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There are many different types of hitches and hitch classes used for towing a trailer. In this guide, we will walk through the 5 hitch classes, comparing weight ratings, features and more. We'll also look at some other hitch types, such as 5th wheel, gooseneck and pintle.
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What are the different types of trailer hitches?
- Receiver Hitch. A receiver hitch is a device that is mounted to the frame of a vehicle and provides a tow point for attaching a trailer or other towable object.
- 5th Wheel Hitch. A fifth-wheel hitch is a specialized towing device that is designed for use with large trailers, such as recreational vehicles (RVs) or commercial trailers.
- Gooseneck Hitch. Gooseneck hitches have a lot in common with 5-wheel hitches since they mount in the truck bed too. However, they use a hitch ball rather than a kingpin to connect the trailer to the truck.
- Weight Distribution Hitch. A weight distribution hitch, also known as a load-leveling hitch or equalizing hitch, is a towing accessory that helps distribute the weight of a trailer more evenly across the tow vehicle and trailer axles.
- Hitch Classes: An Overview
- Class 1 Hitch
- Class 2 Hitch
- Class 3 Hitch
- Class 4 Hitch
- Class 5 Hitch
- Other Trailer Hitch Classes
- What Hitch Do You have?
It’s important to note that when we are talking about trailer hitch classes, we’re specifically referring to receiver hitches. Receiver hitches are one of several types of hitches, which is why we need to call that out. Receiver hitches are usually mounted to a vehicle’s frame and provide a square hole called a receiver tube, where you can attach d...
A Class 1 (or Class I) hitch is the “starting point” of the trailer hitch classes. These hitches are usually rated for up to 2,000 lbs of towing and a maximum tongue weight of 200 lbs. They’ll have receiver tube openings between 1-1/4″ to 2″. Class 1 hitches are usually used on cars, sedans, minivans, crossovers, and small SUVs. Class 1 hitches can...
A Class 2 (or Class II) hitch can carry a bit more weight than a Class 1 hitch. Class 2 hitches can handle up to 3,500 lbs of weight carrying and a maximum tongue weight of 350 lbs. They also have receiver tube openings between 1-1/4″ to 2″. Class 2 hitches are found on sedans, vans, SUVs, and some light duty trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Co...
A Class 3 (or Class III) hitch is the most common hitch you’ll see on the road. A Class 3 trailer hitch can handle up to 8,000 lbs of towing (depending on the hitch manufacturer and model), and a maximum tongue weight of up to 800 lbs (also manufacturer/model dependent). Class 3 hitches usually have receiver openings of 2″. Class 3 hitches are ofte...
Class 4 (Class IV) hitches are found on larger trucks and SUVs. A Class 4 hitch can handle up to 12,000 lbs of towing and up to 1,200 lbs of tongue weight (depending on the make and model of your hitch). Class 4 hitches typically have 2″ receiver openings. These hitches are best for towing large boats, toy haulers, travel trailers, utility trailers...
Class 5 (Class V) hitches are the highest-rated hitch class out there. Class 5 hitches boast a max towing capability of up to 20,000 lbs and up to a 2,700 lb max tongue weight. Class 4 hitches typically have 2″ to 3″ receiver openings. This high weight capacity makes them great for pulling large travel trailers, toy haulers, multi-car trailers, lar...
As RVs and travel trailers continue to get heavier, hitch manufacturers have started to see demand for receiver hitches that go beyond a 20,000 lb max towing load. Some manufacturers have options that can handle up to 30,000 lbs and a max tongue weight of 3,000 lbs, but these don’t have an “official” class rating. The main issue of these higher-rat...
If you already have a hitch installed and are wondering what class it is, check out our guide on how to tell what class hitch you have. In that guide, we cover some quick and easy ways to identify your hitch.
- Rear Receiver Hitch. If you have seen a hitch at all, it is likely that you have seen a rear receiver hitch. This is the most common type for general users.
- Weight Distribution Hitch. A weight distribution hitch doesn’t attach directly to the vehicle, but instead to a rear receiver hitch like we mentioned above.
- Front Mount Hitch. A front mount hitch is very similar to the rear-receiver hitch in design, and like the rear receiver hitch, it attaches to the frame of your vehicle.
- Fifth Wheel Hitch. The first heavy-duty in-bed hitch on this list, the fifth wheel hitch is used for campers that have a specific fifth wheel hitch hookup.
Jun 11, 2024 · What are the Different Trailer Hitch Classes? There are a total of 5 trailer hitch classes, with Class I having the lowest capacity and Class V having the highest. Hitch classes essentially designate the hitch opening size and weight capacity.
A trailer hitch attaches to a vehicle’s frame, allowing it to tow a trailer. The primary components include a hitch receiver, ball mount , and trailer ball. The hitch receiver is a crucial part as it determines the type of hitch you can use.
A trailer hitch is a valuable investment for your vehicle. It’s important to know what the different types of trailers hitch receivers are and how each one can benefit you. The information in this chart gives you a detailed look into the towing capacities, towing vehicles, and cargo in tow.
