How to Choose the Right Size Trailer Hitch

Updated by: Jacob J

Last Updated: 6/11/2024

Time to read: 10 mins.

How to Choose the Right Size Trailer Hitch

If you've never dealt with trailer hitches before, it can be kind of confusing. What do the different classes mean? What sizes are there, and what size do you need?

The hitch class and receiver size you need depends on two factors: what you want to tow or carry, and what your vehicle can handle. (You can put the strongest hitch in the world on the back of a Ford Focus, but you're still not going to transform it into a trailer-towing giant!)

The quickest and easiest way to figure out which hitches will work for your vehicle is to use our fitguide. Just input your vehicle's year, make, and model, and we'll show you only the hitches that fit.

But what if multiple hitch classes or sizes turn up, and you have options? What trailer hitch class do you need then?

We'll go over your options in more detail below, so you can confidently make the choice best suited for your vehicle and towing situation. So sit back, get comfortable, and get ready to take some notes, because class is in session.

In this article:

Class I Hitches
Class II Hitches
Class III Hitches
Class IV Hitches
Class V Hitches

What are the Different Trailer Hitch Classes?

There are a total of 5 trailer hitch classes, with Class I having the lowest capacity and Class V having the highest. Hitch classes essentially designate the hitch opening size and weight capacity.

Here's a quick breakdown of the 5 hitch classes, their associated capacities, and their typical receiver sizes.

Okay, great, you may be thinking. But what do these numbers actually translate to? For context, we've broken out the 5 trailer hitch classes below, including the typical tow vehicles, trailers, and accessories you'll see associated with each size.

Keep in mind that you are always limited by your lowest rated component. For instance, if your hitch can haul 8,000 lbs but your vehicle can only haul 3,000 lbs, you're maxed out at 3K.

*You can also check out our Tips on How to Tow a Trailer article as well as our Determining Trailer Tongue Weight article for more help towing your trailer!

KEY TERMS

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): Weight of the loaded trailer. To determine GTW, weigh the loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.

Tongue Weight (TW): The downward pressure placed on the ball by the coupler. To determine TW, use a tongue weight scale or other method described here.

What is a Class I Trailer Hitch?

A Class I trailer hitch is the lightweight champion of the 5 available classes, making it perfect for small loads like kayaks or cargo carriers. These hitches are most often found on passenger cars and smaller SUVs.

Class I and Class II trailer hitches typically have a 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver opening. Class II accessories will not work with Class I hitches.

Max GTW: 1,000-2,000 lbs

Max TW: 100-200 lbs

Receiver opening: 1-1/4"

Class I Typical Loads

Bikes (max 2)
Cargo carriers
Kayaks
Canoes
Mobility scooters
Small trailers

Class I Typical Tow Vehicles

Compact cars
Midsize cars
Full-size cars
SUVs
Minivans

What is a Class II Trailer Hitch?

A Class II trailer hitch is just a bit heftier than a Class I hitch. Like Class I hitches, they are typically found on passenger cars and smaller SUVs.

Because Class I and Class II hitch receivers are usually the same size, many people wonder if their Class II accessories will fit their Class I hitch. But alas, this is not the case!

Class I hitch receivers have a built-in stopper so that drawbars and accessory shanks can only slide into the trailer hitch opening to a certain point. Class II accessories have a longer shank, so they'll run into the stopper and won't be able to slide all the way into the receiver. This is to keep you from accidentally overloading your Class I hitch with a heavier Class II accessory. On the other hand, you CAN use a Class I accessory in a Class II hitch.

Max GTW: 2,000-3,500 lbs

Max TW: 200-525 lbs

Receiver opening: 1-1/4"

Class II Typical Loads

Bikes
Cargo carriers
Kayaks
Canoes
Mobility scooters
Small trailers
Small pop-up campers
Small boats

Class II Typical Tow Vehicles

Compact cars
Midsize cars
Full-size cars
SUVs
Minivans

What is a Class III Trailer Hitch?

Class III hitches are some of the most common due to their wide range of weight capacities (about 3,500 lbs GTW to 8,000 lbs GTW). If you want to tow a camper, you're best off sticking with at least a Class III hitch. Since this is the most common hitch size, you have way more options for everything from trailers to bike racks to cargo carriers.

Class III hitches have 2" x 2" wide receiver openings. However, you can still use 1-1/4" accessories if you've got them by using an adapter.

Max GTW: 3,500-8,000 lbs

Max TW: 300-800 lbs

Receiver opening: 2"

Class III Typical Loads

Midsize campers
Utility trailers
Lawn maintenance equipment
Bikes
Cargo carriers
Kaykas
Canoes
Motorcycles
Snowmobiles

Class III Typical Tow Vehicles

Full-size cars
Large SUVs
Minivans
Trucks

What is a Class IV Trailer Hitch?

We again step up the weight capacities with Class IV hitches. Like Class III hitches, Class IV hitches typically have 2" x 2" receivers. However, they come with an even beefier weight capacity (up to 12,000 lbs GTW).

Class IV hitches have 2" x 2" wide receiver openings. However, if you want to use your 1-1/4" accessories with your 2" hitch, you can use an adapter.

Max GTW: 5,000-12,000 lbs

Max TW: 500-1,200 lbs

Receiver opening: 2"

Class IV Typical Loads

Large campers
Large boats
Toy haulers
Horse trailers

Class IV Typical Tow Vehicles

Heavy-duty trucks
Large SUVs

What is a Class V Trailer Hitch?

