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

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

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.

RV Gear Lab field notes

The Rig Fit Check

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

Before you buy

What Matters Before You Choose a Class 5 Sway Control Hitch

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

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

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 class 5 sway control hitch, explained

Best Overall Class 5 · 1 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
Friction cone with tension chains

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Heavy trailers on 2.5 inch receivers

Our take

Best for heavy bumper-pull trailers on a Class V receiver that needs a 6 inch drop.

Why it made the shortlist

The Andersen 2-1/2 inch shank hitch has a 6 inch drop and a 2-5/16 inch ball, and the listing says it is rated for 16,000 lb GTWR. It comes with 3, 4, 5 and 6 inch bracket options, and uses tension chains and an integrated friction cone in the ball housing to dampen sway.

It ranks first because it states both the highest gross rating here and a friction cone for sway control.

What works

Four bracket sizes in the box
Tension chains replace heavy spring bars
Built in the USA per the listing

Watch out for

Needs a 2.5 inch receiver tube
Only a 6 inch drop in this version

Check price on Amazon

Best Mid Drop · 2 of 5

Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight

8 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank
12,500 lb towing capacity
Live adjustment head

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Best for: Mid-height 2.5 inch receivers

Our take

Best for a truck whose receiver sits about 8 inches below the trailer coupler.

Why it made the shortlist

The Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight (8 inch) has an 8 inch drop, a 2.5 inch shank and a 12,500 lb towing capacity per its title. The listing describes a live adjustment head with an internal pivot point and anti-sway technology.

Compared with the Weigh Safe 6in and 10in, it sits in the middle of the drop range and suits mid-height trucks. It carries the same listed rating as its siblings.

What works

Head adjusts without removal
Anti-sway technology listed
Clear drop and shank sizes in the title
Middle drop covers many trucks

Watch out for

Listing text mentions 2 inch receivers
Anti-sway method is not detailed

Check price on Amazon

Best Tall Drop · 3 of 5

Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight

10 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank
12,500 lb towing capacity
Anti-sway technology

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Best for: Lifted trucks on 2.5 inch receivers

Our take

Best for a lifted truck with a high receiver pulling a trailer that sits lower.

Why it made the shortlist

The Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight (10 inch) has a 10 inch drop, a 2.5 inch shank and a 12,500 lb towing capacity. It shares the live adjustment head and anti-sway technology wording of the other Weigh Safe models.

Against the Weigh Safe 8in above it adds two inches of drop, which matters on lifted trucks, and it keeps the same rating.

Measure the drop with the trailer level, since a 10 inch drop on the wrong truck leaves the ball too low.

What works

10 inch drop suits tall receivers
Live adjustment head with internal pivot
Anti-sway technology listed

Watch out for

Listing text mentions 2 inch receivers

The catch: The Andersen 2.5in 6in tops out at a smaller drop here but a higher gross rating.

Check price on Amazon

Best Short Drop · 4 of 5

Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight

6 inch drop, 2.5 inch shank
12,500 lb towing capacity
Live adjustment head

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Stock-height trucks

Our take

Best for a stock-height truck on a 2.5 inch receiver and a trailer rated under 12,500 lb.

Why it made the shortlist

The Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight (6 inch) has a 6 inch drop, a 2.5 inch shank and a 12,500 lb towing capacity. It has the same live adjustment head and anti-sway technology as the other Weigh Safe models.

It suits trucks whose receiver is closer to the coupler height.

What works

6 inch drop suits stock-height trucks
Head adjusts without removal
Clear drop and shank sizes in the title
Anti-sway technology listed

Watch out for

Listing text mentions 2 inch receivers

Check price on Amazon

Replacement Shank Only · 5 of 5

Curt Manufacturing 17132 Weight Distribution Hitch Replacement Shank

2.5 inch receiver, 8 inch drop
15,000 lb GTW, 1,500 lb tongue
Multiple head height holes

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Best for: CURT hitch owners

Our take

Best for a CURT hitch owner moving to a Class V receiver.

Why it made the shortlist

The CURT 17132 is a replacement shank for CURT weight distribution hitches. It fits a 2-1/2 inch receiver, has an 8 inch drop, and is rated for 15,000 lb gross trailer weight and 1,500 lb tongue weight with multiple holes for head height.

It is the right part if you already own a CURT weight distribution hitch and need a 2.5 inch, 8 inch drop shank.

Do not buy it expecting a complete hitch.

What works

Multiple holes adjust head height
Fits CURT weight distribution hitches
Rated for heavy loads

Watch out for

Shank only, no sway control
Needs a compatible CURT hitch head

Check price on Amazon

Methodology

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.

Decision guide

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.

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.

FAQ

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

The short version

Browse more class 5 sway control hitch 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 Class 5 Sway Control Hitch in 2026: A Practical RV Guide

Our top picks

The Rig Fit Check

What Matters Before You Choose a Class 5 Sway Control Hitch

Receiver and shank size

Drop and rise

Gross and tongue weight

Sway mechanism

Listing contradictions

Complete hitch or replacement part

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

The 5 best class 5 sway control hitch, explained

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

Weigh Safe True Tow Middleweight

Curt Manufacturing 17132 Weight Distribution Hitch Replacement Shank

How We Built This Shortlist

Shank size

Drop options

Rating statements

Sway method

Complete or part

Match a Class 5 Sway Control Hitch to Your RV

By Drop Needed

By Budget

Friction Cone vs Anti-Sway Head

By Rating Needed

For a Lifted Truck With a 2.5 Inch Receiver Specifically

When to Spend More

Before You Bring One Home

Is a Class 5 receiver always 2.5 inches?

What mistake do buyers make with drop?

Is the Andersen 2.5in 6in worth it over the Weigh Safe 6in?

How do I set up one of these hitches?

How do I maintain a weight distribution hitch?

The short version

Bowen Higgins

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