Hitch Adapter Recommendation and How to Tell If Trailer Hitch is Class I or Class II

Updated 03/01/2017 | Published 02/28/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver with 5" Rise

(554)

$104.93

Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock - Padlock Style for 1-1/4" Trailer Hitch Receiver

(600)

$16.38

Question:

Im interested in the MT70355. It is for my daughters 2003 Ford Escape, V-6. Not going to be used for anything other than a hitch safe. Always locking her keys in the car. The description says fits class 2 only. How can I tell which hitch it has? It came with the truck

asked by: Rich T

Helpful Expert Reply:

Both Class I and Class II trailer hitches have 1-1/4 inch receiver openings. The particular class rating should be listed somewhere on the trailer hitch that is installed on the 2003 Ford Escape. If you cannot find the class rating, there should also be a tongue weight and towing weight capacity listed on the hitch. A Class I hitch will typically have a tongue weight of 200 pounds and towing weight of 2,000 pounds. A Class II trailer hitch will be higher rated and usually have a 525 pound tongue weight capacity and 3,500 pound towing weight capacity. Based on our available trailer hitches for the 2003 Ford Escape, it is most likely a Class I, but you will want to confirm this.

The MaxxTow Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter mentioned in your question was for Class II trailer hitches and is discontinued. If the trailer hitch on the Ford Escape is a Class I, you will instead use the Brophy Hitch Adapter # HT5R.

I also recommend a trailer hitch receiver lock like the Tow Ready # 5200, which will secure and lock the adapter to the trailer hitch.

expert reply by: Chris R