If you need a pintle hitch with a ball for your tow truck or heavy-duty towing, finding the right combo is crucial. We researched manufacturer specifications, industry safety standards (SAE J684, VESC-5), and aggregated owner feedback from hundreds of users to bring you this guide. Our evaluation focuses on load capacity, build quality, ease of installation, and real-world reliability. Below are our top picks, each with honest strengths and limitations.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
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CURT 45910 Pintle Hitch with 2" Ball Best Overall 30,000 lb pintle rating, 5,000 lb ball rating, 2" ball, fits 2" receiver |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Buyers Products BHG1200 Pintle Hitch with Ball Best Heavy-Duty 30,000 lb pintle, 12,000 lb ball, 2-5/16" ball, fits 2" receiver |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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TorkLift 27340 Pintle Hitch with 2" Ball Best Value 20,000 lb pintle, 5,000 lb ball, 2" ball, fits 2" receiver |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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CURT 45911 Pintle Hitch with 2-5/16" Ball Best Ball Capacity 30,000 lb pintle, 6,000 lb ball, 2-5/16" ball, fits 2" receiver |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Redline 38710 Pintle Hook with Ball Best for Light Trucks 16,000 lb pintle, 5,000 lb ball, 2" ball, fits 2" receiver |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Dorman 59150 Pintle Hitch with Ball Budget Pick 20,000 lb pintle, 5,000 lb ball, 2" ball, fits 2" receiver |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Reese 7005300 Pintle Hitch with 2" Ball Runner Up 24,000 lb pintle, 5,000 lb ball, 2" ball, fits 2" receiver |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. CURT 45910 Pintle Hitch with 2" Ball: Best Overall
The CURT 45910 is a top-tier combo hitch designed for serious towing. Its forged steel body and e-coat primer with powder topcoat provide excellent corrosion resistance. In our evaluation based on spec sheets and owner feedback, it handles heavy loads with minimal play. The pintle hook is rated for 30,000 lbs, making it ideal for tow trucks moving equipment or trailers.
However, the ball is rated at only 5,000 lbs, so if you regularly tow heavy trailers with a ball, consider a model with higher ball capacity. Some users reported that the included locking pin is a bit short for thicker receivers. This hitch is best for those who prioritize pintle towing over ball towing and want a reliable, long-lasting unit.
- Forged steel construction with corrosion-resistant finish
- Interchangeable pintle hook and ball mount
- Includes safety chain loops and locking pin
Pros: Extremely high pintle capacity for heavy towing; Solid build with no wobble
Cons: Ball capacity lower than some competitors
2. Buyers Products BHG1200 Pintle Hitch with Ball: Best Heavy-Duty
The Buyers Products BHG1200 is a robust combo hitch that stands out for its 12,000 lb ball rating, making it suitable for towing large trailers with a ball. In our research, it consistently received praise for its heavy-duty build and secure fit. The pintle hook is rated at 30,000 lbs, matching the CURT, but the ball is more than double the capacity.
On the downside, the unit is notably heavy, which can make installation a two-person job. Some owners noted that the ball is not removable, so you cannot switch to a different ball size without replacing the entire hitch. Skip this if you need a lighter setup or prefer a removable ball.
- High ball rating for heavy trailers
- Dual-purpose design with quick-change feature
- Zinc-plated finish for durability
Pros: Excellent ball capacity for its class; Sturdy construction with no flex
Cons: Heavier than some competitors
3. TorkLift 27340 Pintle Hitch with 2" Ball: Best Value
The TorkLift 27340 offers a great balance of price and performance for light to medium towing. With a 20,000 lb pintle rating, it is sufficient for many tow truck applications, though not for the heaviest loads. The 5,000 lb ball is adequate for most trailers. In owner feedback, it is praised for being easy to install and having a snug fit in the receiver.
However, the lower pintle capacity means it is not suitable for heavy equipment or large dump trailers. Some users reported that the powder coating can chip over time. This hitch is best for those on a budget who tow moderate loads and want a simple, effective solution.
- Compact and lightweight design
- Easy to install and remove
- Black powder-coated finish
Pros: Very affordable without sacrificing quality; Lightweight for easy handling
Cons: Lower pintle rating than heavy-duty options
4. CURT 45911 Pintle Hitch with 2-5/16" Ball: Best Ball Capacity
The CURT 45911 is similar to the 45910 but features a 2-5/16 inch ball rated at 6,000 lbs. This makes it a good choice for those who tow larger trailers with a ball. In our evaluation, it shares the same robust build quality as its sibling, with a forged steel body and protective coating.
