Hitch With The Best Ground Clearance For A 2022 GMC Terrain

Updated 10/10/2025 | Published 10/09/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(70)

$195.25

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(345)

$198.30

Question:

This SUV already has a low ground clearance so Im wondering if theres a difference in ground clearance from the bottom of a Class II vs. Class III hitch.

asked by: Bill W

Expert Reply:

Hi Bill!

The difference in ground clearance between the Class 2 and Class 3 hitches for your 2022 GMC Terrain is going to be pretty minimal. We typically don't measure to the bottom of the hitch once it's installed (we measure to the inside top of the hitch as that will get you the rise/drop measurement for a ball mount), but it is a fairly easy thing to figure out.

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" C77FR
Inside Top Measurement: 11-3/4"

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4" # C98CR
Inside Top Measurement: 11-1/2"

With those measurement, you would subtract 2-1/4" from the Class 3 hitch (the 1/4" is the ring around the outside of the receiver opening) and you get 9-1/4" of ground clearance. Doing the same with the Class 2 hitch, you get 10".

So you do get a little more ground clearance with the Class 2 hitch, but I would still go for the Class 3 option. There are more options for accessories available for this size. I think it's the better choice.

What are you planning on using the hitch for?

expert reply by: Lazer S

Curt Hitch Height Difference
(click to enlarge)

Bill

10/9/2025

I'm primarily planning on hauling 2 regular bikes. However, you never know what might be down the line as far as towing goes. But the Terrain Denali has a max towing capacity of 1500lbs, not very much. Installing the 1-1/4" hitch might discourage future owners from towing more than they should :-). Thanks for your help. Bill

Lazer S.

10/10/2025

@Bill Haha! That is true. : ) Either one of these would work well for a bike rack and if you already have one that fits a 1-1/4", I would grab the Class 2 hitch. Let me know if there is anything else I can help with!