Class V trailer hitches are as big as they come. These are the heavy-duty hitches made for hauling your heaviest trailers and toy haulers. Most Class V hitch receivers have a 2-1/2" receiver opening, although some have a 2" opening, and the largest even have a 3" opening (these giants are welded to the tow vehicle's frame).

If you need to carry a smaller accessory with a Class V hitch, adapters are available. (Special shout-out to our B&W adapters, which are designed with pinched ends to make lining up your pin holes effortless.)

Max GTW: 10,000-25,000 lbs

Max TW: 1,000-4,000 lbs

Receiver opening: 2", 2-1/2", or 3"

Class V Typical Loads

Large toy haulers
Equipment haulers
Multi-car trailers
Horse trailers

Class V Typical Tow Vehicles

Heavy-duty trucks
Commercial trucks

Related Products

Shop Ball Mounts

Shop Bike Racks

Shop Custom Vehicle Wiring

Paul R.

6/3/2025

looking for class iv rear hitch for 2012 Palomino 253FBS fifth wheel

Robin H.

6/3/2025

@PaulR depending on the capacity you need you may be able to use the Class III # C13701 (frames 18"-51" Wide) or # C13704 (22"-66" Wide). Both have a 500-lb tongue and 5,000-lb gross trailer weight. If you need it to be higher you're looking at a weld-on hitch like the Class V # 15903.

Explore Expert Info

on Trailer Hitch

Videos

for Trailer Hitch

Help Articles

for Trailer Hitch

Expert Answers

for Trailer Hitch

Installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2025 Toyota RAV4

Inside Look at TowSmart and Oris Hitches with the Manufacturer

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040

Installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2024 Subaru Ascent

Review of BulletProof Hitches Tow Shackles - Extreme Duty Soft Shackle - BPH74SR

Curt Class III Trailer Hitch Complete Installation - 2025 Mazda CX-90

Mount: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter Installation - 2023 Kia Telluride

Installing the Towsmart Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2024 Toyota RAV4

How to Install: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver on your 2024 Toyota RAV4

Installing the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness on a 2025 Subaru Outback Wagon

Curt Class III Trailer Hitch Complete Installation - 2024 Honda Odyssey

Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)

How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop

My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit

Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes

Trailer Wiring Diagrams

The 5 Best Trailer Drop Hitches You Can Buy

Determining Trailer Tongue Weight

Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)

Tips on How To Tow a Trailer

Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)

5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches

Which Hitches are Made in the USA

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

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…

view full answer...

Hey John, thanks for the information. To add a class V hitch to your 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 you'll want the Curt item #C15409 for a 2" receiver or item #C15809 for a 2-1/2" receiver. This hitch fits all models of the 2005 Ram with or…

view full answer...

Hitch And Bike Rack For Carrying Two Lectric XP4 Ebikes On A 2016 Chrysler 200

Hi Gregg! We do have a hitch available for your 2016 Chrysler 200 with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4" #C11403. As this is a Class 1 hitch, your options for a bike rack will be more limited. The Lectric XP4 bikes…

view full answer...

Best Trailer Hitch For 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Max Hybrid Platinum

Hello Mike, thanks for reaching out. We do offer a trailer hitch for the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Max Hybrid Platinum. For that I recommend the following: - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"…

view full answer...

Does TowSmart Hitch TS96VR Fit 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige

Hey John, yes the TowSmart hitch part #TS96VR that you referenced does fit your 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige and the install is the exact same. Will you be doing some towing with the hitch?

view full answer...

I have a 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE, the hitch rec

I've got good news for you Greg. You still haven't seen a hitch that installs on the inside of the frame. The EcoHitch item #EH97FR you were looking at and every other hitch that fits the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, like the Curt item #C77MJ,…

view full answer...

Trailer Hitch for 2012 Ford E-350 For Vertical Bike Rack

Hi Dan; what kind of bike rack do you have? Curt has this restriction on pretty much all of their Class III hitches. For a hitch that doesn't have this restriction I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch #75703. This is a Class IV hitch…

view full answer...

Parts Needed to Add 7-Way and Brake Controller to 2019 Chevy Express Van

Hey Don! If you don't already have a 4-way that is where you need to start. You can add a 4-way using the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #55540. Once that is installed you will upgrade it to a 7-way using the Universal Installation Kit…

view full answer...

Comparing the Curt Hitch C13416 and EcoHitch Hitch 306-X7396 for a 2019 Toyota RAV4

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

view full answer...

How To Trim The Bumper Of A 2024 Nissan Ariya For Installation Of A Curt Trailer Hitch

Hey Marcelo, Curt has a picture in the instructions showing where to cut the rear fascia on your Aryia, which I've attached a below. Having watched and done numerous installs myself I will say that I never cut the fascia without first holding it…

view full answer...

Trailer Hitch Reciever For a 2019 Mini Cooper S Hard Top For Carrying a Bike Rack

Yes, the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver #EH87FR is the correct receiver for your 2019 Mini Cooper S 4 door hard top. I recommend using a bike rack like the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack #HLY74FR due to the exhaust location near the…

view full answer...

If I Use Hitch Adapter HT02 to Convert Yakima Holdup to Work in a 2 inch Hitch is Capacity Reduced

If you use the #HT02 adapter to convert a Yakima Holdup 2 Bike Rack #Y02445 designed for 1-1/4 inch hitches so that it can be used in a 2 inch hitch you would not reduce the capacity of the rack. You would be able to carry 2 bikes with the setup…

view full answer...