Adjustable Ball Mount With Shock Absorption To Reduce Bouncing and Jerking With Skid Steer Trailer

Published 10/20/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Air Safe Shock Absorbing Ball Mount w/ Ball - 2.5" Hitch - 2.5" drop/5.25" Rise - 14K

$1700.88

Air Safe Shock Absorbing Ball Mount w/ Ball - 2" Hitch - 2.5" drop/5.25" Rise - 14K

$1680.93

Question:

I run a small excavation business and pull a skid steer on a tandem axle equipment trailer with my 2022 Silverado 2500HD. I'm usually around 10,000 lbs total and every bump feels like its going straight through the truck. I've already upgraded the shocks but it hasn't made much difference. Is there something I can do at the hitch itself?

asked by: Travis

Expert Reply:

Hey Travis!

Yes, a shock-absorbing ball mount would be a great option, and I'd recommend looking at the Air Safe # AS23FR for a 2" receiver or # AS45FR for a 2-1/2" receiver.

Both use an adjustable air bag to cushion the connection between your truck and trailer, which helps reduce the harsh impacts that your trucks suspension alone cant eliminate. They also both have 2-5/16" balls but you can swap different balls on if you want.

They're rated for 14,000 lbs of towing, but the maximum tongue weight is 1,050 lbs. With a 10,000-lb equipment trailer, this setup should be plenty, but I always recommend double checking your tongue weight to make sure you aren't exceeding anything. Air Safe does have higher rated systems if you do need something bigger.

Do you know your actual loaded tongue weight?

expert reply by: Andrew N