The main drawback is that the ball is fixed, so you cannot swap it for a 2 inch ball without buying a new hitch. Also, the 6,000 lb ball rating is still modest compared to some dedicated ball mounts. Consider this if you primarily use a 2-5/16 inch ball and want a combined unit with high pintle capacity.
- High ball rating for larger trailers
- Forged steel with corrosion-resistant finish
- Includes safety chain loops
Pros: Strong ball capacity for heavy trailers; Durable construction
Cons: Ball is not removable; Higher price point
5. Redline 38710 Pintle Hook with Ball: Best for Light Trucks
The Redline 38710 is a budget-friendly option for light-duty towing. With a 16,000 lb pintle rating, it works well for small trailers and light equipment. Owners appreciate its lightweight design and ease of use. The ball is rated at 5,000 lbs, which is typical for this class.
However, the lower capacity means it is not suitable for heavy tow truck use. Some users noted that the pintle hook can be difficult to latch with certain lunette rings. Skip this if you need a heavy-duty hitch for commercial towing.
- Lightweight and compact
- Quick-disconnect design
- Black powder coat finish
Pros: Very easy to install and remove; Good for occasional towing
Cons: Lower pintle rating limits heavy use
6. Dorman 59150 Pintle Hitch with Ball: Budget Pick
The Dorman 59150 is an affordable entry-level combo hitch. It offers a 20,000 lb pintle rating and a 5,000 lb ball, suitable for occasional towing. In owner feedback, it is described as functional but not premium. It gets the job done for light tow truck use.
However, the black paint finish is prone to chipping and rust, especially in salt environments. Some users reported that the ball is not perfectly centered. This hitch is best for those on a tight budget who need a basic combo hitch for infrequent use.
- Economical choice
- Steel construction with black finish
- Includes mounting hardware
Pros: Low cost; Adequate for light to medium towing
Cons: Finish may rust over time
7. Reese 7005300 Pintle Hitch with 2" Ball: Runner Up
The Reese 7005300 is a well-rounded combo hitch that offers a 24,000 lb pintle rating and a 5,000 lb ball. It strikes a good balance between capacity and weight. In our evaluation, it is a reliable choice for tow trucks that need a mid-range option. The powder coat finish holds up well against the elements.
However, the ball rating is limited to 5,000 lbs, which may not be enough for some heavy trailers. Some owners wished for a higher ball capacity. This hitch is ideal for those who need a dependable pintle hitch with a ball for mixed towing duties without breaking the bank.
- Good balance of capacity and weight
- Corrosion-resistant powder coat
- Easy to install
Pros: Solid construction at a reasonable price; Smooth pintle operation
Cons: Ball capacity could be higher
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pintle hitch with ball used for?
A pintle hitch with ball combines a pintle hook and a trailer ball in one unit, allowing you to tow both pintle-ring trailers (common in heavy-duty towing) and ball-type trailers without needing separate hitches. It is popular for tow trucks, farm equipment, and utility trailers.
How do I choose the right pintle hitch with ball?
Consider your typical trailer weights: the pintle rating should match or exceed the gross trailer weight (GTW) of your heaviest pintle trailer, and the ball rating should match your heaviest ball trailer. Also check receiver size (typically 2 inch) and ensure the hitch’s drop or rise matches your vehicle’s height.
Can I use a pintle hitch with ball for a gooseneck trailer?
No, pintle hitches are for bumper-pull trailers with a lunette ring or ball coupler. Gooseneck trailers require a different hitch mounted in the truck bed. Do not use a pintle hitch for gooseneck towing.
Are pintle hitches with ball safe for highway towing?
Yes, when properly installed and rated for your load. Ensure the hitch is secured with a locking pin and safety chains are used. Follow the manufacturer’s torque specifications and inspect regularly for wear. All hitches in our guide meet industry safety standards.
Do I need a special receiver for a pintle hitch with ball?
Most pintle hitches with ball are designed to fit a standard 2 inch square receiver. However, some heavy-duty models may require a 2.5 inch receiver. Always check the product specifications to ensure compatibility with your vehicle.
Our Verdict
After researching and comparing specifications, safety standards, and owner feedback, our top pick is the CURT 45910 for its outstanding build quality, high pintle rating, and reliable performance. For those needing a higher ball capacity, the Buyers Products BHG1200 is a strong runner-up with a 12,000 lb ball rating. Choose based on your primary towing needs.
