Trailer Hitch Receiver Sizes
To determine the size of your trailer hitch, simply measure the width and height of its opening. The two most common sizes of trailer hitch openings are 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" and 2" x 2".
The 2" x 2" trailer hitch size is the most common. This is found on pickups, SUVs and even some full size sedans. Trucks and SUVs that come factory equipped with a trailer hitch will normally have 2" x 2" sized hitch. A couple of the exceptions are the 6 cylinder Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer, and the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute.
Curt, Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch, Reese and Valley hitches with the 2" x 2" size fit into the Class III and Class IV hitch categories with weight capacities ranging from 3,500 to 12,000 lbs. On some vehicles Curt Manufacturing also offers Class 2.5 hitches with the 2" square opening.
Class I and Class II trailer hitches typically have the 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver opening size. Class I trailer hitches are rated for 2,000 lbs. with a 200 lb. tongue weight capacity while Class II hitches are rated for 3,500 lbs. with 300 or 350 lbs. of tongue weight capability. These two hitch sizes are found most often on cars and smaller SUVs. There are a few Class II hitches that have 2" x 2" receiver openings, but this is not common.
You would think that any hitch accessory with an 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" shank would work in either a Class I or Class II trailer hitch, but this is not the case. Many hitch accessories are designed to maximize the weight capacities of the different trailer hitches. To keep a user from overloading a Class I hitch, Class II hitch accessories, such as drawbars and several bike racks and cargo carriers, are designed to not fit. Manufacturers accomplish this by placing a stopper in the back of a Class I hitch receiver so the drawbar or hitch accessory shank can only slide into the trailer hitch opening so far. On hitch accessories designed for Class II trailer hitches, the shank that slides into the hitch opening is longer. When this longer shank is slid into a Class I hitch, it will hit the stopper and the pin hole on the hitch will not line up with the pin hole on the class II accessory.
Class I hitch accessories will work in Class II trailer hitches. All of the decorative hitch covers listed for the 1-1/4" hitch size will work in both Class I and Class II trailer hitches.
The third most common size trailer hitch has a 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" square opening. This size is only available for Heavy Duty pickups that can tow at least 14,000 lbs. Hitches with this size opening and weight rating are usually referred to as Class V hitches. Hitch accessories designed for 2" trailer hitches will work on Class V hitches with a 2-1/2" square opening with the use of a hitch adapter.
The least common hitch sizes are rectangular. Hidden Hitch and Reese no longer manufacturer these rectangular hitch sizes. They were Class I and Class II hitches designed for smaller cars. No hitch accessories are available to slide directly into a hitch with a rectangular opening, but bike racks are available that will mount to the ball hole on the hitch's drawbar.
Help
Trailer Hitch Classes and Weight Capacity ComparisonClass I Trailer Hitch and Weight Capacities ReviewClass II Trailer Hitch and Weight Capacities ReviewClass III Trailer Hitch and Weight Capacities ReviewUsing Stove Wire as a Bolt Leader DemonstrationLowering Exhaust Pipe on Vehicle with Rubber HangerLowering Exhaust Example for Trailer Hitch InstallationUsing Fish Wire for Trailer Hitch InstallationDrilling a Spare Tire Pan for a Trailer Hitch InstallationDrilling to Enlarge a Frame Hole for Hitch InstallHandle Nut DemonstrationCleaning Weld Nuts for Trailer Hitch InstallationTrailer Hitch Help
Specialty Trailer Hitch ReviewTrailer Hitch Receiver SizesTrailer Hitch Types ReviewTrailer Hitch Installation TipsWhat Do I Need To Tow A Trailer?Trailer Hitch Classes ReviewRecent Trailer Hitch Questions and Answers
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Question:
I have a chevy 3500 hd 4x4 dually with a slide in camper. The truck has a GM class 5 trailer hitch and I am looking for a hitch extension. The camper is a Lance, 1181 model, 11foot, with rear fold up step. I was wondering if you recommend the titan extension, #RP45018, that you sell that extends from 41-48. Or should I be looking for some other type of extension.
asked by: George last update: June 10, 2009
Reply:
If your hitch has the 2-1/2" by 2-1/2" receiver, the Titan Hitch Box Extension should work just fine for you. The Hitch Box Extension comes complete at 48" and is designed to be cut down to 41", depending on the application.
reply by: Mike
Question:
2008 Chevy HHR with Class One Hidden Hitch. I need to put a pintle hitch on my vehicle. What can I do?
asked by: Paul last update: June 10, 2009
Reply:
Your Class I hitch is rated for up to 2000 lbs towing, and 200 lbs of tongue weight. This hitch most likely has insufficient capacity to pull any trailer that would need a pintle hitch. Unfortunately, we do not carry anything that would enable a pintle hitch to be installed on your vehicle. You either need a larger tow vehicle, or a smaller trailer.
