CURT Tri-Ball Hitch: One Mount, Three Trailer Sizes

The CURT Tri-Ball Hitch solves the ball-swapping headache that contractors face when towing different trailers. Three welded balls (1-7/8”, 2”, 2-5/16”) on a rotating mount mean you can switch from your utility trailer to your equipment hauler without hunting for the right ball or keeping a toolbox full of different sizes.

Worth it for contractors who tow multiple trailer types daily. The quick-switching design lets you rotate the mount to change ball sizes — no wrenches, no lost balls rolling around the truck bed. Skip it if you only pull one trailer. A single fixed ball costs less and weighs less.

Weight Ratings and Model Selection

The capacity changes with ball size, and that matters when you’re loading equipment:

Ball Size	Gross Trailer Weight	Tongue Weight
1-7/8”	5,000 lbs	500 lbs
2”	7,500 lbs	750 lbs
2-5/16”	10,000 lbs	1,000 lbs

CURT makes three versions, and the weight differences matter more than you’d think:

45001 Hollow Shank (10.78 lbs) — The lightweight option. Hollow shank option for reduced weight and anti-rattle kit compatibility. If you run an anti-rattle system to eliminate that annoying clunk at every stop sign, this is your model. The hollow design shaves 8 pounds off the solid version.

45650 Solid Shank (19.0 lbs) — Standard duty workhorse. No frills, just a chunk of welded steel that’ll outlast your truck. Dual-length shank holes for 7-inch and 8.5-inch spacing accommodate different receiver setups.

45799 Adjustable (45.41 lbs) — The beast. Adjustable model allows for 5.75-inch rise or drop. At 45 pounds, you’ll feel it when you’re moving it around. But if you’re pulling a low deck trailer and a tall equipment hauler, the adjustability saves you from buying multiple ball mounts.

Installation and Daily Use

Installation takes 30 seconds: Insert shank into 2-inch receiver opening. Align pin holes (select desired length). Insert 5/8-inch hitch pin and secure with clip. Rotate to select the ball size matching the trailer coupler.

Universal fit for 2-inch receiver hitches means it works with any Class III or IV setup — standard on most half-ton and larger trucks. Requires a 5/8-inch hitch pin (standard size), though pin/clip usually sold separately for fixed models. The adjustable model includes shank, tri-ball head, and three 5/8-inch pins with clips.

High-strength welded steel construction handles Montana’s temperature swings. The Gloss Black Powder Coat (Shank) and Chrome Plated (Balls) finish resists corrosion from road salt and gravel dust. Customer reviews average 4.8/5 stars, with pros citing convenience of multiple balls, very sturdy construction, good finish durability.

The main complaint? Solid shank models are quite heavy. No surprise there — you’re hauling around three trailer balls instead of one. But for contractors switching between utility trailers, equipment haulers, and maybe a boat on weekends, the convenience beats wrestling with different balls.

Ideal for towing multiple trailers with different coupler sizes hits the nail on the head. Professional and recreational towing applications covers everyone from landscape contractors to weekend warriors. If you’re tired of the ball-swap dance, CURT’s Tri-Ball design delivers exactly what it promises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What weight can the CURT Tri-Ball Hitch handle?

The CURT Tri-Ball Hitch capacity depends on which ball you’re using: 1-7/8” ball handles 5,000 lbs GTW with 500 lbs tongue weight, 2” ball handles 7,500 lbs GTW with 750 lbs tongue weight, and 2-5/16” ball handles 10,000 lbs GTW with 1,000 lbs tongue weight. All three balls are permanently welded to the mount for security and strength.

Q: How much does the CURT Tri-Ball weigh and which model should I get?

CURT makes three versions with significant weight differences: the 45001 Hollow Shank weighs 10.78 lbs and works with anti-rattle kits, the 45650 Solid Shank weighs 19.0 lbs for standard duty use, and the 45799 Adjustable model weighs 45.41 lbs but offers 5.75-inch rise or drop adjustment. The hollow shank saves 8 pounds over the solid version if weight matters for your application.

Q: Do I need any special tools to switch between ball sizes on the CURT Tri-Ball?

No tools needed — the CURT Tri-Ball uses a quick-switching design where you simply rotate the mount to change ball sizes. Installation requires only inserting the 2-inch shank into your receiver, aligning the pin holes, and securing with a standard 5/8-inch hitch pin and clip (pin/clip sold separately on fixed models but included with the adjustable model).

Q: What’s included when I buy a CURT Tri-Ball Hitch?

The fixed models (45001 and 45650) include the tri-ball mount with three permanently welded chrome-plated balls but require you to buy the hitch pin and clip separately. The adjustable model (45799) includes the shank, tri-ball head, and three 5/8-inch pins with clips — everything you need for installation.

Q: What kind of warranty does CURT offer on their Tri-Ball Hitches?

CURT provides a Limited Lifetime Warranty that covers structural defects for life, with 1-year coverage for the finish and specific parts. The hitches are V-5 Industry Tested and SAE J684 Compliant, meeting professional towing safety standards.

Q: Will the CURT Tri-Ball fit my truck’s hitch receiver?

The CURT Tri-Ball has a 2-inch x 2-inch shank that fits all standard Class III and IV receiver hitches. Fixed models (45001 and 45650) feature dual-length shank holes for 7-inch and 8.5-inch spacing to accommodate different receiver setups.