Class II vs. Class III Trailer Hitch on a 2021 Toyota Rav4

Published 10/13/2021

Question:

I have a 2021 Toyota Rav4 and want to get a hitch put on. When I was looking I saw that there are Class II and Class III hitches. Is one significantly better than the other? What do you recommend?

asked by: Sam C

Expert Reply:

The two biggest differences between a Class II and Class III hitch are going to be weight capacity and receiver opening size. You are going to have a higher tow weight and tongue weight with a Class III hitch. Class II hitches generally have a 1-1/4" receiver opening while Class III hitches have a 2" receiver opening. The 2" opening is the most common size used on things such as cargo carriers, bike racks and ball mounts for towing a trailer.

The hitch that I recommend for your 2021 Toyota Rav4 is the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e23ZR. This is a Class III hitch so you are getting that 2" receiver opening with a 4,000 lb. towing capacity and 600 pound tongue capacity. The hitch is made in the USA, has a no drill installation and has a matte black, powder coated steel construction that is durable and corrosion resistant.

Your towing capacity will be limited by the lowest rated weight capacity in your towing system. In this instance the hitch can handle up to 4,000 lbs. towing capacity, you would want to consult your owners manual for the weight capacity of your Rav4.

expert reply by: Scott S