Updated by: Amber S.

Last updated: 9/17/2024

Est. read time: 5 mins.

Trailer Hitch Receiver Sizes

Size matters when it comes to that steel contraption on the back of your car: your trailer hitch. Trailer hitches come in 4 main sizes: 1-1/4", 2", 2-1/2", and 3". These numbers refer to the width of the receiver openings, so whether you're shopping for a hitch or trying to figure out what's on your vehicle, it's usually a straightforward process.

It's important to make sure any accessory you use with your hitch is the same size as your receiver. Otherwise, you'll need a hitch expander or reducer, which generally cut your weight capacity. 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.

In this article:

1-1/4" Hitches
2" Hitches
2-1/2" Hitches
3" Hitches

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".

Draw-Tite 1-1/4 Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver - Jeep Wrangler JL

1-1/4" - Class I and Class II Hitches

Hitch receivers with 1-1/4" openings are generally going to either be Class I or Class II hitches. These are most often found on passenger cars and smaller SUVs, and they're generally good for small accessories like bike racks and cargo carriers. However, they can be used for extremely light-duty towing. There are a few Class II hitches that have 2" x 2" receiver openings, but this is pretty uncommon.

Typical weight ratings for Class I trailer hitches:

Maximum gross trailer weight: 1,000 lbs to 2,000 lbs
Maximum tongue weight: 100 lbs to 200 lbs

Typical weight ratings for Class II trailer hitches:

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 tongue weight: 300 lbs to 800 lbs

Typical weight ratings for Class IV trailer hitches:

Maximum gross trailer weight: 5,000 lbs to 12,000 lbs
Maximum tongue weight: 500 lbs to 1,200 lbs

Heavy-Duty 2" Trailer Hitches

Some 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 Variances

Of 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

How to Install a Trailer Hitch Like a Pro

How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class

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Shop Weight Distribution

Roy K.

9/18/2023

I have 1 1/4 opening but my bike rack is 2 inch how to I get an adapter

Mike L.

9/19/2023

@RoyK The best practice would be to use a bike rack that's been designed to work with your existing 1-1/4 inch receiver. If that isn't feasible, you can use an adapter like # e43YR. However, using the adapter will reduce the tongue weight capacity of your hitch by half, so you'll want to avoid that if at all possible.

Larry B.

10/28/2022

2014 dodge diesel 2500 have a class v receiver, travel trailer weights 12300 lbs an a tongue weight 1840 lbs do I need to up grade to bigger receiver?

David B.

10/28/2022

Nope I think you are good Larry! I would say if you have a factory hitch to check the tongue weight limit, it will be on the hitch or owner's manual; sometimes it is in the door plate/sticker. If it is an aftermarket the label should be on the unit itself. As you can see in the FAQ the weight caps for a class 5 are the highest possible for this style of hitch so you really don't need to upgrade because you kinda can't.

Tommy K.

8/31/2022

I have a cargo tray (2") that I used for my RV. Now I want to use it on my Toyota Highlander that has a 2-1/2" hitch. I need an accessory that will have a 2" on one end and a 2-1/2" on the other end. Where can I get this?

David B.

9/2/2022

Is this what you are needing Tommy? Trailer Hitch Receiver Reducer Sleeve - 2-1/2" to 2" # e26YR.

David T.

7/18/2022

I have an Infinity Q60 Sport. Not really meant to have a hitch. However, sometimes I want to strike out solo instead of going with friends with racks. Any reasonable options for a class II 1 1/4 hitch? Prefer no strapon racks on back or roof.

David B.

7/25/2022

What year is your Q60?

Hamidm

2/5/2022

I bought the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4" for my 2010 Volvo S80 (installed). The e-Bike rack that I need to attach has a 2" receiver to haul a 75lbs bike. Is this adapter the way to go? MaxxTow Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter 1-1/4" (Class I or II) to 2" Hitch - 11" Long. What do you recommend?

Les D.

2/7/2022

@Hamidn Your Class-2 hitch receiver has around a 350 pound tongue weight rating, but this will not be the weak link. Your Volvo body has a 330 pound tongue weight capacity. However, by adding an adapter you cut that in half, or 165 pounds. As long as you do not exceed the 165 pound capacity, using the MaxxTow # MT70032 adapter would be ok.

Hamidm

2/7/2022

@LesD I'm sitting at 120lbs, so I should be fine, thanks! (70lbs bike) + (45lbs bike rack) + (5lbs hitch adapter) This is a great forum, reading the response to the other questions made me more informed about hitch classes, tongue weight and lots of other stuff that I was clueless about. Thanks Again! HamidM

Les D.

2/8/2022

@Hamidm Glad we could be helpful.

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