Trailer Hitch Receiver Sizes

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".

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

Class I Curt Trailer Hitch On Honda Civic

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 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.

Valley 2-Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver - Dodge Dakota pickup

Valley 2-Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver - Jeep Grand Cherokee

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.

TorkLift Class V 2-1/2-Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver

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

Curt HD Class V Ball Mount for 3-Inch Hitches

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

Reese Class I Trailer Hitch Receiver with Rectangular Opening

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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Questions and Comments about this Article

Zack D. 9/4/2021

I HAD A DRAWTITE 1-1/4" HITCH INSTALLED ON MY 2021 CHEVY TRAX...RECENTLY GOT A MOBILITY SCOOTER THAT NEEDS HAULED. THAT BEING SAID, I PURCHASED A CARGO CARRIER MAXXTOW THAT REQUIRES A 2" RECEIVER. PURCAHSED AN ADAPTER 11" IN LENGTH... WHEN I LOADED THE SCOOTER THE CARGO CARRIER DRAGS THE GROUND AT TIMES. OBVIOUSLY A BAD SET UP ON MY PART. IS THERE A SHORTER ADAPTER AVAILABLE OR ANOTHER OPTION TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.?

Reply from Victoria B. 9/9/2021

Unfortunately we do not have a shorter adapter that would solve this issue for you. I also checked out our adapters that have a rise built into them, but I do not think they will work because of the clearance needed from the hitch pin hole in your trailer hitch to the end of your Trax's bumper. I wish I had a better answer for you.

Richard G. 8/18/2021

I have an electric bike and a 2" bike carrier. I need a 2" hitch for a 2018 Buick Encore. Bike weighs 58lbs and carrier 24lbs. Recommended 1 1/4 is too bouncy.

Reply from Victoria B. 8/25/2021

Unfortunately I am not aware of any 2 inch trailer hitches available for the 2018 Encore. We currently only offer one Class I and one Class II hitch, both which have a 1-1/4 inch receiver. It sounds like you already have a hitch, adapter, and bike rack. To help tighten up you setup, a couple of anti-rattle devices could make a big difference. I've linked our available anti-rattle tools for you to check out.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-hitch_anti~rattle.aspx

Reply from Richard G. 9/1/2021

@VictoriaB thx! Will add anti-rattle.

Chuck P. 8/9/2021

I want to hitch carry a mobility scooter on my 2014 Chevy Cruze. The scooter carrier has a 2" receiver tube. Problem is, I can only find Class 1 hitches that fit the Cruze. Why is this?

Reply from Victoria B. 8/17/2021

The reason that aftermarket hitch manufacturers only make Class I trailer hitches for the 2014 Cruze is because the Class I weight capacities best match the 1,000lb towing capacity of the Cruze.

Pradeep N. 7/23/2021

Hello, I have a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and would like to install a Hitch which can be use both for bike rack and camper/trailer/RV. Could you please advise which hitch type and size is ideal for it? I like the information that you share. Thank you

Reply from Jon G. 7/23/2021

Attached is a link to our selection of trailer hitches that fit a '16 Grand Cherokee. Any of these should be sufficient. The main differences have to do with the weight rating (which you'll want to compare with what your GC is rated for) and then the style as well.

Helpful Links

hitch-2016_jeep_grand+cherokee.htm

Robert H. 6/7/2021

I have a 2016 Dodge Caravan. Recently I had a class II trailer hitch installed so that I can pull a small Bruno Chariot trailer. Since installing the hitch and attaching the trailer, I find that there is not enough clearance to open the back hatch. Is there an extension for the hitch? (1 1/4 to 1 1/4) so that I can increase the distant between the back of the van to the trailer so that the back tail gate cam open? Also I noticed that some dips in the road caused the bottom of the trailer tongue to scrape on the ground, I would like to find an extension, if al all possible, that has a lift so that I can raise the trailer tongue up a few inches to keep from scaping the bottom. I am hoping some one can help me find the answers to these questions.

Reply from Jon G. 6/9/2021

There is a variety of sizes and lengths when it comes to ball mounts so the first question I have is what is the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the hitch ball? I'm also attaching a helpful article you can check out so help you make sure you have your trailer sitting level.

Helpful Links

faq-ballmount.aspx

Reply from Robert H. 6/10/2021

@JonG This trailer does not require a ball mount. it is a solid 1 1/4 rod that slides into the trailer hitch. Maybe no one makes a riser for this setup. I guess I will try to find someone locally that can assist me.

