Also referred to as a ball mount, a Hitch Ball "ensures the proper connection between hitch and trailer." (www.hitchesonline.com)

Two products which have been manufactured and are considered "specialty items"are the sway control Hitch Ball mount and the anti rattle Hitch Ball mount. As the specific names denote the respective function, read and find out why they are considered specialty items.

Other specialty products include adjustable and cushioned Hitch Ball mounts and a self alignment kit.

Everyone has, at least once in their lifetime, been behind someone towing something and that something was all over the road. Fortunately, not all of us have had the experience of towing anything that was all over the road and made control of our own vehicle almost imposible. Circumstances that cause a tow to sway include "getting hit with a gust of wind, making a sharp turn, driving too fast or carrying an unbalanced load. A big part of the problem is that once a trailer begins to sway, it can be very difficult to make it stop swaying. Even an experienced driver can have problems getting a swaying trailer under control. To make matters worse, many drivers will try to regain control using their own vehicles' steering or brakes. Unfortunately, that usually contributes to more swaying." (www.auto.howstuffworks.com)

Sway control Ball Hitch mounts "help reduce trailer sway and hop. Trailer hop can jerk the tow vehicle. Trailer sway is sometimes called "fish tailing". At high speeds, trailer sway can become dangerous." (www.wikipedia.org)

These specialty Hitch Ball mounts are for minimum SAE Class III specification tow.

Another situation which is not dangerous but, instead, extremely annoying is to listen to the constant rattle of your equipment - especially, during a long tow.

The anti rattle Hitch Ball mount system "locks the hitch assembly in place from all four sides. The lifters are activated by a quick and easy to use stainless steel lever that locks in the up position firmly." (www.truckblog.com) "When the lever is rotated to the upright position four lifters extend from within the ball mount walls. The four lifters then engage the inner walls of your receiver hitch locking the ball mount in place stopping all movement and related noise." (www.quiethitch.com)

This specialty item is for use with a minimum SAE Class IV specification tow.

Adjustable Hitch Balls have been manufactured, primarily, for professionals and, "are perfect for those who tow multiple trailers of varying coupler heights. The ball mount can be used in the up or down position." (www.hiddenhitch.com)

This item has been "rated at 600 lbs. (TW) & 6,000 lbs. (GTW). (www.hiddenhitch.com) and may be used with a minimum SAE Class III specification tow.

As the name implies cushioned Hitch Ball mounts are cushioned in order to "reduce the "slams" and "bangs" associated with trailer towing during starting, stopping and rough highways. Reducing these jolts helps to protect your towing vehicle's driveline, hitch assembly and trailer contents." (www.hiddenhitch.com)

This is achieved by the "two heavy-duty polyurethane cushions in the rear retainer where the Cushioned ball mounts act as a shock absorber." (www.hiddenhitch.com)

In the specialty category section we find the solo Hitch Ball mount alignment system. This little gizmo will allow you to do just that - align the hitch system all by yourself. The self alignment system comes with "an integrated aligning system similar to forming a "V" to guide the trailer coupler on to the ball." (www.auto.howstuffworks.com) and a "magnetic base for fast and easy location and telescoping rods that adjust up to 42." (www.hiddenhitch.com)

The manufacturers assure simple and easy installation by beginners.