What Class Hitch Do I Need?

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What Class Hitch Do I Need?

Written by hitchweb Team
Thursday, November 10, 2011 — 19 Comments

To determine what class you need, you first need to know what your vehicle is capable of towing, you can find this information in your owners manual or ask your dealership. You need to know how much the item you are towing weighs, and also what size receiver it will fit into (1-1/4"or 2"). Refer to our trailer hitch class comparison chart for some simple guidelines to consider.

To categorize trailer hitches by towing capacity, manufacturers use hitch CLASSES. These classes make it easier to know more about a hitch by simply knowing what class they belong to. Each hitch in a particular class shares specific characteristics wit the other hitches in that class. Here are the classes used:

Class I	Weight capacity of between 1K - 2.5K. Fixed tongue (non-removable) of Flat or 1-1/4" receiver opening. The hitch DOES NOT include the ballmount, pin & clip. Most common applications are sports cars, small 2 doors, etc. Will require a ball with a 3/4" shank.
Class II	Weight capactity of 3.5K only. 1-1/4" receiver opening only. The hitch DOES NOT include the ballmount, pin & clip. Most common applications are larger cars (sedans & station wagons), and small SUV's. Will require a ball with 3/4" shank.
Class III	Weight capacity of between 3.5K - 6K weight carrying, and 6K - 10K weight distributing. 2" receiver opening. The hitch DOES NOT include ballmount, pin & clip (sold seperately). Most common applications are large sedans, Pickup trucks, and large SUV's. Will require a ball with a 1" shank.
Class IV	Weight capacity of 10K - 12K. 2" receiver opening. this hitch does not include the ballmount or pin & clip. Most common applications are large sedans, Pickup trucks, and large SUV's. Will require a ball with a 1" shank.
Class V	Weight capacity of 12k -18k. 2" or 2-1/2" receiver opening. this hitch does not include the ballmount or pin & clip. requires a ball with a 1-1/4" shank

Now that you know what class you need - choose a hitch! Use our trailer hitch search to select a hitch for your vehicle. Any questions- Call the team 800-300-4067

This video will help you select the correct trailer hitch by helping you understand the differences between them, and what's right for your towing setup.

Posted in Towing 101

Comments

Hitchweb Team

Monday, September 25, 2017

Hi Logan, In order to confirm a trailer hitch for the 1992 F150 we would need to confirm your vehicle's bumper style and what capacity you are looking for.

Hitchweb Team

Monday, September 25, 2017

Hi Brian, To determine the correct trailer hitch for your vehicle we need to confirm the model, EX, LX or SX. You can click on the Sportage trailer hitch category to view the options available: https://www.hitchweb.com/kia-sportage-trailer-hitches

Hitchweb Team

Monday, September 25, 2017

Hello Javier, We show trailer hitch options with 2" receivers available for your 2014 Audi Q5. Please go to this URL to view the options: https://www.hitchweb.com/2014-audi-q5-trailer-hitches

logan

Monday, September 25, 2017

i have a 1992 f150 what hitch should i need

Brian

Monday, September 25, 2017

Hi . Need a hitch and the wiring kit for a 2018 Kia Sportage Ex. The new models is not as yet and I'm hoping you'll be able to help.

Javier

Monday, September 25, 2017

Hi. I want a hitch for my 2014 Audi Q5 to hold a bike rack. I don't need nor want the electrical hookup. What are your recommendations?

Hitchweb Team

Friday, June 2, 2017

Hi Brad - we have a few questions and we'd be happy to provide a list of part#'s for you. First we need to know the submodel of your car (S,SL,SV) and if you have any existing wiring at the rear of the vehicle. It's possible you could have a socket to connect into tucked behind the bumper, an existing 4 way connector or an existing 7 way connector. If you don't already have a 7 way connector we'll also have to add on an adapter. Also if you have any preference it style/brand of brake controller let us know, otherwise we'll pick the one best suited to your application. Please contact us at info@hitchweb.com or give us a call 1-800-300-4067 Thank you!

Brad MacLeod

Friday, June 2, 2017

Need a trailer hitch and electrical/braking package for a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. Will be pulling a 2500 camper trailer with electronic brakes. Not sure what I need.

Hitchweb Team

Friday, June 2, 2017

HI Charlie - we'd recommend a class 3 hitch, this will give you a higher towing capacity but also a higher tounge weight for accessories such as bike racks or cargo carriers. Here's what we currently have available: https://www.hitchweb.com/2015-ford-explorer-trailer-hitches Thank you!

charlie

Friday, June 2, 2017

What size of trailer hitch do I need for a 2015 ford explorer?

Jasper Whiteside

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

I am glad that the article points out that you need to know how much your vehicle can tow. Just because it is able to pull a lot of weight, doesn't mean that it can do it without causing damage to the engine or transmission. I would definitely double check what the vehicle's capabilities.

Hitchweb Team

Friday, April 8, 2016

Hello Sharon, Unfortunately the only after market hitches available for your vehicle have 1-1/4' receivers and are only rated for 2,000lbs. We do have adapters that go from 1-1/4" to 2" receivers, but these are for use on class 2 hitches rated for 3,500 lbs. and can only hold 300lbs. https://www.hitchweb.com/category/TA-B-3-9/Receiver-Adapters

sharon

Friday, April 8, 2016

I need a trailer hitch for my 2013 ford focus, to hold a basket that requires a 2 inch receiver. do you have such a thing? how much is it? thankyou

Hitchweb Team

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Hello Tom, We received your blog comment about the trailer hitch and wiring for your 2012 Impala.Please visit the URl below and select your vehicle's model to see our selection of trailer hitches for your vehicle: https://www.hitchweb.com/2012-chevrolet-impala-trailer-hitches As of todays date, pricing varies between $229-$256 CAD

Tom

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

I'm looking for a trailer hitch for my 2012 Impala. It will be towing a trailer with grass cutting equipment and weigh out just over 1,000 lbs. I was told the level 2 hitch was best. How much for everything but the wiring?

Hitchweb Team

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Hello Mr. Kelly, Please visit this URL to see the trailer hitch options for the 2012 Ford Escape: https://www.hitchweb.com/ford-escape-trailer-hitches

Ryan kelly

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Hi I am emailing you guys I have some thing to ask I have a 2012 Ford Escape and I am wanting to pull pop up. Trailer but I am not sure what size too get my truck is not a v6 it is a inline 4 thanks for tanking the time to email me back

Hitchweb Team

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Hello Mr. Axford Unfortunately we do not have an after market class 1 trailer hitch for your vehicle. You should not be concerned with using a class 3 hitch though as the hitch is rated for up to 3,500 lbs. It does not mean you must pull that weight. If you check your owners manual, or contact the dealer, they should be able to confirm a possible warranty issue. Visit the URL to view the trailer hitches for the 2015 Nissan Murano https://www.hitchweb.com/2015-nissan-murano-trailer-hitches

Dan Axford

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Have a 2015 Nissan Murnao SL and would like to install class 1 trailer hitch that complies with manufacturers limits (specifications) Vehicle rated at 1500 lbs maximum load for trailer. Cannot find class 1 hitch, am concerned about installing class 3 in regards to possible warranty issue.

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What Class Hitch Do I Need?

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