Heavy-duty precision-machined aircraft-grade aluminum ball mount for 2-1/2" receivers. 8" drop / 8" rise. Includes 2" and 2-5/16" chrome-plated dual hitch balls. Single-pin tool-free height adjustment. 8,000 lb GTW with 2" ball / 18,000 lb GTW with 2-5/16" ball. Ideal for HD trucks towing heavy trailers with lower couplers.
The Fastway Flash Simple HD is the heavy-duty version of the Flash Simple line — built on the same precision-machined aircraft-grade aluminum platform with the same single-pin tool-free adjustment and hand-polished mirror finish, but sized for 2-1/2" hitch receivers and the significantly higher towing demands that go with them. The 42-99-2825 is the 8" drop / 8" rise version, well suited for HD trucks towing heavier trailers with lower coupler heights that need greater drop to achieve a level ride.
With the 2-5/16" hitch ball, the Flash Simple HD is rated for up to 18,000 lb GTW — the same ceiling as the 6" HD model (42-99-2625), with an additional 2" of drop to accommodate setups where the trailer coupler sits lower relative to the truck's receiver. The symmetrical 8" drop and 8" rise means the mount performs identically in either orientation. Like all Flash Simple models, both a 2" and 2-5/16" chrome-plated hitch ball are included on the reversible ball platform, making trailer switchovers fast without carrying extra hardware.
Rated for up to 18,000 lb GTW with the 2-5/16" ball — the full heavy-duty capacity of the Flash Simple HD family
Solid billet aircraft-grade aluminum — stronger and longer-lasting than other aluminum mounts at roughly half the weight of steel
Pull the pin, slide to height, re-lock — no tools needed at any step of the height adjustment process
Both 2" and 2-5/16" chrome-plated balls included — reversible ball platform for fast, tool-free trailer switchovers
The Flash Simple HD 42-99-2825 is a ball mount — it connects your tow vehicle to your trailer and holds the hitch ball securely. It does not provide weight distribution or trailer sway control. At higher GTW ratings — particularly for trailers in the upper range of this mount's 18,000 lb ceiling — tongue weight can cause significant rear sag on the tow vehicle, reducing steering control, braking effectiveness, and front-axle traction. A ball mount alone does not address this. For heavy trailers where this is a concern, a weight distribution hitch is the appropriate solution. Fastway offers the e2™ Weight Distribution Hitch series for these applications. Always consult your tow vehicle's owner's manual for its maximum tongue weight and whether a weight distribution hitch is required before towing at or near rated capacity.
Selecting the correct drop ensures your trailer tows level — critical for safe handling, even tire wear, and hitch longevity. Step 1: Measure your tow vehicle's receiver opening height from the ground — on level ground with the vehicle loaded as it will be while towing. Step 2: Measure your trailer's coupler height from the ground — with the trailer loaded as it will be while towing. Step 3: Subtract the coupler height from the receiver height. The result is your required drop. Example: Receiver at 25" — Coupler at 17" = 8" drop → 42-99-2825 is the correct choice. The 42-99-2825 also functions as an 8" rise when flipped upside down — symmetrical in both orientations.
Installation Steps: 1. Confirm Drop Size: Measure receiver height and coupler height to confirm 8" drop (or 8" rise) is correct for your vehicle-trailer combination 2. Select Ball: Choose the 2" or 2-5/16" ball side of the reversible ball platform based on your trailer's coupler size 3. Set Height: Pull the stainless steel pin, slide the ball platform to your desired height, and re-insert the pin to lock 4. Insert into Receiver: Slide the shank into your 2-1/2" hitch receiver and secure with a hitch pin and clip (Fastway HD Dual Lock Pack recommended — sold separately) 5. Connect Trailer: Lower your trailer coupler onto the hitch ball and secure the coupler latch 6. Verify Level: Confirm the trailer is riding level before towing Never exceed the rated GTW or tongue weight for the ball mount, hitch ball, receiver hitch, or tow vehicle. For heavy trailers near rated capacity, verify whether your tow vehicle requires a weight distribution hitch.
In The Package: • (1) Flash Simple HD Ball Mount — 8" Drop / 8" Rise, 2-1/2" Receiver • (1) 2" Chrome-Plated Hitch Ball • (1) 2-5/16" Chrome-Plated Hitch Ball • (1) Adjustable Height Shank Sold Separately — Recommended: • Fastway HD Dual Lock Pack — locking hitch pins for added security
Fastway Trailer Products: Website: fastwaytrailer.com/contact-us Made in the USA Fastway is a brand of Progress Mfg., a leading manufacturer of towing products including the Fastway and Equal-i-zer hitch lines.
All HD models share the same aircraft-grade aluminum construction, dual chrome balls, and single-pin tool-free adjustment. Select the drop that levels your trailer.
Need a 2" receiver version? See the Flash Simple family (42-00-2400, 42-99-2600, 42-99-2800, 42-00-2900) — rated up to 10,000 lb GTW with the 2-5/16" ball.