Class I Trailer Hitch Receivers:
Towing capacities up to 2,000 lbs GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) and 200 lbs TW (Tongue Weight)
1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver hitch opening.
Works with only class I accessories, such as bike racks, cargo carriers, ball mounts and tube covers
1-1/4" x 1-1/4" class II accessories will not work with class I hitches
Requires a drawbar or ball mount to tow a trailer, may be included or sold seperately
Uses a 1/2" pin to secure ball mount into place
Manufacturer-recommended drawbar or ball mount should be used for each specific hitch
Will work with hitch balls with 3/4" diameter shank
Available in square and round tube designs
Class II Trailer Hitch Receivers:
Designed for light-duty towing
Are rated up to 3,500 lbs GTW and 350 lbs TW
1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver hitch opening
Will work with Class I and Class II accessories, such as bike racks, cargo carriers, and tube covers
Requires a Manufacturer-recommended, hitch specific drawbar or ball mount to tow a trailer
A 1/2" pin must be used to secure the ball mount in place.
Drawbars may be included with hitch or sold separately
Available in square and round tube designs.
Will work with hitch balls with 3/4" diameter shank
Class III Trailer Hitch Receivers:
Designed for trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles
2" x 2" receiver hitch opening
Rated up to 6,000 lbs GTW with 600 lbs TW
Allows for more gear to be carried or towed
Works with all Class III accessories, such as bike racks, cargo carriers, and tube covers
Class I and Class II (1-1/4") hitch accessories can also be used with an adapter
Ball mounts are sold separately.
Will work with hitch balls with 1" diameter shank
NOTE: Most manufacturers call any hitch with a 2" x 2" opening a Class III hitch
It is not uncommon to see a 2" hitch rated at 3,500 lbs GTW called a Class III hitch
Available in square and round tube designs.
Class IV Trailer Hitch Receivers:
Designed for trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles
Rated up to 12,000 lbs GTW and 1,000 TW
Allows for even more gear to be carried or towed
Works with all Class III and IV accessories
Class I and Class II (1-1/4") hitch accessories can also be used with an adapter
Ball mounts are sold separately.
Will work with hitch balls with 1" diameter shank
Class IV hitch balls require a 1-1/4" diameter shank
Class V Trailer Hitch Receivers:
Designed for heavy-duty trucks or vans to tow larger trailers
2-1/2" x 2-1/2" reveiver hitch opening
Specially designed to handle heavy duty towing
With a weight distribution system you can handle up to 18,000 lbs with 1,800 lbs of tongue weight
Can use any class III or IV accessory with use of a reducer sleeve
Class V Ball mounts are sold separately.
Will work with hitch balls with 1-1/4" shank