What is the Difference Between a Class II and Class III Trailer Hitch
Published 05/24/2012
Question:
Class II & Class III trailer hitches Need to know the difference in them and if I can tell what I have.
asked by: Sherry B
Expert Reply:
I will be happy to help. A Class II trailer hitch is going to have a 1-1/4 inch square receiver opening. A Class III will have a 2 inch square receiver opening. A bike rack like # TH990XT that you have referenced will fit both sizes. Class I hitches also have a 1-1/4 inch receiver, but they have a stop built into them that prevents loading Class II accessories inside to prevent overloading the hitch.
The capacities are also different. A Class II hitch typically has a tongue weight capacity of up to 350 pounds and gross trailer weight capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. These hitches are usually found on larger sedans and some crossover vehicles and SUVs.
Class III trailer hitches have a tongue weight capacity up to 600 pounds and gross trailer weight capacity up to 6,000 pounds. Class III hitches are usually found on trucks, vans, and larger SUVs.
I have included some links to FAQ articles that cover the differences more in depth. I have also added a picture here that shows the size comparison of a 2 inch and 1-1/4 inch hitch.
