Trailer Hitch Classes Review

Trailer Hitches are typically given a "class" rating to define their weight capacity and receiver opening size. Classes range from class I to class V. All hitches will have a specified towing capacity and hitches within the same class will have the same weight capacities. They will typically have the same receiver opening size also, although this is not always the case for class II hitches. Below we will review some of the differences between hitch classes.

Class I Trailer Hitch Receivers:

• Towing capacities up to 2,000 lbs GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) and 200 lbs TW (Tongue Weight)
• 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver hitch opening.
• Works with only class I accessories, such as bike racks, cargo carriers, ball mounts and tube covers
  • 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" class II accessories will not work with class I hitches
• Requires a drawbar or ball mount to tow a trailer, may be included or sold seperately
  • Uses a 1/2" pin to secure ball mount into place
  • Manufacturer-recommended drawbar or ball mount should be used for each specific hitch
• Will work with hitch balls with 3/4" diameter shank
• Available in square and round tube designs

Class II Trailer Hitch Receivers:

• Designed for light-duty towing
• Are rated up to 3,500 lbs GTW and 350 lbs TW
• 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver hitch opening
• Will work with Class I and Class II accessories, such as bike racks, cargo carriers, and tube covers
• Requires a Manufacturer-recommended, hitch specific drawbar or ball mount to tow a trailer
  • A 1/2" pin must be used to secure the ball mount in place.
  • Drawbars may be included with hitch or sold separately
• Available in square and round tube designs.
• Will work with hitch balls with 3/4" diameter shank

Class III Trailer Hitch Receivers:

• Designed for trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles
• 2" x 2" receiver hitch opening
• Rated up to 6,000 lbs GTW with 600 lbs TW
• Allows for more gear to be carried or towed
• Works with all Class III accessories, such as bike racks, cargo carriers, and tube covers
  • Class I and Class II (1-1/4") hitch accessories can also be used with an adapter
• Ball mounts are sold separately.
  • Will work with hitch balls with 1" diameter shank
• NOTE: Most manufacturers call any hitch with a 2" x 2" opening a Class III hitch
  • It is not uncommon to see a 2" hitch rated at 3,500 lbs GTW called a Class III hitch
• Available in square and round tube designs.

Class IV Trailer Hitch Receivers:

• Designed for trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles
• 2" x 2" receiver hitch opening
• Rated up to 12,000 lbs GTW and 1,000 TW
• Allows for even more gear to be carried or towed
• Works with all Class III and IV accessories
  • Class I and Class II (1-1/4") hitch accessories can also be used with an adapter
• Ball mounts are sold separately.
• Will work with hitch balls with 1" diameter shank
  • Class IV hitch balls require a 1-1/4" diameter shank

Class V Trailer Hitch Receivers:

• Designed for heavy-duty trucks or vans to tow larger trailers
• 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" reveiver hitch opening
  • Specially designed to handle heavy duty towing
  • With a weight distribution system you can handle up to 18,000 lbs with 1,800 lbs of tongue weight
• Can use any class III or IV accessory with use of a reducer sleeve
• Class V Ball mounts are sold separately.
• Will work with hitch balls with 1-1/4" shank