Pickup trucks and SUVs provide immense utility through their ability to tow trailers for recreation, work, and transport. But hitting the road with a trailer requires properly equipping your vehicle with a hitch that matches the load. Trailer hitches are assigned different classes based on their weight capacities. This helps simplify the selection process when buying a hitch.
This comprehensive guide will examine trailer hitch classifications in detail to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your new hitch:
Overview of Trailer Hitch Rating Systems
There are two main classification systems for trailer hitches used in North America:
- SAE Class — The most common numerical system of Classes 1–5. Based on gross trailer weight.
- Weight Carrying — Specifies maximum tongue weight a hitch can carry.
We will focus on the SAE classes in this guide, as these determine the overall towing capacities.
SAE Trailer Hitch Classes
The SAE class system rates hitches from Class 1 up to Class 5 based on their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) capacities. When you see a class rating on a hitch, it refers to the maximum amount of weight the hitch is designed to tow.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) refers to the total weight of a fully loaded trailer including all cargo, fluids, passengers, and the empty weight of the trailer itself.
The classes indicate towing strength, not vertical tongue weight capacity:
Hitch ClassMax GTW CapacityClass 1Up to 2,000 lbsClass 2Up to 3,500 lbsClass 3Up to 5,000 lbsClass 4Up to 10,000 lbsClass 5Over 10,000 lbs
But the vehicle being used for towing must have sufficient capacity as well. Each truck, SUV, or crossover has a maximum tow rating from the manufacturer. This rating sets the limit for safe towing.
It’s critical to match the hitch class to your vehicle’s ratings, which we’ll explore later in this guide.
First, let’s take a closer look at the capabilities of each hitch class.
Class 1 Trailer Hitches
Class 1 hitches sit at the lowest end of the rating spectrum, with a max towing capacity up to 2,000 lbs GTW. Typical uses for a Class 1 hitch include:
- Small utility or cargo trailers
- Bike racks
- Motorcycle trailers
- Jet ski trailers
- Small gear like kayak or canoe carriers
With lighter towing needs, Class 1 is well suited for small cars, crossovers, and SUVs. But even within Class 1, maximum capacities vary:
Class 1 Hitch Example RatingsBrandMax GTWCurt Class 12,000 lbsDraw-Tite Class 11,500 lbsHidden Hitch Class 11,200 lbs
So the vehicle’s own max towing rating is still the limiting factor. Many small crossovers and cars can only handle up to 1,500 lbs trailers.
All Class 1 hitches use a 1–1/4” receiver tube opening. This receiver size limits the shank size on ball mounts to 1–1/4” x 1–1/4”.
Class 1 is a very popular hitch class thanks to the prevalence of small, economy vehicles with low tow ratings. Always verify your specific vehicle’s capacity before choosing your hitch.
Class 2 Hitch Capacities
The next step up from Class 1, Class 2 hitches can tow up to 3,500 lbs GTW. With this increased capacity, Class 2 opens more possibilities:
- Small enclosed trailers
- Smaller boats like bass boats, jon boats, canoes
- Snowmobile trailers
- Compact tractors or lawn equipment
Class 2 expands towing options for mid-size crossovers, SUVs, vans and light trucks with limited tow ratings. You gain an extra 1,500 lbs capacity versus Class 1.
Like Class 1, Class 2 hitches maintain the 1–1/4” receiver tube size. This is an important consideration when selecting compatible ball mounts and accessories.
Here are some example Class 2 hitch ratings:
Class 2 Hitch Sample RatingsBrandMax GTWCurt Class 23,500 lbsDraw-Tite Class 23,500 lbsHidden Hitch Class 23,000 lbsThe vehicle’s max tow rating must accommodate these hitch capacities. A Class 2 hitch on a small crossover may be limited by the vehicle to 2,000 lbs total capacity.
Class 3 Hitches for Heavier Towing
For owners seeking more substantial towing strength, we move up to the Class 3 hitch. With capacities up to 5,000 lbs GTW, Class 3 opens up possibilities like:
- Travel trailers & pop-up campers
- Larger enclosed trailers
- Bigger fishing boats and watercraft
- Horse trailers
- Medium-sized RVs
To handle the increased loads, Class 3 uses a larger 2” receiver tube opening. This allows the insertion of larger 2” x 2” shank ball mounts. The larger receiver and shank help disperse forces over more surface area.
Sample Class 3 Hitch RatingsBrandMax GTWCurt Class 35,000 lbsDraw-Tite Class 35,000 lbsHidden Hitch Class 35,000 lbsYou’ll find Class 3 employed on full-size trucks, SUVs, and vans with robust towing capacities. Always adhere to the vehicle’s rated limits.
Class 4 Hitches for Heavy Duty Towing
For the biggest consumer towing needs, the Class 4 hitch delivers. With tow ratings up to 10,000 lbs GTW, you gain incredible capabilities:
- All travel trailers
- Horse and livestock trailers
- Large boats like pontoons
- Heavy equipment and commercial uses
The Class 4 hitch maintains the 2” receiver tube for optimal strength. You can tow some surprisingly heavy loads, but your tow vehicle must be properly equipped.
