How to Choose the Right Size Trailer Hitch

Updated by: Jacob J

Last Updated: 6/11/2024

Time to read: 10 mins.

How to Choose the Right Size Trailer Hitch

If you've never dealt with trailer hitches before, it can be kind of confusing. What do the different classes mean? What sizes are there, and what size do you need?

The hitch class and receiver size you need depends on two factors: what you want to tow or carry, and what your vehicle can handle. (You can put the strongest hitch in the world on the back of a Ford Focus, but you're still not going to transform it into a trailer-towing giant!)

The quickest and easiest way to figure out which hitches will work for your vehicle is to use our fitguide. Just input your vehicle's year, make, and model, and we'll show you only the hitches that fit.

But what if multiple hitch classes or sizes turn up, and you have options? What trailer hitch class do you need then?

We'll go over your options in more detail below, so you can confidently make the choice best suited for your vehicle and towing situation. So sit back, get comfortable, and get ready to take some notes, because class is in session.

In this article:

Class I Hitches
Class II Hitches
Class III Hitches
Class IV Hitches
Class V Hitches

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.

Here's a quick breakdown of the 5 hitch classes, their associated capacities, and their typical receiver sizes.

Okay, great, you may be thinking. But what do these numbers actually translate to? For context, we've broken out the 5 trailer hitch classes below, including the typical tow vehicles, trailers, and accessories you'll see associated with each size.

Keep in mind that you are always limited by your lowest rated component. For instance, if your hitch can haul 8,000 lbs but your vehicle can only haul 3,000 lbs, you're maxed out at 3K.

*You can also check out our Tips on How to Tow a Trailer article as well as our Determining Trailer Tongue Weight article for more help towing your trailer!

KEY TERMS

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): Weight of the loaded trailer. To determine GTW, weigh the loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.

Tongue Weight (TW): The downward pressure placed on the ball by the coupler. To determine TW, use a tongue weight scale or other method described here.

What is a Class I Trailer Hitch?

A Class I trailer hitch is the lightweight champion of the 5 available classes, making it perfect for small loads like kayaks or cargo carriers. These hitches are most often found on passenger cars and smaller SUVs.

Class I and Class II trailer hitches typically have a 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver opening. Class II accessories will not work with Class I hitches.

Max GTW: 1,000-2,000 lbs

Max TW: 100-200 lbs

Receiver opening: 1-1/4"

Class I Typical Loads

Bikes (max 2)
Cargo carriers
Kayaks
Canoes
Mobility scooters
Small trailers

Class I Typical Tow Vehicles

Compact cars
Midsize cars
Full-size cars
SUVs
Minivans

What is a Class II Trailer Hitch?

A Class II trailer hitch is just a bit heftier than a Class I hitch. Like Class I hitches, they are typically found on passenger cars and smaller SUVs.

Because Class I and Class II hitch receivers are usually the same size, many people wonder if their Class II accessories will fit their Class I hitch. But alas, this is not the case!

Class I hitch receivers have a built-in stopper so that drawbars and accessory shanks can only slide into the trailer hitch opening to a certain point. Class II accessories have a longer shank, so they'll run into the stopper and won't be able to slide all the way into the receiver. This is to keep you from accidentally overloading your Class I hitch with a heavier Class II accessory. On the other hand, you CAN use a Class I accessory in a Class II hitch.

Max GTW: 2,000-3,500 lbs

Max TW: 200-525 lbs

Receiver opening: 1-1/4"

Class II Typical Loads

Bikes
Cargo carriers
Kayaks
Canoes
Mobility scooters
Small trailers
Small pop-up campers
Small boats

Class II Typical Tow Vehicles

Compact cars
Midsize cars
Full-size cars
SUVs
Minivans

What is a Class III Trailer Hitch?

Class III hitches are some of the most common due to their wide range of weight capacities (about 3,500 lbs GTW to 8,000 lbs GTW). If you want to tow a camper, you're best off sticking with at least a Class III hitch. Since this is the most common hitch size, you have way more options for everything from trailers to bike racks to cargo carriers.

Class III hitches have 2" x 2" wide receiver openings. However, you can still use 1-1/4" accessories if you've got them by using an adapter.

Max GTW: 3,500-8,000 lbs

Max TW: 300-800 lbs

Receiver opening: 2"

Class III Typical Loads

Midsize campers
Utility trailers
Lawn maintenance equipment
Bikes
Cargo carriers
Kaykas
Canoes
Motorcycles
Snowmobiles

Class III Typical Tow Vehicles

Full-size cars
Large SUVs
Minivans
Trucks

What is a Class IV Trailer Hitch?

We again step up the weight capacities with Class IV hitches. Like Class III hitches, Class IV hitches typically have 2" x 2" receivers. However, they come with an even beefier weight capacity (up to 12,000 lbs GTW).

Class IV hitches have 2" x 2" wide receiver openings. However, if you want to use your 1-1/4" accessories with your 2" hitch, you can use an adapter.

Max GTW: 5,000-12,000 lbs

Max TW: 500-1,200 lbs

Receiver opening: 2"

Class IV Typical Loads

Large campers
Large boats
Toy haulers
Horse trailers

Class IV Typical Tow Vehicles

Heavy-duty trucks
Large SUVs

What is a Class V Trailer Hitch?

