When you need a 4 inch drop hitch for your tow truck, you need something that can handle heavy loads and frequent use. We researched, compared, and evaluated the top models on the market using manufacturer specifications, industry safety standards, and aggregated owner feedback. Our guide breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of each hitch to help you choose the right one for your rig.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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CURT 45700 Class 5 4-Inch Drop Hitch Top Pick 2-1/2 inch receiver, 4 inch drop, 9,000 lb GTW, 1,200 lb tongue weight |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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B&W Trailer Hitches Tow & Stow 4-Inch Drop Best for Quick Adjustment 2-1/2 inch receiver, 4 inch drop, 10,000 lb GTW, 1,200 lb tongue weight |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Reese Towpower 70314 4-Inch Drop Hitch Best Value 2 inch receiver, 4 inch drop, 6,000 lb GTW, 600 lb tongue weight |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Draw-Tite 41920 4-Inch Drop Hitch Solid All-Rounder 2 inch receiver, 4 inch drop, 6,000 lb GTW, 600 lb tongue weight |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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MaxxHaul 70070 4-Inch Drop Hitch Budget Pick 2 inch receiver, 4 inch drop, 5,000 lb GTW, 500 lb tongue weight |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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CURT 45701 Class 5 4-Inch Drop Hitch with Ball All-in-One Solution 2-1/2 inch receiver, 4 inch drop, 9,000 lb GTW, 1,200 lb tongue weight, includes 2-5/16 inch ball |
7.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Buyers Products BH40 4-Inch Drop Hitch Commercial Grade 2 inch receiver, 4 inch drop, 10,000 lb GTW, 1,000 lb tongue weight |
7.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. CURT 45700 Class 5 4-Inch Drop Hitch: Top Pick
The CURT 45700 is a Class 5 4-inch drop hitch built for heavy-duty towing. In our evaluation, its forged steel construction and tight tolerances impressed us. Owner feedback consistently highlights its wobble-free fit and durable powder coat finish. The included 2 inch reducer sleeve adds versatility for different receiver sizes. This hitch can handle up to 9,000 pounds gross trailer weight with a 1,200 pound tongue weight, making it suitable for many tow trucks.
However, this hitch is on the heavier side, which might be a minor inconvenience for frequent swapping. If you need a lighter option for occasional use, consider a smaller Class 4 hitch. The CURT 45700 is best for commercial or heavy recreational use where durability is paramount.
- Fits 2-1/2 inch receivers with included 2 inch reducer sleeve
- High-strength forged steel with corrosion-resistant black powder coat
- Rust-resistant stainless steel hitch pin included
Pros: Excellent build quality with no wobble; Versatile fitment with reducer sleeve
Cons: Heavier than some competitors
2. B&W Trailer Hitches Tow & Stow 4-Inch Drop: Best for Quick Adjustment
The B&W Tow & Stow 4-Inch Drop hitch stands out for its innovative design that allows the ball mount to fold up and out of the way when not towing. We researched owner reviews and found near-universal praise for its ease of use and time-saving features. The pull pin adjustment lets you change drop height without tools. It fits 2-1/2 inch receivers and can handle up to 10,000 pounds GTW.
On the downside, the hinge mechanism has more parts that could wear over time. Some owners reported needing to grease the pivot occasionally. If you prefer a simpler, no-moving-parts design, a solid one-piece hitch might be better. But for those who need to frequently switch between towing and parking, this is a top choice.
- Patented stow-and-go design folds away when not in use
- Tool-free adjustment with pull pin
- No tools needed for ball mount changes
Pros: Convenient stowaway design saves space; Tool-free adjustment is quick and easy
Cons: More moving parts may require occasional lubrication
3. Reese Towpower 70314 4-Inch Drop Hitch: Best Value
The Reese Towpower 70314 is a budget-friendly 4-inch drop hitch that doesn’t skimp on basic quality. In our comparison, it offers reliable performance for lighter tow trucks or smaller trailers. The forged steel shank and ball mount are solid, and the black powder coat provides decent rust protection. Owner feedback indicates it fits snugly in 2 inch receivers with minimal play. With a 6,000 pound GTW rating, it’s adequate for many utility trailers and boat trailers.
However, this hitch is only compatible with 2 inch receivers, so owners of newer trucks with 2-1/2 inch receivers will need an adapter. Also, the 600 pound tongue weight limit is lower than some competitors. If you tow heavy loads frequently, you may want a higher-rated hitch. But for occasional light towing, the Reese 70314 offers great value.
- Solid forged steel construction
- Black powder coat finish for corrosion resistance
- Includes 5/8 inch hitch pin and clip
Pros: Very affordable for the quality; Suitable for light to medium towing
Cons: Limited to 2 inch receivers only
4. Draw-Tite 41920 4-Inch Drop Hitch: Solid All-Rounder
The Draw-Tite 41920 is a straightforward 4-inch drop hitch with a one-piece forged steel shank and ball mount platform. We evaluated its specs and found it meets industry standards for Class 4 towing. Owner reviews note that it fits well and doesn’t rattle. The black powder coat holds up well against road salt and moisture. It’s a no-frills option that gets the job done.
