What is the Difference Between a Class I and Class II Ball Mount

Updated 04/09/2013 | Published 04/04/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Class I Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 6-1/4" Long - 2,000 lbs

(2291)

$20.44

Pin and Clip for 1-1/4" Hitches - 1/2" Diameter

(896)

$11.38

Question:

what is Class II and Class I Ball Mounts for ?

asked by: Ethan

Expert Reply:

Class I Ball Mounts

When towing with a Class I trailer hitch, the Class I ball mount that is recommended by the trailer hitch manufacturer should be used. All Class I trailer hitches are tested and rated with the specific ball mount for that hitch. Using a ball mount that is not recommended by the manufacturer will void the warranty. The features of a a Class I ball mount are:

Has a 1-1/4 inch x 1-1/4 inch shank
Class II ball mounts will not fit on Class I trailer hitches
Held in place with a 1/2 inch hitch pin like # PC2
Uses ball with a 3/4 inch shank diameter
Rated for 2,000 lbs gross trailer weight
Only 1-7/8 inch diameter or 2 inch diameter hitch balls can be used

Class II Ball Mounts
Class II Drawbar 5" Rise (Kit)

Similar to Class I ball mounts and hitches, if towing with a Class II trailer hitch, the ball mount that is recommended by the manufacturer should be used. All Class II trailer hitches are tested and rated with the specific ball mount for that hitch. Using a ball mount that is not recommended by the manufacturer will void the warranty. Features of a Class II ball mount are:

Has a 1-1/4 inch x 1-1/4 inch shank
Class II ball mounts will not fit on Class I trailer hitches
Held in place with a 1/2 inch hitch pin like # PC2
Uses ball with a 3/4 inch shank diameter
Rated for 3,500 lbs gross trailer weight
Only 1-7/8 inch diameter or 2 inch diameter hitch balls can be used

The main difference is capacity and that a Class II ball mount will have a longer shank than a Class I. This is why a Class II ball mount will not fit in a Class I trailer hitch.

Most all Class I and II accessories including ball mounts have a solid shank. Higher capacity ball mounts have a hollow shank (Class III and up) but some of them can be solid as well. I have included some links with additional information on hitch classes and sizes and more on ball mounts.