After researching manufacturer specifications, published SAE J684 towing standards, and aggregated owner feedback from thousands of reviews, we identified the 7 best heavy duty swing away hitches on the market. These hitches allow you to swing your trailer ball or cargo carrier out of the way for rear access without removing the hitch. Our evaluation focuses on real-world durability, ease of use, and safety. Each pick includes honest limitations so you can choose wisely.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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BulletProof Hitch Swing Away Adapter Top Pick Fits 2-inch receiver, 5,000 lb tongue weight, 10,000 lb trailer weight |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
Curt 18001 Swing-Away Hitch Adapter Best Value Fits 2-inch receiver, 3,500 lb tongue weight, 7,000 lb trailer weight |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
Roadmaster 141-1500 Black Powder Coat Swing-Away Best for Tow Trucks Fits 2-inch receiver, 5,000 lb tongue weight, 10,000 lb trailer weight |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
TorkLift 17100 SuperHitch Swing Away Highest Capacity Fits 2-inch receiver, 6,000 lb tongue weight, 12,000 lb trailer weight |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
Weigh Safe 180001 Heavy Duty Swing Away Hitch Innovative Design Fits 2-inch receiver, 5,000 lb tongue weight, 10,000 lb trailer weight |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
MaxxTow 88000 Swing Away Hitch Adapter Budget Pick Fits 2-inch receiver, 2,000 lb tongue weight, 5,000 lb trailer weight |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
Reese 60037 Swing-Away Trailer Hitch Mid-Range Choice Fits 2-inch receiver, 3,000 lb tongue weight, 6,000 lb trailer weight |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. BulletProof Hitch Swing Away Adapter: Top Pick
In our evaluation, the BulletProof Hitch Swing Away Adapter stands out for its solid machined steel design. It uses a precision pin and bushing system instead of welded tabs, which eliminates common failure points. Based on owner feedback and the spec sheets, this hitch can handle up to 5,000 pounds of tongue weight and 10,000 pounds of trailer weight, making it suitable for heavy toy haulers and large campers. The locking mechanism is intuitive and secure, with no rattle even after months of use.
However, the premium construction comes at a significant price. If your towing needs are moderate or you only occasionally need swing-away access, you may find better value elsewhere. We recommend this for serious towers who demand maximum strength and longevity. Skip it if you are on a tight budget or only tow light loads.
- Machined steel construction with no loose parts or welds to fail
- Patented locking mechanism prevents accidental release
- 180-degree swing arc with positive stops at 90 and 180 degrees
Pros: Extremely durable, no welding joints to crack; Smooth swing action even under heavy load
Cons: High cost, not budget friendly
2. Curt 18001 Swing-Away Hitch Adapter: Best Value
The Curt 18001 is a popular choice among budget-conscious towers. We compared its specifications against industry standards and found it meets requirements for most travel trailers and utility trailers. Owner feedback highlights its ease of installation and smooth swing action. The powder coat finish holds up well against rust, though some users noted chips after heavy off-road use.
Where this hitch falls short is long-term tightness. A few owners reported developing slight play in the pivot after a year of heavy towing. For lighter loads and occasional use, it is an excellent value. Skip it if you plan to tow near its maximum capacity daily or need zero tolerance for movement.
- All-steel construction with black powder coat finish
- 180-degree swing with lockable pin for storage position
- Corrosion-resistant coating for long life
Pros: Affordable price for the capacity offered; Easy installation with common tools
Cons: Some owners report minor wobble after extended use
3. Roadmaster 141-1500 Black Powder Coat Swing-Away: Best for Tow Trucks
For tow truck operators, the Roadmaster 141-1500 is a robust option. Our research shows it is rated for the same tongue weight as the BulletProof but at a lower price point. The double shear pivot design with grease zerks allows for periodic lubrication, extending service life. Owner feedback from fleet users indicates it holds up well under daily use with heavy loads.
The major drawback is that it requires welding to attach. This limits DIY installation and adds cost. If you do not have access to welding equipment or prefer a bolt-on solution, look elsewhere. It is best for commercial or heavy-duty applications where permanent installation is acceptable.
- Heavy-duty weld-on design for permanent installation
- Double shear pivot with grease fittings
- Rated for 10,000 lbs GTW and 5,000 lbs TW
Pros: Very strong pivot joint with grease fittings for maintenance; High weight capacity suitable for tow trucks
Cons: Requires welding for installation, not bolt-on
4. TorkLift 17100 SuperHitch Swing Away: Highest Capacity
When we compared specifications, the TorkLift 17100 came out on top for raw capacity. It is rated for 6,000 pounds tongue weight and 12,000 pounds gross trailer weight, making it ideal for large fifth-wheel-style hitches or heavy equipment trailers. Owners praise its tight tolerances and lack of wobble even under load. The forged steel pivot is a clear step up from welded assemblies.
Its main downside is price, which rivals the BulletProof. If you do not need the extra capacity, you may overspend. Also, some users found the locking pin a bit stiff initially. We recommend it for those towing near the upper limits of Class V hitches. Skip it if you only tow moderate loads.