One limitation is that you need to buy a trailer ball separately, which adds to the total cost. Also, the 6,000 pound rating is moderate. If you need higher capacity, look elsewhere. This hitch is best for those who already have a ball and want a reliable, affordable drop hitch for occasional towing.
- One-piece forged steel design for strength
- Corrosion-resistant black finish
- Fits standard 2 inch receiver tubes
Pros: Simple and strong one-piece construction; Good corrosion resistance
Cons: No ball mount included; must purchase separately
5. MaxxHaul 70070 4-Inch Drop Hitch: Budget Pick
The MaxxHaul 70070 is an entry-level 4-inch drop hitch aimed at light-duty towing. In our research, we found it to be a cost-effective solution for small trailers, jet skis, or lightweight utility trailers. The all-steel construction is adequate for occasional use, and the included hitch pin adds value. Owner feedback is generally positive for the price, though some mention the paint can chip over time.
However, the 5,000 pound GTW and 500 pound tongue weight limits are lower than most competitors. This hitch is not suitable for heavy tow trucks or large trailers. If you need to tow anything substantial, skip this one. It’s best for very light, infrequent towing where budget is the primary concern.
- All-steel construction with black powder coat
- Includes hitch pin and clip
- Lightweight design for easy handling
Pros: Very low price point; Lightweight and easy to install
Cons: Lower weight capacity limits use; Some reports of paint chipping
6. CURT 45701 Class 5 4-Inch Drop Hitch with Ball: All-in-One Solution
The CURT 45701 is essentially the same hitch as the 45700 but comes with a 2-5/16 inch ball pre-installed. This is convenient if you need that ball size, and the hitch retains the same high-quality forged steel construction and 9,000 pound capacity. Owner feedback mirrors the 45700: tight fit, durable finish, and wobble-free towing. The reducer sleeve allows use in 2 inch receivers.
The downside is that the included ball might not be the size you need. If you tow trailers with a 2 inch coupler, you’ll have to swap the ball. Also, the all-in-one price is higher than buying the hitch and ball separately. Consider your typical trailer requirements before choosing this model.
- Includes a pre-installed 2-5/16 inch trailer ball
- Fits 2-1/2 inch receivers with reducer sleeve
- Forged steel with rust-resistant finish
Pros: Convenient all-in-one package; High weight capacity
Cons: Ball size may not suit all trailers; Higher price than hitch-only options
7. Buyers Products BH40 4-Inch Drop Hitch: Commercial Grade
The Buyers Products BH40 is a commercial-grade 4-inch drop hitch with a 10,000 pound GTW rating, one of the highest in this category. We researched its specs and found it’s built for heavy-duty use. The forged steel shank and zinc plating provide excellent durability. Owner feedback from commercial users is positive, noting it holds up well under constant use.
However, this hitch is only for 2 inch receivers, which may limit its use with newer trucks. Also, it’s harder to find and typically costs more than comparable hitches. If you need a heavy-duty hitch for a 2 inch receiver and don’t mind the premium, this is a solid choice. For most users, a more versatile option with a reducer sleeve might be better.
- Heavy-duty forged steel with zinc plating
- High gross trailer weight rating
- Designed for commercial applications
Pros: Very high weight capacity for its class; Rugged zinc finish resists corrosion
Cons: Only fits 2 inch receivers; Limited availability and higher price
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 4 drop hitch mean?
A 4 drop hitch means the ball mount platform is positioned 4 inches below the receiver tube centerline. This is used to level the trailer when the tow vehicle is higher than the trailer coupler. For tow trucks, which often sit high, a 4 inch drop helps achieve a level towing angle.
How do I know if I need a 4 inch drop hitch?
Measure the height from the ground to the center of your receiver tube, then measure the height from the ground to the center of your trailer coupler. Subtract the coupler height from the receiver height. If the difference is around 4 inches, a 4 drop hitch will level your trailer. Always verify with a tape measure.
Can I use a 4 drop hitch on a 2-1/2 inch receiver?
Yes, if the hitch includes a reducer sleeve or is designed for 2-1/2 inch receivers. Some hitches like the CURT 45700 come with a sleeve that lets them fit both 2 and 2-1/2 inch receivers. Check the product specs before buying.
What is the weight capacity I need for my tow truck?
It depends on the trailer you tow. For a typical tow truck towing a car trailer, a hitch with at least 8,000 to 10,000 pounds GTW and 1,000 pounds tongue weight is recommended. Always exceed your trailer’s gross weight rating to ensure a safety margin.
Are adjustable drop hitches better than fixed?
Adjustable hitches offer flexibility if you tow different trailers with varying coupler heights. However, they have more moving parts that can wear. Fixed drop hitches are simpler, lighter, and often more durable. Choose based on your towing needs.
Our Verdict
After researching and comparing the top 4 drop hitches, our top pick is the CURT 45700 for its excellent build quality, high weight capacity, and versatile fitment. For those who need quick adjustment and storage convenience, the B&W Tow & Stow is a strong runner-up. Choose based on your specific towing needs and budget.
