Trailer hitch receivers are available in 4 main sizes: 1-1/4", 2", 2-1/2", and 3". These numbers refer to the width of the receiver openings.
Below, we'll go over the standard hitch receiver sizes and their capabilities. You can also read more about trailer hitch weight capacities in our article, How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class.
NOTE:
To determine the size of your trailer hitch, simply measure the height and width of its opening. The two most common sizes of trailer hitch receivers are 1-1/4" and 2".
1-1/4" - Class I and Class II Hitches
Class I and Class II trailer hitches typically have a 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver opening. These hitches are most often found on passenger cars and smaller SUVs. There are a few Class II hitches that have 2" x 2" receiver openings, but this is not common.Typical weight ratings for Class I trailer hitches:
Maximum gross trailer weight: 1,000 lbs to 2,000 lbs
Maximum gross trailer weight: 2,000 lbs to 3,500 lbs
Maximum tongue weight: 200 lbs to 525 lbs
Why won't my 1-1/4" accessories fit in my 1-1/4" receiver opening?You might think that any hitch accessory with a 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 carrying capabilities of the trailer hitches they're used with. To keep you from overloading your Class I hitch, Class II hitch accessories—such as drawbars, bike racks, and cargo carriers—will not fit into Class I hitches.Manufacturers accomplish this by placing a stopper in the back of Class I hitch receivers so that drawbars and accessory shanks can only slide into the trailer hitch opening up to that point. On hitch accessories designed for Class II trailer hitches, the shank that slides into the hitch opening is longer. When this longer shank slides into a Class I hitch, it will hit the stopper, preventing the pin hole on the hitch from lining up with the pin hole on the accessory.Class I hitch accessories—drawbars, bike racks and cargo carriers— are designed to fit into your Class I hitch perfectly. These accessories will work in Class II trailer hitches as well. Decorative hitch covers listed for the 1-1/4" hitch size will also work in both Class I and Class II trailer hitches.
2" - Class III and Class IV Hitches
2" x 2" trailer hitch receivers are the most common type. Most 2" hitches are either Class III or Class IV. These hitches are typically found on pickup trucks, SUVs, and some full-size sedans. Most trucks and SUVs that come factory-equipped with a trailer hitch have a 2" receiver.Many 2" hitches are also rated for use with weight-distribution systems. By using a weight-distribution system while towing, you can maximize the full weight carrying potential of your hitch.Typical weight ratings for Class III trailer hitches:
Maximum gross trailer weight: 3,500 lbs to 8,000 lbs
Maximum gross trailer weight: 5,000 lbs to 12,000 lbs
Maximum tongue weight: 500 lbs to 1,200 lbs
Heavy-Duty 2" Trailer HitchesSome 2" trailer hitch receivers are categorized as Class V hitches because of their increased weight capacity. The construction of these hitches allows them to carry more weight than a typical 2" hitch, making them perfect for heavy-duty towing applications.For instance, Draw-Tite makes a Class V hitch with a cast center section so that it not only has a higher overall weight capacity, but it also has the highest tongue weight rating possible. The reinforced center sections on these hitches enable them to handle far more than just 10 percent of the gross trailer weight, which is a typical tongue weight capacity.Factory 2" Trailer Hitch VariancesOf those vehicles that come from the factory with 2" hitches, some have slight variances in the construction of the hitch. For example, the 2" hitch receivers on Toyota Tundra pickups are built of thick tubing. As a result, some flush-mounted trailer hitch locks that designed for typical 2" hitches will not fit because their spans are not long enough.
2-1/2" - Class V Hitches
Trailer hitch receivers that measure 2-1/2" are designed for use on heavy-duty trucks that can handle extreme capacities. Hitches of this size are classified as Class V hitches. Some trucks come with factory 2-1/2" receivers, but you can also purchase these hitches as aftermarket additions.Hitch accessories designed for 2" trailer hitches will work with 2-1/2" hitches with the use of a specialized hitch adapter. Most Class V hitches are rated for use with weight-distribution systems so that you can maximize their weight-carrying ability.Typical weight ratings for Class V 2-1/2" trailer hitches:
Maximum gross trailer weight: 10,000 lbs to 20,000 lbs
Maximum tongue weight: 1,000 lbs to 2,000 lbs
3" - Class V Hitches
These heavy-duty Class V hitches are starting to appear on newer-model trucks straight from the factory. You can also purchase 3" hitches as aftermarket additions. These hitches must typically be welded to the C-channel frame of your vehicle and are ideal for use with dump trailers, flatbeds, etc. Unlike most other hitches, these are not vehicle specific.Adapters for 3" hitches are available to adapt the 3" opening to a more standard 2" or 2-1/2" opening. You can also find weight distribution systems compatible with 3" hitches, though this hitch size is less common than other types, so your options will be more limited.Typical weight ratings for Class V 3" trailer hitches:
Maximum gross trailer weight: 20,000 lbs to 25,000 lbs
Maximum tongue weight: 3,000 lbs to 4,000 lbs
Uncommonly Sized Trailer Hitches
Rectangular hitch receivers are the least common type. Hidden Hitch and Reese no longer manufacturer these receivers, which were previously Class I and Class II hitches designed for smaller cars. There are no hitch accessories available to slide directly into a rectangular hitch opening.
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