An apparatus and method directed to a stowaway pintle hitch that is simple to manufacture and use having novel height adjustment means, retainer, retainer lock, and stowaway pivoting motion. The apparatus may have a swiveling mount that is free to swivel while towing a trailer. A cushioning spacer is disclosed for reducing impact forces and noise in pintle hitch towing systems. In certain embodiments an apparatus in accordance with the invention may have a trunnion for insertion into a receiver tube or cavity of a vehicle. A base may be secured to the trunnion or to the vehicle. The base may also have a mount secured thereto. The mount may have a platform that is sized and positioned to receive a hitch. The mount may also have a retainer that may be moved into position and locked in order to prevent removal of a pintle ring from around the hitch. The retainer may be mounted on a pivot allowing it to rotate into and out of position. It may also be mounted on a guide such that it may translate relative to the mount. Through rotation and translation, the retainer may be moved to positions suitable for temporarily holding the retainer and for locking the retainer into position. The retainer may be of very simple construction such as a substantially flat plate in which needed apertures and outlines are formed. The mount may be adjustable relative to the base. The apparatus may have another guide to enable the mount to translate relative to the base. This may allow the mount to be height-adjustable and provide versatility of operation. A swiveling mount may allow the mount to swivel relative to the base to accommodate the towing of trailers over rugged terrain. A cushioning spacer made of suitable material may extend around a hitch and absorb impacts and dampen noise.