Differences Between Class I and II Trailer Hitches Available for 2009 Pontiac Vibe

Updated 04/30/2016 | Published 04/28/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Gateway Pro 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms

(85)

$299.95

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(69)

$59.06

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2634)

$16.89

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(93)

$205.43

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(29)

$196.96

Curt Class II Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs

(2282)

$46.30

Question:

Is there much difference from drawtie class 1 and class 2 hitches.I see # rate are different,but are they close. Ill be using to tow 4x8 utility trailer,half dozen times a year. Vibe has the 2.4 engine. Will need hitch,also do they come with 6 bolts. Wiring harness, ball,and receiver. Just not sure yet on class 1 or 2 yet,as I can only tow 1500 lbs.

asked by: Jim T

Expert Reply:

As your Vibe only has a 1500 lb towing capacity, the only benefit you'd get from going with a Class II hitch is the ability to carry 4 bikes on a bike rack, where the Class I can only carry 2.

If you're only planning on towing, and are fine with being limited to carrying two bikes on a bike rack, the Draw-Tite Class I, part # 24812 would be my recommendation. The hitch includes the pin and clip, but the properly sized ball mount and trailer ball are sold separately as part # 19256 for a 1-7/8 inch ball or # 19258 for a 2 inch ball. The hitch I mentioned isn't compatible with the GT model Vibe.

Curt offers two hitches for the Vibe, both Class II, part # C12221 for GT models or # C12228 for all models except the GT. f you want the ability to carry up to 4 bikes, as well as tow a trailer, the Curt hitches would be your best bet. The ball mount is sold separately as part # C45521. The trailer balls I mentioned above would be compatible.

Both the Curt and the Draw-Tite models include all necessary installation hardware, Curt uses 4 bolts, while Draw-Tite specifies 6. For a trailer wiring harness, use the Tow Ready # 118460. I've provided some installation videos for you. You can view them by clicking the provided links.