Reply from Jon G. 6/10/2021

@RobertH I don't think I've ever heard of a trailer that connects like that. I would think it would give you some major problems when you need to make any kind of turn. Good luck!

Reply from Robert H. 6/21/2021

@JonG Well Jon, I guess you never came across a Bruno Chariot trailer. It is the best trailer I have ever come across. It is impossible to jack-knife this trailer. With a ball mount trailer, you can very easily jackknife them. Well, I was able to find a supplier that knows what I am talking about and has assisted me in my search.

Reply from Jon G. 6/24/2021

@RobertH I'm glad you were able to figure something out!

Johnl= L. 6/6/2021

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR A HITCH RECEIVER, CLASS 3, FOR A 2014 MERCEDES BENZ, E350 WAGON. I CAN NOT FIND ONE LISTED IN YOUR APPLICATION CHART......THANKS.........

Reply from Jon G. 6/9/2021

The only hitch we have available for your vehicle is the Curt # C11404 which is a Class I hitch. If you want something more robust then you'll need to have a shop fabricate one for you. The thing to keep in mind is that even if you have a heftier hitch you will still be limited to the towing capacity of your vehicle.

Jack N. 4/17/2021

I have a Flagg staff forest river shamrock 183 camper with a 4”sq rear bumper. I’m looking for a compatible receiver that i can attach to the bumper so I can haul a portable 125 lb generator. Can anyone help me out with what to buy?

Reply from Jon G. 4/21/2021

We have hitch receivers as well as cargo trays that can be installed directly to your 4" square bumper. I'm attaching links to both for you to check out.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-rv_and_camper_hitch-pt-4_x_4_inch_bumper.aspx

dept-pg-rv_cargo.aspx?redirect=1

Dennisj 3/15/2021

Is it better to use 2" insert into a 2 1/2 inch receiver or just use a 2" shank? I have a Chevy 3500Hd and pull a 31' airstream with a 10000 GVWR.

Reply from Jon G. 3/17/2021

Definitely use a reducer sleeve like part # BWRHXA2182 if you have a 2-1/2" receiver and need to use a 2" accessory. If you were to just use the 2" accessory then you would be seeing a LOT of play.

Chuck B. 3/12/2021

You don't mention a 1.5 inch sq. receiver size, but that's what is on a minivan I bought and I can't find an insert that fits. How can this be?

Reply from Jon G. 3/12/2021

I have no idea why that would be the case. Either someone installed something custom on the van or you have a standard hitch size that got really messed up. If you're needing to utilize a hitch receiver then I would uninstall the one that's currently on and install a new aftermarket hitch. If you can let me know what the year/make/model is for your van I can link you to our fit guide for your vehicle.

Reply from Chuck B. 3/13/2021

@JonG It's a '93 Ford Aerostar, but I'm sure there are plenty of places that can refit it around here, if it must come to that. Thanks

Reply from Jon G. 3/13/2021

@ChuchB What you need is the Curt Hitch # C13032 . This will fit as long as you don't have the rollpan bumper. Please also note that if you have the full size spare you will need to find a different way to carry it as the hitch will not fit with the full size spare.

Steve C. 3/8/2021

I have a Coleman UT400 UTV, for which the manual states it has a 1-1/4" hitch receiver. I'd like to put in a ball mount, but the receiver opening actually measures slightly over 1-5/8" square. Seems like a 1-1/4" ball mount would be horribly loose. Any idea why this is? Any recommendations? Thanks

Reply from Jon G. 3/11/2021

The only thing I can think of is if this is a used UTV and the previous owner did some modifications to fit their own needs. If it measures 1-5/8" when it comes to width and height then you'll need to figure out a way to remove that one and get a replacement installed so you can use a ball mount.

Reply from Cliffyk 3/21/2021

@SteveC Coleman supplies an adapter that is "supposed to" step that down to 1-1/4". However the adapters indige dimensions are actually about 1.23" x 1.22"--I.e. just a bit under 1-1/4". I slimmed down (hacked up) a 1-1/4" draw bar with an angle grinder to make it fit...

Deborah S. 3/4/2021

I pull a tear drop camper with a VW Beetle. I have a 1 1/4 inch hitch. The shank is 12 inches aprox. ( to clear the bumper ) I have about 2 1/2 inch rise. The front of the camper rides lower than the back. I think that a 5 or 6 inch rise would work better. Where can I find this or am I looking for something that doesn’t exist?

