Comparing Class III and Class IV Trailer Hitches for a 2008 Ford F-150

Updated 12/23/2010 | Published 12/22/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(20)

$253.30

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

(2626)

$11.10

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2626)

$23.25

Draw-Tite Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3" Rise, 4" Drop - 9-1/4" Long - 16K

(3480)

$51.38

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1360)

$11.31

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(94)

$214.48

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3881)

$20.93

Question:

Other than costs: Class IV, as opposed to Class III?

asked by: George M

Expert Reply:

There are going to be several differences between a Class III trailer hitch and a Class IV trailer hitch like Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, # 41933. One difference is how each attaches to the truck. The Class IV hitch requires more attachment points. I have included a link to the installation details for this hitch below that better illustrates where and how the hitch attaches to the truck.

Even though there may be more attachment points, we still have the install difficulty rated at a 3 out of 10 since it should only take about 30 minutes to install for a novice installer with the appropriate tools.

Another difference is capacity. The Class IV trailer hitch has a higher capacity; 1,000 pounds tongue weight capacity and 10,000 pounds gross trailer weight capacity (1,200/12,000 with weight distribution). A Class III hitch will have a 600/6,000 pound capacity (1,000/10,000 with weight distribution).

Both # 41933, and Class III hitches have a 2 inch square receiver opening for any accessories that require a 2 inch receiver (ball mounts, bike racks, cargo carriers etc). Basically, you are looking at capacity as the major difference so you will want to choose the hitch that is best for what you need to tow as well as what you might need to tow in the future.

I would go with the higher capacity Class IV hitch for the simple fact that there may be a time when you need to tow something heavier than 6,000 pounds. When that time comes you will be ready with a Class IV hitch rated for 10,000 pounds. But, if you are certain you will never tow more than 6,000 pounds, the Class III hitch will be a good choice. You will also want to check your vehicle owners manual to determine the towing capacity of your truck. I have included a link to our hitch classes FAQ article below.

To complete your towing set up with the Class IV hitch, you can use ball mount # 40331 for use with ball # A-90 (2 inch diameter) or # 19286 (2-5/16 inch diameter). For a Class III hitch, like # 75506, you can use ball mount # 2753 for use with ball # 19260 (1-7/8 inch diameter), # 19247 (2 inch diameter), or # 19287 (2-5/16 inch diameter). For trailer wiring with either hitch, use # 18252 if your truck does not have a tow package, or # 40185 if your truck does have a tow package.