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

5 Best 8 Inch Drop Hitch With Sway Control in 2026: A Practical RV Guide

8 inch drop weight distribution hitches with sway control for lifted trucks: Andersen bracket options and a Weigh Safe model compared by rating and shank.

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

At a glance

Our top picks

At a glance · 5 picks

01
Best Extreme Height Gap Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 8 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 7/8 Inch Bracket ↓ See why we picked it
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02
Best 2.5 Inch Heavy Duty Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2-1/2 Inch Shank 8 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 16K GTWR 3 4 5 6 Inch ↓ See why we picked it
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03
Best Flexible 2 Inch Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 8 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 3 4 5 6 Inch Bra ↓ See why we picked it
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04
Best Fixed Bracket Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 8 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 4-3/8 Inch Brack ↓ See why we picked it
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05
Lighter-Duty Alternative Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight ↓ See why we picked it
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An 8 inch drop is the territory of lifted trucks and tall receivers pulling lower trailers, where a standard 4 to 6 inch drop leaves the trailer nose high. Five hitches here share that drop, and they differ in bracket choice, shank size and rating.

Four are Andersen models with a friction cone and tension chains, and one is a Weigh Safe True Tow. The entries focus on bracket size and head angle, because with a tall drop the bracket choice decides whether the setup works at all.

RV Gear Lab field notes

The Rig Fit Check

Start with the job: Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 8 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 7/8 Inch Bracket leads this shortlist for Very tall 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 inch shank, 8 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank, 8 inch drop. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
Trade-off to plan for: Niche bracket size suits few setups

Before you buy

What Matters Before You Choose an 8 Inch Drop Hitch With Sway Control

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

01
Measure the height gap
An 8 inch drop only works if the receiver sits about 8 inches above the trailer coupler height with the trailer level. Measure from the ground to the top of the receiver and to the coupler, then subtract. A wrong drop leaves the trailer nose high or low.
02
Bracket size and head angle
Brackets set the head angle and how much tongue weight transfers. The Andersen 3-6in Brackets includes four sizes, the Andersen 4-3/8in 8in has one, and the Andersen 7/8in Brackets uses a smaller one for extreme gaps. Choose a set that matches your measured angle.
03
Shank size
The 2.5 inch shank on the Andersen 16K 2.5in needs a 2.5 inch receiver. The 2 inch models do not fit it. Check the receiver opening before ordering.
04
Gross trailer rating
Andersen models list 14,000 or 16,000 lb GTWR, while the Weigh Safe 8.5K 8in lists 8,500 lb towing capacity. Pick a number above your loaded trailer. Check the rating line and not only the product photo.
05
Lifted truck clearance
Lifted trucks change the hitch angle and bar geometry, and some setups need longer chains or different brackets. The Andersen 7/8in Brackets listing addresses those extremes by name. Ask the seller if your lift is unusually high.
06
Sway design
Andersen uses a friction cone with tension chains, while Weigh Safe uses an adjustable anti-sway head. A friction cone works continuously. Read the listing for how each system controls sway.

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 8 inch drop hitch with sway control, explained

Best Extreme Height Gap · 1 of 5

Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 8 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 7/8 Inch Bracket

2 inch shank, 8 inch drop
14,000 lb GTWR
7/8 inch brackets

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Best for: Very tall receivers

Our take

Best for a truck lifted high enough that the common brackets will not reach the angle.

Why it made the shortlist

The Andersen hitch with 7/8 inch brackets and an 8 inch drop is listed for the most demanding height and angle differences between lifted trucks and heavy trailers. It has a 2 inch shank, a 2-5/16 inch ball and a 14,000 lb GTWR, with a tension chain system and friction cone.

The Andersen 3-6in Brackets below give four sizes for ordinary lifted setups.

Measure the height gap with the trailer level before choosing it.