Sample Class 4 Hitch RatingsBrandMax GTWCurt Class 410,000 lbsDraw-Tite Class 410,000 lbsHidden Hitch Class 48,000 lbsThese heavy hitches are found on 3/4 ton and larger pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, and purpose-built commercial trucks. Always consult your exact vehicle’s tow guide.
Extreme Strength of Class 5
At the top of the ratings, the Class 5 hitch is made for extreme towing. With GTW capacities over 10,000 lbs, there are almost no limits to what you can hitch up:
- 5th wheel travel trailers
- Gargantuan RVs
- Multi-horse and cattle trailers
- Massive yachts and boats
- Heavy equipment like tractors and bulldozers
To achieve these immense ratings, Class 5 has either a 2” or 2–1/2” receiver tube. This allows unprecedented levels of vertical tongue weight capacity.
Sample Class 5 Hitch RatingsBrandMax GTWCurt Class 516,000 lbsDraw-Tite Class 516,000 lbsHidden Hitch Class 514,000 lbsYou’ll need a commercial truck built for extreme towing to leverage Class 5. But it offers virtually unlimited heavy towing potential.
Vehicle Tow Ratings Must Be Adequate
This covers the defining weight capacities of the 5 trailer hitch classes. But it’s crucial to reiterate that your vehicle itself must have sufficient towing capacity to safely handle these loads.
Every truck, SUV, crossover, and van has a maximum towing specification from the manufacturer. Examples:
Vehicle ModelMax Towing Capacity2022 Ford F-15014,000 lbs2022 Nissan Rogue1,350 lbs2022 Chevy Silverado 15009,600 lbsThese ratings set the limit for safe control, braking, powertrain heating and stability when towing.
Exceeding your vehicle’s rated towing capacity is extremely dangerous and risks damage, crashes, and liability.
When equipping your vehicle, you must:
- Verify your exact vehicle model’s towing capacity
- Choose a hitch class at or below that rating
- Consider trailer tongue weight limitations as well
- Account for passengers and cargo adding to tow load
Adhering to your vehicle’s rated limits ensures safe, stable handling when towing.
Trailer Tongue Weight Considerations
We’ve covered hitch classes and their GTW ratings. But we also need to discuss tongue weight. This crucial measurement refers to the downward vertical force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer coupler.
Tongue weight is an important factor for several reasons:
- Generates leverage against rear axle of tow vehicle
- Can reduce front axle loading, degrading steering and braking
- Excessive tongue weight overloads chassis and hitch
Ideally, trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of Gross Trailer Weight (GTW).
Examples:
- 3,000 lbs GTW trailer = 300–450 lbs tongue weight
- 7,000 lbs GTW trailer = 700–1,050 lbs tongue weight
Many Hitch Brands Specify Maximum Tongue Weights:
BrandClass 3 Max Tongue WeightClass 4 Max Tongue WeightCurt600 lbs1,200 lbsDraw-Tite600 lbs1,200 lbsB&W Trailer Hitches700 lbs1,400 lbs
Exceeding these vertical weight limits can damage your equipment and voids warranties.
Be sure to:
- Weigh fully loaded trailer to find true tongue weight
- Adjust cargo distribution to target 10–15% of GTW
- Use a weight distribution hitch if exceeding targets
With both hitch ratings and vehicle/tongue weight limits in mind, you can find the optimal class to tow safely.
Hitch Class Capabilities Summary
We’ve covered hitch classifications in depth. Here’s a recap of what each class can handle:
Hitch ClassMax GTW CapacityReceiver Tube SizeExample UsesClass 1Up to 2,000 lbs1–1/4"Jet ski, bike racks, small utility trailerClass 2Up to 3,500 lbs1–1/4"Compact tractors, small boats and trailersClass 3Up to 5,000 lbs2"Campers, mid-size trailers and boatsClass 4Up to 10,000 lbs2”All travel trailers, horse trailers, large boatsClass 5Over 10,000 lbs2” or 2–1/2"5th wheels, massive RVs, heavy equipment
With this foundation of towing capacities and weight limits, you can narrow your search to the class appropriate for your specific vehicle and trailer.
Vehicle Tow Package Components
Along with a properly matched hitch, there are a few other essential parts required to connect and tow safely:
- Tow Ball — Mounts to the hitch ball mount and couples with the trailer coupler. Available in 1–7/8", 2”, and 2–5/16" sizes. Make sure to get the size matched to your trailer. The ball must be rated equal to or greater than your hitch class rating.
- Ball Mount — Inserts into the hitch receiver and holds the ball at the proper height. Pick a mount with a GTW rating matching or exceeding your trailer weight. Check for proper rise or drop to level tow vehicle and trailer.
- Safety Chains — Provides a secondary attachment in case the hitch comes disconnected from the trailer. Attach to vehicle frame or hook slots, avoid attaching to ball mount.
- Trailer Light Wiring — Provides the required lights on the trailer including turn signals, brake lights, and running lights by tapping into the tow vehicle electrical system. Most trailers use a 4-flat or 7-way connector.
