General Towing FAQs

What are the Different Hitch Classes?

hitchman harry
Let us help you find the right hitch for your vehicle. Either click on our Hitch Finder tool below or give us a call at;
1-877-507-0711
trailer hitch

There are five classes of Hitches for towing trailers.
Each class is designed for a specific trailer weight range.

Different hitch classes

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. Smaller cars and SUVs can only handle smaller loads and probably will use a Class I hitch. Large trucks and vans are built for larger loads and can use a Class III, IV or V hitch.

Remember to always consult your owner's manual for vehicle rating.

 Class I - Light trailers and accessories only

  1. Class I hitches are weight carrying (WC) hitches rated up to 2000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a 200 lbs. maximum trailer tongue weight (TW)
  2. A Class I hitch usually has a 1-1/4" square receiver opening.
  3. A higher class ball mount does not increase the towing capacity of the hitch.
  4. Class I hitches usually attach to the bumper, truck pan or vehicle frame.
Example Uses: class I applications
Example Vehicles: class I vehicles
hitchman harry
Not sure which is right for you? We are here to help. Click on one of the pictures below to explore our web site, or give us a call at
1-877-507-0711
trailer hitch

Standard Trailer Hitches
ball mount

Towing Accessories
vehicle to trailer wiring

Vehicle to Trailer Wiring

 Class II - Medium weight trailers and accessories

  1. Class II hitches are weight carrying (WC) hitches rated up to 3500 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a 300 lbs. maximum trailer tongue weight (TW)
  2. A Class II hitch usually has a 1-1/4" square receiver opening.
  3. A higher class ball mount does not increase the towing capacity of the hitch.
  4. Class II hitches usually attach to the bumper or vehicle frame.
Example Uses: class II applications
Example Vehicles: class II vehicles
hitchman harry
Our exclusive Hitch Finder tool will help you find the right hitch for your vehicle. Either click on the picture of the hitch below, or give us a call at 1-877-507-0711
trailer hitch

Standard Trailer Hitches
ball mount

Towing Accessories
vehicle to trailer wiring

Vehicle to Trailer Wiring

 Class III - Larger trailers and accessories

  1. Class III hitches used as weight carrying are rated up to 6000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a 600 lbs. maximum trailer tongue weight (TW).
  2. Class III hitches used for weight distributing are rated up to 10,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a 1000 lbs. maximum trailer tongue weight (TW)
  3. Class III hitches are weight carrying (WC) and also are weight distributing (WD) depending on the vehicle and hitch specifications.
  4. Not all Class III hitches are rated to be both. See the specific hitch for that information.
  5. A Class III hitch usually has a 2" square receiver opening.
  6. A higher class ball mount does not increase the towing capacity of the hitch. To use this class of hitch for weight distribution requires a weight distribution system.
  7. Class III hitches attach to the vehicle frame only.
Example Uses: class III applications
Example Vehicles: class III vehicles
hitchman harry
Let us help you find the hitch or accessory that you are looking for. Either click on one of the pictures below, or give us a call at
1-877-507-0711
trailer hitch

Standard Trailer Hitches
ball mount

Towing Accessories
vehicle to trailer wiring

Vehicle to Trailer Wiring

 Class IV - Larger trailers and accessories

  1. Class IV hitches used as weight carrying are rated up to 10,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a 1000 lbs maximum trailer tongue weight (TW).
  2. Class IV hitches used for weight distributing are rated up to 14,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a 1400 lbs. maximum trailer tongue weight (TW).
  3. Class IV hitches are weight carrying (WC) and weight distributing (WD) hitches depending on the vehicle and hitch specifications.
  4. Not all Class IV hitches are rated to be both. See the specific hitch for that information.
  5. A Class IV hitch usually has a 2" square receiver opening.
  6. A higher class ball mount does not increase the towing capacity of the hitch. To use this class of hitch for weight distribution requires a weight distribution system.
  7. Class IV hitches attach to the vehicle frame only.
Example Uses: class IV applications
Example Vehicles: class Iv vehicles
hitchman harry
Still not sure what you need? Our Customer Service team would love to help. Give us a call Monday through Friday 8-5 CT at
1-877-507-0711
trailer hitch

Standard Trailer Hitches
ball mount

Towing Accessories
vehicle to trailer wiring

Vehicle to Trailer Wiring

 Class V - Largest trailers and accessories

  1. Class V hitches used as weight carrying are rated up to 12,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a 1200 lbs. maximum trailer tongue weight (TW).
  2. Class V hitches used for weight distributing are rated up to 17,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a 1700 lbs. maximum trailer tongue weight (TW).
  3. Class V hitches are weight carrying (WC) and weight distributing (WD) hitches depending on the vehicle and hitch specifications.
  4. A Class V hitch has a 2-1/2" square receiver opening.
  5. Your ball mount and hitch ball need to both be rated for Class V to safely tow these weight loads. To use this class of hitch for weight distribution requires a weight distribution system.
  6. Class V hitches attach to the vehicle frame only.
Example Uses: class IV applications
Example Vehicles: class Iv vehicles
hitchman harry
Let us help you find the hitch or accessory that you are looking for. Either click on one of the pictures below, or give us a call at
1-877-507-0711
trailer hitch

Standard Trailer Hitches
ball mount

Towing Accessories
vehicle to trailer wiring

Vehicle to Trailer Wiring