What works

Built for large height differences
Friction cone with tension chains
14,000 lb GTWR stated
Built in the USA

Watch out for

Niche bracket size suits few setups

Check price on Amazon

Best 2.5 Inch Heavy Duty · 2 of 5

Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2-1/2 Inch Shank 8 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 16K GTWR 3 4 5 6 Inch

2.5 inch shank, 8 inch drop
16,000 lb GTWR
3, 4, 5 and 6 inch brackets

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Best for: Lifted trucks, heavy trailers

Our take

Best for a lifted truck with a 2.5 inch receiver pulling a heavy trailer.

Why it made the shortlist

The Andersen 2-1/2 inch shank hitch has an 8 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 says it is built for lifted tow vehicles with large receivers pulling heavy trailers.

If your receiver is 2 inches, one of the other Andersen models fits instead.

What works

Four bracket sizes in the kit
Friction cone and tension chains

Watch out for

Needs a 2.5 inch receiver
Not for 2 inch receivers

Check price on Amazon

Best Flexible 2 Inch · 3 of 5

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

2 inch shank, 8 inch drop
14,000 lb GTWR
Four bracket sizes

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Best for: 2 inch receivers, unsure angle

Our take

Best for a lifted truck with a 2 inch receiver where you may need to try a couple of bracket sizes.

Why it made the shortlist

The Andersen hitch with 3, 4, 5 and 6 inch brackets has a 2 inch shank, an 8 inch drop, a 2-5/16 inch ball and a 14,000 lb GTWR. The listing says the bracket options let you set the head angle for your specific truck and trailer.

Compared with the Andersen 4-3/8in below it gives four sizes instead of one fixed size at the same price. It uses the same friction cone and tension chain design.

It is the safer choice if you are unsure of your angle.

What works

Four bracket sizes for head angle
Friction cone controls sway and bounce
14,000 lb GTWR stated
Tension chains attach faster than spring bars

Watch out for

Bracket choice needs trial and measurement

Check price on Amazon

Best Fixed Bracket · 4 of 5

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

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

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Best for: One truck, one trailer

Our take

Best for one lifted truck and one trailer that stay together.

Why it made the shortlist

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

That is a plus for repeat setups and a minus if you change trailers.

If you swap trailers, the Andersen 3-6in Brackets is more flexible.

What works

Fixed brackets make setup repeatable
Friction cone with tension chains
Transfers tongue weight to all axles
14,000 lb GTWR stated

Watch out for

Only one bracket size
Less forgiving if the angle is off

The catch: The listing says the fixed size makes setup repeatable when you hitch the same truck and trailer, and it is built for lifted trucks towing heavier travel trailers and fifth wheel rigs.

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Lighter-Duty Alternative · 5 of 5

Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight

2 inch shank, 8 inch drop
8,500 lb towing capacity
Live adjustment head

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Best for: Smaller trailers under 8,500 lb

Our take

Most buyers will get more rating for less from an Andersen.

Why it made the shortlist

The Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight has an 8 inch drop, a 2 inch shank and 8,500 lb towing capacity, with a live adjustment head and anti-sway technology. The listing tells you to measure your receiver before purchase.

Its adjustment head can be readjusted without removal, which the Andersen listings do not describe.

What works

Head readjusts without removal
Anti-sway technology listed
Clear drop and shank in the title
Suits smaller trailers

The catch: It lists the lowest rating here and costs more than every Andersen model, so it is hard to justify on price.

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 an 8 inch drop on every pick and noted 2 inch versus 2.5 inch shanks.

Bracket sizes

We compared 7/8 inch, 4-3/8 inch fixed and 3 to 6 inch bracket sets.

Rating

We compared stated gross trailer weight and towing capacity.

Lifted-truck focus

We noted which listings mention lifted trucks or large height gaps.

Price against rating

We compared prices to stated ratings.

Decision guide

Match an 8 Inch Drop Hitch With Sway Control to Your RV

By Lift and Receiver

Your situation	Recommended pick	Why
Very tall receiver, large height gap	Andersen 7/8in Brackets	Built for extreme height differences.
Lifted truck, 2.5 inch receiver, heavy trailer	Andersen 16K 2.5in 8in	16,000 lb GTWR on a 2.5 inch shank.
Lifted truck, 2 inch receiver, unsure angle	Andersen 3-6in Brackets	Four bracket sizes to try.
Same truck and trailer every trip	Andersen 4-3/8in 8in	Fixed bracket, repeatable setup.
Smaller trailer under 8,500 lb	Weigh Safe 8.5K 8in	8,500 lb towing capacity.