- Sway Control — Helps dampen trailer sway that can occur at highway speeds, especially with longer trailers. Adds stiffness between tow vehicle and trailer.
- Weight Distribution Hitch — Uses spring bars to transfer tongue weight towards the front axle of the vehicle to reduce squat and improve towing stability and braking control. Consider if tongue weight exceeds 10–15% of GTW.
Consult your trailer manufacturer’s guidelines for proper setup specifications. Always check for proper operation of trailer lights before towing.
Trailer Hitch Manufacturers
There are a number of major brands manufacturing and selling hitches in the 5 class ratings:
- Curt — Made in USA. Owned by ASA Electronics. Several product lines based on capacity. Limited lifetime warranty.
- Draw-Tite — Owned by Horizon Global. Uses Max-Frame design on higher capacity hitches. Warranty up to 5 years.
- Hidden Hitch — Made in USA. Known for unique Silent Hitch noise dampening. Weather resistant finishes.
- Reese Towpower — Founded in 1952. Broad range including 5th wheel hitches. Acquired by Horizon Global in 2015.
- B&W Trailer Hitches — American company specializing in heavy duty hitches since 1998. Sells Companion and Patriot brands.
- Blue Ox — Focused on RV and 5th wheel hitches plus tow bars. High strength forged and machined components.
No matter which brand you select, always match the hitch rating to your vehicle’s rated towing capacity. Follow installation instructions carefully or have hitch installed by a professional.
Matching Hitch Class to Vehicle Model
This guide has covered the capabilities of each of the 5 hitch classes in depth. But how do you select the ideal class for your exact vehicle?
Follow these steps to choose a properly rated hitch for your truck, SUV, or crossover:
1. Look Up Your Vehicle’s Tow Rating
Check your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for the maximum towing capacity for your exact make, model, year, cab, and drivetrain.
Tow ratings vary greatly even on similarly sized vehicles. Always look up your exact vehicle configuration.
2. Determine Your Fully Loaded Trailer Weight
Weigh your trailer with all passengers, fluids, and cargo loaded to find the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW).
Alternately, find the GTW rating from the trailer manufacturer if it’s new.
3. Include Weight of Vehicle Passengers and Payload
Account for passenger and cargo weight in the tow vehicle. This further reduces your towing capacity.
4. Choose Hitch Class Rating Below Vehicle Capacity
Select a hitch class with a GTW rating below your vehicle’s max tow rating.
Leave a buffer if trailer weight approaches maximums.
5. Check Vehicle Tongue Weight Limits
Ensure your loaded trailer tongue weight also falls within the vehicle’s specs.
Adjust cargo placement to tweak tongue weight if needed.
Following these steps correctly matches your hitch class to the vehicle to allow safe towing. Never exceed manufacturer ratings.
Towing Safety Tips
With the right hitch properly equipped, just a few quick safety reminders before hitting the road:
- Re-torque hitch fasteners after first several hundred miles of towing
- Use safety chains crossed under the trailer tongue
- Check trailer light operation and tire pressures
- Verify coupler is secured and locked onto ball
- Load cargo forward of trailer axles to improve stability
- Periodically check hitch tightness on long trips
- Take it slow and leave extra stopping distance
- Consider using a weight distribution hitch for heavier loads
Adhering to tow ratings, practicing safe habits, and taking proper precautions enables the fullest enjoyment of your trailer. Just be sure to spec the right class hitch matched to your vehicle’s capabilities.
FAQs
How do I know what hitch class I need?
To determine what hitch class you need, you should consider the weight of the load you need to tow and the towing capacity of your vehicle. Hitch classes are organized by weight capacity, with each class rated to indicate its maximum towing weight capacity and tongue weight. There are five basic classes that trailer hitches are divided into, based on how much weight they are rated to handle. Understanding what the different hitch class ratings mean will make it easier for you to pick the right trailer hitch for your needs.
Can a class 3 hitch tow a 5,000 pound trailer?
Yes, a class 3 hitch can typically tow a 5,000 pound trailer. Class 3 hitches are rated to handle a towing capacity of up to 8,000 pounds gross trailer weight (GTW) and a tongue weight of up to 800 pounds.
What is the maximum tongue weight for a class 4 hitch?
The maximum tongue weight for a class 4 hitch can vary depending on the specific hitch model and configuration. Class 4 rated hitches are designed for heavy-duty towing, with a capacity of up to 10,000 pounds GTW. The maximum tongue weight for a class 4 hitch can range from 1,000 to 1,200 pounds.
Are class 5 hitches overkill for most homeowners?
Class 5 hitches are designed for heavy-duty hauling jobs and are typically used for commercial purposes. For most homeowners, a class 3 or class 4 hitch is sufficient for towing needs. However, if you plan to tow heavy loads frequently, a class 5 hitch may be necessary.
Will a class 1 hitch work with a jet ski trailer?
Class 1 hitches are typically rated up to a maximum of 200 tongue weight and 2,000 pounds towing and are considered weight-carrying hitches. They are designed for light trailers and accessories only. A jet ski trailer may be within the weight capacity of a class 1 hitch, but it’s important to check the specific weight of the trailer and the towing capacity of your vehicle before towing.
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