgins

RV Editor at RV Gear Lab

Bowen covers RV power, water systems, towing and leveling, upkeep and interior comfort, with a focus on matching gear to the rig, the hookups and the way you actually travel.

5 Best 6 Inch Drop Hitch With Sway Control in 2026: A Practical RV Guide

Our top picks

The Rig Fit Check

What Matters Before You Choose a 6 Inch Drop Hitch With Sway Control

Is a 6 inch drop right for you

Shank size

Gross trailer rating

Friction cone versus anti-sway head

Bracket size

Price against capacity

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

The 5 best 6 inch drop hitch with sway control, explained

Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 3 4 5 6 Inch Bra

Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 6 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 4-3/8 Inch Brack

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

Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight

Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight

How We Built This Shortlist

Drop and shank

Rating

Sway mechanism

Bracket options

Price against rating

Match a 6 Inch Drop Hitch With Sway Control to Your RV

By Trailer Weight

By Budget

Friction Cone vs Anti-Sway Head

By Bracket Preference

For a Stock-Height Pickup Specifically

When to Spend More

Before You Bring One Home

How do I know if I need a 6 inch drop?

What mistake do buyers make with drop?

Is an Andersen worth it over the Weigh Safe 12.5K?

How do I set up a friction cone hitch?

How do I maintain it?

The short version

Bowen Higgins

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