Abstract: A hitch assembly includes an outer housing adapted to be attached to a propelled vehicle, an inner housing enclosed by the outer housing and a tongue member partially enclosed by the inner housing and adapted to be connected to a vehicle to be towed. A selectively releasable latching mechanism mounted on the outer housing retains the inner housing in a first latched position to prevent relative movement between the housings. When the latching mechanism is released, the inner housing is free to be moved to a second position where it is pivotally connected to the outer housing to permit movement of the tongue member through an arc in a horizontal plane to aid in the connection to the vehicle to be towed. The hitch assembly can also be provided with shock absorbing cushions in the inner housing to absorb and dissipate starting and stopping shock loads.