[JLHarper]

Like Troy said, straight is safer (no angle welds)...my 10K 2 5/16 bar/ball weighs about 18lbs or so.....they are straight piece of steel stock.

I'd stick to USA made if they are breaking.

[muscle_collector]

on my 2 5/16 mounts, I use a 20000lb mount and a 30000lb ball. but this is just a 2" one and because of the height of the truck I have to use a drop mount to get the tongue down a bit. but one of the others I had break was the straight 20k / 30k combo forged steel. ( I was using it on my f450 pulling a 42' trailer )
I guess I have been very lucky that nothing tragic has happened. thank god for this.

[PonchoV8]

One Memorial Day around noon I saw a boat sitting on top of it's own tow vehicle in the ditch.
Bad way to start a summer.

[Drag Star Le Mans]

I know of 2 that have broken, and 1 was a Reece.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Never seen that type of carnage.

Hard to tell by the picture - but possibly you were using a large bore mount, with a small shank ball ? Or small bore mount and small shank ball.

You probably already know - but in case not - you want the large bore mount and the large shanked ball for highest capacity. They make 2 sizes of bores and shanks.
Some places might limit your selection.

Glad you didn't have any damages or consequences.