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

Question

Question:

What is the difference between Class II or Class III towing hitch

asked by: Charlie

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

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 3,500 lbs in GTW and up to 525 lbs in TW. Class III, on the other hand, have a 2 inch receiver and have up to 8,000 lbs GTW and 800 lbs TW. I will attach a help article that goes in to more detail for you.

A good example of a Class II hitch that will fit on your 2015 Mazda CX-5 is the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class II # C12170. This will fit on your Mazda and has a max GTW of 3,500 lbs and a max TW of 350 lbs.

Even though the Class II hitch can serve many purposes, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III # C13315. A Class III hitch is rated to tow heavier loads; the max GTW is 4,000 lbs and the max TW is 600 lbs. Even though your total towing weight capacity is determined by your car, the Class III hitch has less restrictions with what you can tow.

Another thing you will want to keep in mind is that Curt's warranty for both of these trailer hitches states that you must use the Curt Support Strap # 18050 for use with non-trailer loads.

If you are interested in a hitch mounted bike rack then I recommend the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR. Not only does it feature the ability to fit on both 1-1/4 inch and 2 inch hitches, but it also has an anti-rattle bolt that reduces the vibration and noise from your bike rack.

If you decide to get the bike rack, then you will also want to get the Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device # THSTL2 and the Thule Cable Lock # TH538XT. These will help prevent theft of your bike rack and bike. If you have a bike that has an alternative, womens, or kids bike frame then I recommend the Thule Bike Adapter Bar # TH982XT which will help your bike to hang on the bike rack properly.

Along with the help article that I mentioned, I have also attached some demonstration videos for you.

expert reply by: Jon G

1

Stuart

4/15/2024

Jon, what is the weight difference of a Draw tight hitch between a class II and class III hitch? Reason I ask is that I'll primarily be using it for a bike rack but occassionally may pull an open U-Haul 8" trailer. I don't need a Class III hitch only Class II but I want the 2" reciever size. Welcome you inputs. Stuart

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Jon G.

4/15/2024

@Stuart Thanks for reaching out! The Curt Class II # C12170 has a shipping weight of 31 lbs while the Curt Class III # C13315 has a shipping weight of 34 lbs (about 3 lbs for each will be the packaging). Since the receiver size is really the biggest factor I always recommend going with the larger receiver so you have access to a wider variety of accessories. Are you planning on installing this on a 2015 Mazda CX-5? Or do you have a different vehicle? If you have a different vehicle then the hitch part numbers may be different for your application.

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Stuart

4/15/2024

@JonG Jon, my car is a Lexus RX 350 H 2023. I actually just purchased the hitch from e.trailer which was the Class III Draw tight. I’m assuming the Curt and Draw Tight hitches are similar in weight so you’ve answered my question. It’s surprises me that the hitch weights are very close but the gross trailer weights and tongue weights are much higher on the class III. I would’ve assumed a much heavier hitch weight due to steel thickness, etc. Thanks, Stuart

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Jon G.

4/15/2024

@Stuart Happy to help out! Feel free to reach out with any other questions!

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See All (10) Replies to Stuart ∨

Boknows1114

6/30/2024

Will the receiver hitch mounted fit on a new sub I'm looking at? Nissan Rogue SL to a Infiniti Q50?

Reply

Jon G.

7/1/2024

@Boknows1114 Probably not, but if you let me know the years you're looking at I can let you know for sure and make a recommendation for the Infinite Q50 if need be.

Reply

Chris R.

8/29/2024

I want to buy a 2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 with driver assist. I need a 2inch reciever hitch to plug in a motorcycle rail. The bike only weight is 225 pounds that needs to be carried this is not to tow a trailer of any type. Well maybe it could but I just need it to carry

Reply

Jon G.

8/29/2024

@ChrisR I looked it up but there doesn't seem to be a trailer hitch designed for a 2021 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 so you'll need to have a shop use something like the Curt 2" Fabrication Hitch Receiver # E17 to make something for your vehicle.

Reply

Robin S.

9/20/2024

I need a trailer hitch for my 2001 Kia sportage and I can’t find anything to fit. Can you help me please?

Reply

Jon G.

9/21/2024

@RobinS Curt used to have their Class III hitch 13537 as a fit for your 2001 Kia Sportage, but that was discontinued a while back so the only way to get a hitch on your vehicle is to have a shop use the Fabrication Hitch # E17 to make something custom for you.

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Answer 1

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 2

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion…

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Answer 3

Hi Ann, It is not possible to put a 2 inch hitch receiver on your 2025 Toyota Camry. The only size hitch for this vehicle has a 1-1/4 inch receiver, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C94RV.

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Answer 4

Great question, Jeff! When the Rota-Flex first came out it renovated what a pin box could do and be, but at this point in time that technology is a little more dated and the Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel Pin Box #325-GH-8040 is the…

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Answer 5

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 6

I definitely understand being a bit overwhelmed by the amount of options in front of you, however I can definitely help with differentiating the trailer hitches for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon along with explaining my personal recommendation,…

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Answer 7

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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Answer 8

Hey Zach, this is a really great question that I don't have a super exact answer for but I can still help. So our hitch manufacturers will basically make a hitch for any vehicle there is a demand for one. Including your 2025 Toyota Camry with the…

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Answer 9

The Draw-Tite item #DT73QR installs below the bumper. This hitch is perpetually backordered due to Draw-Tite being bought out so I have a way better option for a hitch for your 2023 Lexus RX 350. I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C29VV. This…

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Answer 10

For a Class III hitch that fits your 2008 Kia Sedona we have the Draw Tite part #75421 which would be a great option. Then to convert the hitch to a 1-1/4 inch hitch you'd just want the part #MT70033 and you'd be set.

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Answer 11

Hey Kennard, all of the hitches we carry for your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo do not allow the 20 inch size spare to fit including the Draw Tite part #75699 that you referenced. The problem is the bolts the run to the inboard side of the frame…

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Answer 12

You are correct that both the Curt #C94WR and Draw-Tite #DT22MR you were looking at for your 2022 Hyundai Tuscon are very similar. Both hitches share the same 525lb tongue weight and 3,500lb trailer weight ratings, both share the same hidden…

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

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