Please refer to the following trailer hitch class information if you have questions
about how trailer hitch classes are determined. When choosing a hitch, we recommend
you consider your current towing needs as well as future needs. A bicycle rack
today may turn into a power boat next year. If in doubt, it’s best to select a higher class.
NOTE: Always choose a hitch that is strong enough to handle
the maximum anticipated total weight of the trailer but does
not exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle. Refer to your vehicle's owner’s
manual for maximum towing and tongue weight limitations. The trailer tongue
load should be kept at 10 percent of the loaded trailer weight for weight-carrying*
(deadweight) trailer hitches, and 12 percent for weight-distributing** (equalizing)
trailer hitches. Also, you may want need to consider vehicle modifications that
might be beneficial, such as stiffer springs, air springs, overload or air assist
shocks, larger sway bars or automatic transmission fluid (ATF) cooler. Such
modifications may be needed on vehicles used for heavy towing or long-distance
towing. You may also want to refer to the U.S.
Department of Transportation web site for additional towing tips and information.
Class I Hitches
This is the lightest type of trailer hitch. A Class 1 trailer hitch can handle
a gross trailer weight (GTW) of up to 2,000 lbs., and a maximum
tongue weight of 200 lbs. The hitch may be a simple drawbar-type hitch or step
bumper-type hitch. Other hitches may have a crossbar with a small one-inch or
1-1/2-inch square receiver, or a small 2-inch by 5/8-inch receiver. This type
of hitch is often used on smaller cars, smaller pickups and smaller vans (minivans)
for bicycle racks, camping racks, and light-duty towing. We sell many fine class
1 hitches as well as an economical, easy to install (do-it-yourself) Class 1
trailer hitch.
Class II Hitches
Class II hitches are for loads of up to 3,500 lbs. GTW and 300 lbs. tongue
weight such as a small boat trailer, snowmobile trailer, motorcycle trailer
or camper. This type of trailer hitch is appropriate for larger cars, full-size
vans, full-size pickups and SUVs. Many of our class II hitches are designed
specifically for your vehicle, and we have some universal class II trailer hitches
as well.
Class III Hitches
Class III hitches can handle up to 5,000 lbs. GTW and 500 lbs. tongue weight.
This type of hitch generally has a 2-inch rectangular receiver and is considered
the "standard" type of hitch for general towing. Most of our class
III hitches are designed specifically for your vehicle. There are also some
universal-fit class III trailer hitches available.
Class IV Hitches
Class IV hitches are for up to 10,000 lbs. GTW and 1,000 to 1,200 lbs. of
tongue weight. This type of hitch is usually a weight-distributing
hitch. We carry many fine class IV hitches that are designed specifically
for your vehicle.
Class V Hitches
Class V hitches are for extra heavy loads greater than 10,000 lbs. GTW and
more than 1,200 lbs. tongue weight. This type of hitch is usually a weight-distributing
hitch. This type of hitch may have up to a 2-1/2 inch receiver with a 3/4-inch
pinhole. Typical uses might be to tow a car trailer, horse trailer or unusually
large boat or camper.
5th Wheel and Gooseneck Hitches
For really heavy towing we carry 5th wheel and gooseneck hitches that mount
in the bed of your pickup truck.
Back to Trailer Hitches
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* Dead-Weight Hitch: Or "weight carrying" hitch
is the type of trailer hitch most people think of when they consider trailer
hitches. It is the basic trailer hitch that provides a simple ball-and-socket
arrangement to connect the trailer to the towing vehicle. Intended for (usually)
lighter loads.
** Weight-Distributing Hitch: This type of hitch has an attachment
that slides into the receiver to redistribute the weight on the tongue. The
hitch usually has two spring bars, one for each side of the trailer, to lift
and apply leverage to the tow vehicle. This redistributes weight from the rear
axle to the front and improves vehicle stability while towing. Intended for
heavy loads.