By Budget

Budget	Recommended pick
$800 to $810	Andersen 16K 2.5in 8in or Andersen 3-6in Brackets
$800 to $820	Andersen 4-3/8in 8in or Andersen 7/8in Brackets
Around $940	Weigh Safe 8.5K 8in

Fixed vs Adjustable Brackets

Fixed bracket

One set size gives repeatable setups for a single pair. Andersen 4-3/8in 8in and Andersen 7/8in Brackets fit here.

Adjustable brackets

Several bracket sizes let you tune the head angle. Andersen 3-6in Brackets and Andersen 16K 2.5in 8in fit here.

Most buyers should default to the Andersen 3-6in Brackets for the flexibility, unless the same truck and trailer always travel together.

By Shank and Rating

Preference	Recommended pick
2.5 inch shank, 16,000 lb	Andersen 16K 2.5in 8in
2 inch shank, 14,000 lb, flexible	Andersen 3-6in Brackets
2 inch shank, 14,000 lb, fixed	Andersen 4-3/8in 8in
2 inch shank, 8,500 lb	Weigh Safe 8.5K 8in

For a Lifted Truck Specifically

Look for

An 8 inch drop confirmed with a level trailer, and a bracket set that gives the angle you measured, such as the Andersen 3-6in Brackets.

In this comparison

The Andersen 16K 2.5in 8in and Andersen 7/8in Brackets both mention lifted trucks or large height gaps, and the Andersen 3-6in Brackets gives four bracket sizes.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

Spend more on the Andersen 16K 2.5in 8in for the 16,000 lb rating, or the Andersen 7/8in Brackets if your height gap is extreme.

Save if

Save with the Andersen 3-6in Brackets or Andersen 4-3/8in 8in rather than the pricier Weigh Safe 8.5K 8in.

FAQ

Before You Bring One Home

Do I need an 8 inch drop on a lifted truck?

It depends on how far your receiver sits above the coupler. Measure with the trailer level, and if the gap is near 8 inches, the Andersen 3-6in Brackets or other 8 inch models fit.

What mistake do lifted truck owners make?

Guessing the drop. A wrong drop tilts the trailer, which hurts weight transfer and sway control, so measure first.

Is the Andersen 16K 2.5in 8in worth it over the Andersen 3-6in Brackets?

Only if you have a 2.5 inch receiver or a trailer near 16,000 lb. Otherwise the 2 inch model at 14,000 lb is enough.

How do I choose a bracket size?

Hitch up on level ground and check how the bars and chains sit. Try the bracket size that levels the truck and trailer, as the Andersen 3-6in Brackets allows.

How do I maintain it?

Check chains, brackets and the ball housing for wear, and keep the friction cone clean. Store the hitch dry after trips.

Bottom line

The short version

Browse more 8 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 8 Inch Drop Hitch With Sway Control in 2026: A Practical RV Guide

Our top picks

The Rig Fit Check

What Matters Before You Choose an 8 Inch Drop Hitch With Sway Control

Measure the height gap

Bracket size and head angle

Shank size

Gross trailer rating

Lifted truck clearance

Sway design

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

The 5 best 8 inch drop hitch with sway control, explained

How We Built This Shortlist

Drop and shank

Bracket sizes

Rating

Lifted-truck focus

Price against rating

Match an 8 Inch Drop Hitch With Sway Control to Your RV

By Lift and Receiver

By Budget

Fixed vs Adjustable Brackets

By Shank and Rating

For a Lifted Truck Specifically

When to Spend More

Before You Bring One Home

Do I need an 8 inch drop on a lifted truck?

What mistake do lifted truck owners make?

Is the Andersen 16K 2.5in 8in worth it over the Andersen 3-6in Brackets?

How do I choose a bracket size?

How do I maintain it?

The short version

Bowen Higgins

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