reply by: Mike
Question:
Are there any restrictions on the Draw-Tite Class I Sportframe Trailer Hitch for the Lancer Evolution Models? I am looking to get it primarily for a bike rack, and secondly for a light trailer if ever. Do you have any pictures of it mounted on the vehicle?
asked by: Chuck last update: June 10, 2009
Reply:
I'm not aware of any restrictions regarding using this Draw-Tite Class I Sportframe Trailer Hitch on your Mitsubishi Lancer. The installation instructions do mention that if the vehicle has a second lower rear fascia, removing the lower fascia might be necessary to install the hitch. Here's a link to the installation instructions. The only other limitations are the weight capacities of the hitch. The hitch can tow up to 2000 lbs, and handle up to 200 lbs of tongue weight (downward force). Unfortunately, we do not have a photo of the hitch installed on a vehicle at this time.
reply by: Mike
Question:
I am planning on moving from Phoenix, AZ to Austin, TX in June 2009. I own a brand new 2009 Scion xb and would like to tow a full 4x8 rental trailer for the 18 hour trip. I am installing a hitch on it this week, but is it a good idea to tow with the new 09 scion xbs or would you advise against it? The load will probably be about 2000 lbs.
asked by: Marc last update: June 9, 2009
Reply:
As long as you don't exceed the vehicle manufacturer's tow rating and the rating of the hitch, you should be fine. The class I hitch we offer for your vehicle has a maximum rating of 2000 lbs, the class II hitch has a maximum rating of 3500 lbs.
reply by: Mike
Question:
2005 Chrysler T&C. My van is missing the front bolts to bolt up the hitch - what size are these bolts ?
asked by: Gary last update: June 9, 2009
Reply:
Does your van have the stow and go seats? If so, the most popular hitch we offer for your vehicle uses existing bolts that are already in place on the vehicle. Here's a link to the installation instructions. If your van does NOT have the stow and go seats, you'll need Grade 5 , 1/2 inch diameter by 1-1/2 inch carriage bolts. You'll also need the block washers to to hold the square portion of the carriage bolts so they don't spin while being tightened.
reply by: Mike
Question:
95 Jag VDP 4dr.sdn. how much auto modifying for proper fit hitch #257237? This will only be used to mount a bikerack carrying two bikes.about 100 lbs.
asked by: Lawrence last update: June 3, 2009
Reply:
Other than drilling a few holes, no vehicle modifications should be required to install the Da'Lan Class I Trailer Hitch.
reply by: Mike
Question:
My motor home receiver is about six to eight inches lower than the bar thats attached to my jeep. Does the tow bar have to be absolutely level from the jeep to the motor home for the bar to work correctly or can I have some slight angle? I have a 1996 George Boy Swinger.
asked by: Gary last update: June 2, 2009
Reply:
For safe towing, you'll want the towbar to be as level as possible. We offer both a 6 inch and an 8 inch High-Low Adapter that would help level your towbar.
reply by: Mike
Question:
I am assuming that when I order the hitch, all of the new mounting bolts will be suppled?
asked by: Rich last update: June 2, 2009
Reply:
You assume correctly. All of the Trailer Hitches that we carry include full installation instructions and all necessary installation hardware.
reply by: Mike
Question:
what size it the bolt that goes in the weld nut on the drivers side of a 2002 Venture swb van... it is smaller than the 10mm passenger bolt... I tried 8mm but they are too big...
asked by: Peter last update: June 1, 2009
Reply:
A M10 (10mm) bolt is used in that weldnut. It's possible that there is some dirt or road debris in the threads that is preventing you from installing the bolt. Try soaking the threads with a spray lubricant such as WD-40, and scrubbing them with a wire brush. We've found that the wire brush on a battery post cleaner works well. Once you get the threads cleaned, the bolt should go in for you. For reference, here is a link to the installation instructions for the most popular hitch that we carry for your vehicle.
reply by: Mike
Question:
need instructions on installation of a quality s trailor hitch on a 2007 ford f150 with towing package
asked by: Hughie last update: May 30, 2009
Reply:
We do not carry the 'Quality S' brand. Here's a link to the installation instructions for the Draw-Tite Class III hitch, which is the most popular hitch that we offer for that vehicle. Hopefully, this will provide some help.
reply by: Mike
Question:
I have just bought a 1997 Terry Salem Forest River trailer. I want to wire the trailer to pull our small boat behind it this is legal where we live. How do I wire in a flat four wiring system for our boat? Also a hitch?
asked by: Dawn last update: May 27, 2009
Reply:
Although it might be legal in your area, towing a boat behind a towed trailer is an unsafe practice that I cannot recommend. Without knowing the tongue weight of the trailer or the nature of the frame on the rear of your trailer where the hitch would have to mount, I cannot be of much help there. The wiring would be pretty simple, you'll need a 4 way connector and tap into the lighting circuits on the trailer. The brown wire would tap into the running light circuit, the green to the right turn circuit, yellow to left turn, and white would ground to the trailer frame. I'd recommend using a circuit tester to confirm your connections.
reply by: Mike
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