Class V trailer hitches are as big as they come. These are the heavy-duty hitches made for hauling your heaviest trailers and toy haulers. Most Class V hitch receivers have a 2-1/2" receiver opening, although some have a 2" opening, and the largest even have a 3" opening (these giants are welded to the tow vehicle's frame).

If you need to carry a smaller accessory with a Class V hitch, adapters are available. (Special shout-out to our B&W adapters, which are designed with pinched ends to make lining up your pin holes effortless.)

Max GTW: 10,000-25,000 lbs

Max TW: 1,000-4,000 lbs

Receiver opening: 2", 2-1/2", or 3"

Class V Typical Loads

Large toy haulers
Equipment haulers
Multi-car trailers
Horse trailers

Class V Typical Tow Vehicles

Heavy-duty trucks
Commercial trucks

Related Products

Shop Ball Mounts

Shop Bike Racks

Shop Custom Vehicle Wiring

Explore Expert Info

on Trailer Hitch

Videos

for Trailer Hitch

Help Articles

for Trailer Hitch

Expert Answers

for Trailer Hitch

Top 2017 Ford Escape Trailer Hitch Options

In-Depth Review of the Tail Light Kit and License Plate Holder for Thule Epos Bike Racks

The Low-Down on the etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories

Install: Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2017 Toyota Prius Prime

Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring

Stromberg Carlson Adjustable Accessory Hitch Receiver Feature Review

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector-C48ZV: The Breakdown

DIY 2024 Kia Telluride Installation for the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver

Mount: Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle

Best 2024 Chevrolet Equinox Trailer Hitch Options

How to Install: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver on your 2022 GMC Terrain

How to Install the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta

How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop

Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)

Which Hitches are Made in the USA

Determining Trailer Tongue Weight

Installing an Electric Brake Controller on 2007-2013 GM Full-Size Truck or 2007-Present GM SUV

My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit

Trailer Tire Sizing

How to Choose a Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack

Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It&#39;s Easier Than You Think)

Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)

The Best Trailer Tongue Locks for Preventing Trailer Theft

Ball Mount Basics: Weight Capacity, Class, and Size

Frequently Asked Questions About Transmission Coolers

What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

How Does a Hitch Being Installed Effect the Automatic Braking on a 2021 Nissan Rogue?

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's have what's called rear automatic braking. It automatically applies the brakes and blares a screeching alarm if something is behind you. This is a great safety feature if you are backing up and someone walks…

view full answer...

Dimensions of the etrailer Hitch item #e98861 for a 2019 GMC Savana Cargo and Passenger Van

The etrailer Hitch item #e98861 measures 40 wide from center hole to center hole, 11-1/4" from front to back, and the top of the receiver sits 1" below where it mounts to the frame. I have linked a diagram below so you can see the…

view full answer...

To add a hitch to your 2024 Honda Pilot, I recommend the etrailer item #e27KR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Honda with included hardware. I really like the etrailer hitch item #e27KR because it installs behind your rear bumper cover…

view full answer...

Replacement Coupler for Crux Expedition Off-RoadTrailer

Whatever you do, there's going to be some fabrication required here, and there's not going to be an A-frame coupler that will fit your trailer judging by the photo. You could weld on a steel tube to the front and install something…

view full answer...

Is a 1-1/4 to 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter Recommended for Use with a 2 inch Cargo Carrier

I would discourage the use of an adapter for use of 2 inch accessories in 1-1/4 inch trailer hitch receivers. The reason is that the adapter places the carrier farther away from the rear of the vehicle and hitch, creating additional torque that…

view full answer...

Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two…

view full answer...

The best hitch for your 2020 Chevy Express Passenger Van is the etrailer Hitch item #e98861. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your van with included hardware. It is a class IV hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 10,000 lbs towing…

view full answer...

Parts Needed to Add 4-Way and 7-Way to 2008 Chevy Express Van 3500

We have just what you would need to add both a 4-way and 7-way to your 2008 Chevy Express 3500. The first thing you need is a custom fit 4-way harness with the Curt #55540 which you will then convert to a 7-way with the part #37185. This adapter…

view full answer...

Does Draw Tite Hitch #76134 Have Second Hole for J-Pin Anti-Rattle

The Draw Tite hitch part #76134 does not come with a second hole near the hitch pin hole to be used with a J-pin anti-rattle device. You'd need to use it with an anti rattle like the #63232 which fits into hollow shank hitch accessories.

view full answer...

How Does Hitch Tongue Weight Rating Affect Use of a Motorcycle Carrier on a Toyota Sienna

The hitches we offer for the Toyota Sienna have a maximum rated tongue weight capacity of 350 lbs. This is true for all model years from 2010 through 2013 (I checked several since I do not know your specific year). I have provided a link to our…

view full answer...

2017 Toyota RAV4 Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendations

Of course! I recommend using the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76134 and the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C56350 for your 2017 Toyota RAV4. The Draw-Tite has a hidden crosstube and is a very reliable trailer hitch while…

view full answer...

Departments

Towing

Sports and Recreation

Trailer Parts

Vehicle

Contact & Help

What our customers are saying:

"Your internet site is very well organized and easy to use...My order was shipped very promptly and included everything I ordered...All in all this was a simple procedure for what can be a complicated order. I would use your company again or recommend you to others. Your selection was broad and your prices fair."

Robert

Bloomington, IL