Reply from Jon G. 3/5/2021

Sounds like you're needing part # C45025 if you have a Class I hitch or part # 36065 if you have a Class II hitch.

Mognum 10/17/2020

I have a Thule T2 Classic bike rack. Can I add an adapter that allows me to connect a hitch cargo basket (52x18 MaxxTow Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitch) rather than the T2 2 bike extension? Bike carrier near the car with cargo carrier connected to the bike carrier? Thanks.

Reply from Jon G. 10/19/2020

The only way you'll be able to accomplish this is by using a bike rack that is designed for this type of application, like the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 # HR1450Z-85 . Thule doesn't have a bike rack designed for this so there are no adapters for a cargo carrier for your application.

Sylvia 9/29/2020

I have a Honda H-RV with a class 1 hitch. I want a bike rack for two bikes, but although the rack I want fits my hitch fine (tried it on!), the rack is only rated for a class 2 hitch. Can I either adapt my class 1 or is there a class 2 I can install on my H-RV? Thank you so much :)

Reply from Jon G. 9/30/2020

Great question! Class I and Class II hitches generally use the 1-1/4" receiver so it does make sense why your bike rack fits your hitch. The reason why some bike racks are only rated for a Class II hitch is usually because of where the hitch pin hole lies on the hitch receiver of a Class I hitch. For some reason the hitch pin hole typically sits closer to the opening and doesn't allow enough of the shank of the bike rack to make contact with the receiver. You can technically use your bike rack with your hitch because it physically fits, but if your hitch receiver or bike rack were to become damaged I doubt the warranty would hold up. Here is a link to all of our bike racks that are rated for a Class I hitch in case you wanted to go that route.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-hitch_bike_racks-hs-class_1.aspx

Michelle S. 8/1/2020

I have a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander LS that currently does not have a hitch What would you recommend to attach a cargo carrier with a 2” sleeve? Ty!

Reply from Jon G. 8/11/2020

I recommend the Curt Class II Hitch # C12293 , The only problem is that this has a 1-1/4" receiver so you'll need to use an adapter # MT70032 to accomplish this. Since this will reduce the weight rating of the trailer hitch by 50% it would be better to go with a cargo carrier that is compatible directly with a 1-1/4" receiver, like part # 63155 , but it's completely up to you.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-hitch_cargo_carrier-pc-fits_1~1%7c4_inch_hitch.aspx

Mt 5/28/2020

what is FHK stands for some companies hitches?

Reply from Chris R. 6/1/2020

I believe the FHK is just a part number designation that some manufacturers use (from my research it looks like Meyer Products). It doesn't refer to any specific feature or characteristic on the hitch itself.

Reply from Mt 6/1/2020

@ChrisR Thank you for the response. After some memory digging I remember that FHK=Front Hitch Kit

Charles A. 5/9/2020

We have a Tahoe Wide lite Trailer and want to put a bolt on hitch on the back so we could tow a cargo trailer with a Razor. What would you recommend?

Reply from Chris R. 5/12/2020

For your Tahoe Trailer the best option is an adjustable hitch like the Curt # C13701 . As long as the Wide Lite has a frame width between 18" and 51", this will work perfectly as either a bolt-on or weld-on (for a no-drill install) application. It will provide you with a 2" receiver and it has more than enough capacity for a small cargo trailer with your loaded Razor.

Garyf. 4/2/2020

I have converted my 1988 harley davidson FlHTC wide glide into a Trike, I plan on towing a small trailer across country. I imagine the trailer will weigh approx. 250- 300 lbs. fully loaded. Not to sure about that. If this is the case, would a 1-1/4 hitch do the job? Bye the way, Your Site has alot of good information for the products you have here..

Reply from Chris R. 4/3/2020

Thanks for the kind words! A 1-1/4" hitch receiver would have more than enough capacity for a 300 pound trailer. There's no reason you would need a larger 2" hitch for this application.

Wendy W. 3/18/2020

Can I get a reducer from a 2 down to a 1.25 to carry a bike rack?

Reply from Chris R. 3/19/2020

Sure can! The Brophy Hitch Reducer # HT02 will work perfectly for your application. It'll slide into the 2" receiver on your vehicle to provide a 1-1/4" opening for your bike rack.

Helpful Links

Hitch-Adapters/Brophy/HT02.html

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