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
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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Class I Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 6-1/4" Long - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 3 Inch
- Rise - 2 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 2000 lbs GTW
- CURT
more information >
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