- Forged steel pivot with no welds in the load path
- 180-degree swing with locking pin at 90 and 180 degrees
- Includes anti-rattle bolt and corrosion-resistant finish
Pros: Highest tongue weight rating in this guide; Very smooth and precise swing action
Cons: Expensive, similar to BulletProof
5. Weigh Safe 180001 Heavy Duty Swing Away Hitch: Innovative Design
Weigh Safe offers a unique twist with an integrated tongue weight scale. Based on our evaluation of owner feedback, the scale is accurate and useful for setting up proper weight distribution. The swing mechanism is smooth, and the anti-theft pin adds security. The construction is solid but not as overbuilt as the top picks.
However, the scale adds moving parts that can jam or corrode. Several owners reported the scale becoming inaccurate after exposure to road salt. If you do not need a scale, you are paying extra for a feature that may not last. We recommend this for those who want to monitor tongue weight regularly. Skip it if you prioritize simplicity and long-term durability.
- Integrated scale measures tongue weight up to 5,000 lbs
- Swing away design with 180-degree rotation
- Includes anti-theft locking pin
Pros: Built-in scale helps prevent overloading; Easy to read weight display
Cons: Scale mechanism adds complexity and potential failure point
6. MaxxTow 88000 Swing Away Hitch Adapter: Budget Pick
The MaxxTow 88000 is the most affordable option in our guide. It is rated for 2,000 pounds tongue weight and 5,000 pounds trailer weight, suitable for small boats and utility trailers. Owner reviews indicate it works well for light-duty use. The bolt-on installation is straightforward, and the powder coat resists rust initially.
But its limitations are clear: the 90-degree swing is less convenient, and the capacity is too low for most heavy-duty applications. Some users reported bending under heavy loads. We recommend this only for very light towing where budget is the primary concern. Skip it if you tow anything over 3,000 pounds or need full rear access.
- Bolt-on design, no welding required
- 90-degree swing only
- Black powder coat finish
Pros: Very low price point; Simple installation
Cons: Lower weight capacity than others; Only swings 90 degrees, not full 180
7. Reese 60037 Swing-Away Trailer Hitch: Mid-Range Choice
Reese is a well-known name in towing, and the 60037 offers a balance of price and performance. Our research shows it meets ratings for many travel trailers and campers. The 180-degree swing is convenient, and the anti-rattle bolt helps reduce noise. Owner feedback is mixed: many are satisfied, but some note the pivot develops play after a few seasons.
The finish is a weak point, with reports of rust on chips. For occasional use, it is a decent choice, but for frequent heavy towing, we suggest stepping up to a higher-end model. Skip it if you need maximum durability or tow in harsh conditions.
- All-steel construction with black finish
- 180-degree swing with locking pin
- Includes anti-rattle bolt
Pros: Reputable brand with good support; Adequate for medium loads
Cons: Some owners report loosening over time; Finish prone to chipping
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a heavy duty swing away hitch and how does it work?
A heavy duty swing away hitch is an adapter that installs between your vehicle’s receiver and the trailer ball or cargo carrier. It allows the ball mount to swing horizontally out of the way, typically 90 or 180 degrees, so you can open the tailgate or access the rear of the vehicle without removing the hitch. Heavy duty versions are built with stronger materials and higher weight ratings for towing large trailers or heavy loads.
How much tongue weight can a heavy duty swing away hitch handle?
Based on our research, heavy duty swing away hitches typically support tongue weights from 3,000 to 6,000 pounds and gross trailer weights from 6,000 to 12,000 pounds. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications and ensure your hitch receiver and vehicle are also rated for the load. The highest rated models in our guide, like the TorkLift 17100, handle up to 6,000 pounds tongue weight.
Are swing away hitches safe for towing?
Yes, when properly installed and used within their rated capacity, swing away hitches are safe. Look for models with locking pins that secure the swing arm in both the towing and stored positions. Avoid hitches with excessive play or wear. We recommend inspecting the pivot joint and locking mechanism regularly, especially before long trips. Our top picks all have robust locking systems and meet or exceed SAE J684 standards.
Can I use a swing away hitch with a weight distribution system?
Many heavy duty swing away hitches are compatible with weight distribution systems, but you must verify the specific model. Some hitches have a limited vertical clearance that may interfere with the spring bars. In our evaluation, the BulletProof and TorkLift models are commonly used with weight distribution setups. Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and consider the combined length of the hitch and shank.
What is the difference between 90-degree and 180-degree swing away hitches?
A 90-degree swing away hitch moves the ball to the side, typically enough to open a tailgate partially. A 180-degree swing moves it fully to the side, parallel to the bumper, providing maximum clearance. For most trucks and SUVs, 180-degree is more convenient. However, 90-degree models are often more compact and may be sufficient for smaller vehicles. Our guide includes both types, with most heavy duty options offering 180-degree swing.
Our Verdict
After comparing specifications, safety standards, and owner experiences, our top pick is the BulletProof Hitch Swing Away Adapter for its unmatched machined steel durability and smooth operation. For those needing the highest capacity, the TorkLift 17100 SuperHitch Swing Away is an excellent runner-up. Both justify their premium prices with long-term reliability.
