What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?

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Question:

What is the difference between Class II or Class III towing hitch

asked by: Charlie

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to 3,500 lbs in GTW and up to 525 lbs in TW. Class III, on the other hand, have a 2 inch receiver and have up to 8,000 lbs GTW and 800 lbs TW. I will attach a help article that goes in to more detail for you.

A good example of a Class II hitch that will fit on your 2015 Mazda CX-5 is the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class II # C12170. This will fit on your Mazda and has a max GTW of 3,500 lbs and a max TW of 350 lbs.

Even though the Class II hitch can serve many purposes, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III # C13315. A Class III hitch is rated to tow heavier loads; the max GTW is 4,000 lbs and the max TW is 600 lbs. Even though your total towing weight capacity is determined by your car, the Class III hitch has less restrictions with what you can tow.

Another thing you will want to keep in mind is that Curt's warranty for both of these trailer hitches states that you must use the Curt Support Strap # 18050 for use with non-trailer loads.

If you are interested in a hitch mounted bike rack then I recommend the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR. Not only does it feature the ability to fit on both 1-1/4 inch and 2 inch hitches, but it also has an anti-rattle bolt that reduces the vibration and noise from your bike rack.

If you decide to get the bike rack, then you will also want to get the Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device # THSTL2 and the Thule Cable Lock # TH538XT. These will help prevent theft of your bike rack and bike. If you have a bike that has an alternative, womens, or kids bike frame then I recommend the Thule Bike Adapter Bar # TH982XT which will help your bike to hang on the bike rack properly.

Along with the help article that I mentioned, I have also attached some demonstration videos for you.

expert reply by: Jon G

1

Stuart

4/15/2024

Jon, what is the weight difference of a Draw tight hitch between a class II and class III hitch? Reason I ask is that I'll primarily be using it for a bike rack but occassionally may pull an open U-Haul 8" trailer. I don't need a Class III hitch only Class II but I want the 2" reciever size. Welcome you inputs. Stuart

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Jon G.

4/15/2024

@Stuart Thanks for reaching out! The Curt Class II # C12170 has a shipping weight of 31 lbs while the Curt Class III # C13315 has a shipping weight of 34 lbs (about 3 lbs for each will be the packaging). Since the receiver size is really the biggest factor I always recommend going with the larger receiver so you have access to a wider variety of accessories. Are you planning on installing this on a 2015 Mazda CX-5? Or do you have a different vehicle? If you have a different vehicle then the hitch part numbers may be different for your application.

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Stuart

4/15/2024

@JonG Jon, my car is a Lexus RX 350 H 2023. I actually just purchased the hitch from e.trailer which was the Class III Draw tight. I’m assuming the Curt and Draw Tight hitches are similar in weight so you’ve answered my question. It’s surprises me that the hitch weights are very close but the gross trailer weights and tongue weights are much higher on the class III. I would’ve assumed a much heavier hitch weight due to steel thickness, etc. Thanks, Stuart

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Jon G.

4/15/2024

@Stuart Happy to help out! Feel free to reach out with any other questions!

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See All (10) Replies to Stuart ∨

Boknows1114

6/30/2024

Will the receiver hitch mounted fit on a new sub I'm looking at? Nissan Rogue SL to a Infiniti Q50?

Reply

Jon G.

7/1/2024

@Boknows1114 Probably not, but if you let me know the years you're looking at I can let you know for sure and make a recommendation for the Infinite Q50 if need be.

Reply

Chris R.

8/29/2024

I want to buy a 2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 with driver assist. I need a 2inch reciever hitch to plug in a motorcycle rail. The bike only weight is 225 pounds that needs to be carried this is not to tow a trailer of any type. Well maybe it could but I just need it to carry

Reply

Jon G.

8/29/2024

@ChrisR I looked it up but there doesn't seem to be a trailer hitch designed for a 2021 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 so you'll need to have a shop use something like a fabrication hitch receiver to get something installed on your vehicle.

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Robin S.

9/20/2024

I need a trailer hitch for my 2001 Kia sportage and I can’t find anything to fit. Can you help me please?

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Jon G.

9/21/2024

@RobinS Curt used to have their Class III hitch 13537 as a fit for your 2001 Kia Sportage, but that was discontinued a while back so the only way to get a hitch on your vehicle is to have a shop use a fabrication piece to make something custom for you.

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Mrjn34

5/1/2025

I just purchased a 2024 Bambi 16RB, never towed anything before. Now I learn from my RV veteran neighbor I need a weight distribution hitch. My Airstream dealer recommends the Blue Ox Sway Pro 1000. I watched all the videos, but the tongue latches where the bars will connect are supposed to set 29 inches from the ball, problem is, the propane tanks are sitting there. Since one of your examples is the CX-5/50 I am wondering if you can recommended weight distribution hitch that will fit/install. with a 2024 Mazda CX90 (Mazda tow package installed) and rated for 500 lb tongue and 5,000 lb weight. Airstream recommends that Blue Ox SwayPro 1000 but that looks to large for the Mazda CX90 3.3 Turbo Plus and if the Mazda is a unibody with only 500lb tongue I'm concerned with all the additional weight and tongue that comes with the Blue Ox 1000. Thanks.

Reply

Jon G.

5/1/2025

@Mrjn34 Thanks for the comment and all of the details! Before we get into the weight numbers, I recommend reaching out to your local Mazda dealer to see their take on using a weight distribution system (WDS) with your vehicle. I didn't see anything for or against it in the online manual so you'll want to know for sure if it's approved prior to using it. According to my research, your 2024 Bambi 16RB has a GVWR of 3,500 lbs so when properly loaded we're looking at a tongue weight range of 350 lbs - 525 lbs and the Blue Ox SwayPro # BXW1000 range of 750 lbs - 1,000 lbs will be well over what you need - which means you'll have a stiff towing experience. For your application a better system would be the Blue Ox SwayPro # BXW0550 which has a lower tongue weight range at 350 lbs - 550 lbs and better reflects your Bambi 16RB. Let me know if you have any additional questions!

Reply

Mrjn34

5/1/2025

@JonG Thank you very much. I did ask the dealership about the hitch and they said it would be fine but I like your advice and will kick this up to Mazda American for their opinion as well. Thank you.

Reply

Jon G.

5/2/2025

@Mrjn34 Sounds good! Feel free to reach back out with any other questions you might have!

Reply

Patch.

5/28/2025

I’m going with an air suspension. I’ve looked at many what would you recommend for a 2021 F150 full tow package? We are currently using a sway bar Reese hitch and it’s not able to level the camper. The trailer is 24 feet long and my wife has everything you can imagine. The dry weight is 7k. I figure it’s now near 10 k. It’s a 2021 camper trailer.

Reply

Jon G.

5/28/2025

@Patch I'd be happy to help you figure this out, but first, do you have any of the following features on your F-150: Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) Onboard Scales PowerBoost hybrid engine There are fitment limitations when it comes to those options. The other thing I'd like for you to check prior to adding a whole air bag kit to your truck is the weight rating for your Reese sway bar system. If it's properly rated, then you technically shouldn't need the air bags to tow level. Let me know what you find and we can make sure we get you setup to tow level, even with all of your wife's stuff in the trailer.

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What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?

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