Table of Contents
What do the different classes of hitches mean?
Each class is designed for a specific trailer weight range. The class of hitch you choose is mostly determined by your vehicle and its towing capacity. The vehicle towing capacity of your vehicle determines what it can be used for. Large trucks and vans are built for larger loads and can use a Class III, IV or V hitch.
What is the difference between a Class 3 and a Class 5 hitch?
Class III Hitch: A Class 3 trailer hitch can handle a GTW of up to 5,000 lbs. Class V Hitch: A Class 5 trailer hitch can handle a GTW over 10,000 lbs. and a maximum tongue weight over 1,200 lbs.
How much can you pull with class 3 hitch?
Class 3 trailer hitches pull heavier loads on passenger vehicles and full-sized trucks. These hitches are extremely sturdy and range from 3,500 to 8,000 pounds towing capacity. These hitches also offer higher tongue weight capacities of between 350 to 800 pounds.
What’s the difference between Class 3 and Class 4 hitch?
The main difference between a Class III hitch and a Class IV hitch is the capacities they set for the hitches. Class III hitches are rated for up to 6,000 lbs GTW with 600 lbs TW whereas a Class IV is rated for up to 12,000 lbs GTW and 1,000 TW.
What is class 4 trailer hitch?
Class 4 trailer hitches are commonly mounted on full-size pickup trucks and SUVs. They feature a 2″ x 2″ receiver tube opening and generally have a weight carrying capacity up to 10,000 lbs. gross trailer weight. Most class 4 hitches can also utilize a weight distribution hitch for ratings as high as 12,000 lbs.
How much weight can a 2 inch ball pull?
The 2-inch ball is used on a variety of popular trailers, such as boat trailers, utility trailers and campers. 2-inch trailer balls have a wide weight capacity range from 3,500 pounds to 12,000 pounds gross trailer weight.
What class is a 3 inch hitch?
Hitch Class Comparison Chart
| Hitch Class | Common Applications | Receiver Size |
|---|---|---|
| Class 2 | Cars, crossovers and minivans | 1-1/4-inch |
| Class 3 | Crossovers, vans, SUVs and trucks | 2-inch |
| Class 4 | Trucks and SUVs | 2-inch |
| Class 5 – Xtra Duty | Trucks and SUVs | 2-inch |
What’s the difference between a Class 4 and Class 5 hitch?
Class IV is going to be a 2 inch hitch opening that has tongue weights typically up to 1,200 lbs and total trailer weight of 12,000 lbs. For a Class V hitch the capacities bump up to 20,000 lbs for the total trailer weight and 2,000 lbs tongue weight.
What is the difference between Class II and Class III trailer hitch?
Class 2 hitches are quite different from class 3 hitches. Class 2 hitches have a 1-1/4″ receiver and generally only go up to 3,500 lbs. On the other hand, class 3 hitches have a 2″ receiver and can range up to 8,000 lbs. gross trailer weight.
What is a Class III hitch?
The Class III hitch is the “standard” hitch installed on most light trucks and larger sport utility vehicles. This type of hitch if often used for pulling medium-duty loads, such as small car trailers, boats, campers, and recreational vehicles.
What does hitch class mean?
Hitch Class. Hitch classes are separated by their maximum weight capacity rating and receiver opening size. Classes range from I to V, and each class has its own unique capacity and applications. To find: Read the label on your hitch, or measure the size of the opening.
What are trailer hitch classes?
Trailer hitch classes. A trailer hitch typically bolts to the chassis of the vehicle. In North America there are a few common classes (I, II, III and IV) that are defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
What are trailer towing classes?
Trailer Hitch Classes. There are 5 classes of trailer hitches, each specifying maximum Gross Towing Weight (GTW) and Tongue Weight (TW) capacities. Class 1 and 2 hitches are for cars, smaller SUV’s, and small trucks. Class 3,4, and 5 are used on larger minivans, pickups, SUV’s, and almost all RV’s.