I'm only a year or so into TT ownership and reading about cushioned ball mounts. Do they really help?

Haven't noticed an issue, but only went on 5 or 6 trips last year and just one was further than 90 minutes away.

Thanks

2018 32' GD 2800BH
6300Lbs loaded
2017 F350 6.2L (3:73) with camper\snowplow package
10K Equalizer hitch ball mount

 

If your using a WDH you don't need one.

 

A shock absorbing mount will reduce the effectiveness of weight distribution and sway control. You'll end up having to crank the hitch to where the give of the shock absorber provides little actual absorption, and at the same time have more weight on the bars, so that they whomp you like you've got a bar rating higher than needed.

Weight distribution hitches naturally reduce hitch shock, so if you've got something going on, I'd suggest checking your axle weights on a scale to see what is going on there when you hook up the trailer.