A Beginner's Guide to Hitch Classes

So, you just bought a new trailer and it’s time to haul it to your favorite camping or fishing spot for the first time. Nervous? Don’t be. Towing a large camper, RV, or other trailer doesn’t have to be scary, especially when you understand the ins and outs of towing with your vehicle. It’s crucial to understand each aspect of your towing setup to ensure the safety of you, your family, and everyone else on the road. In this beginner’s guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about hitches from receiver sizes and what each hitch class means to parts of a hitch and everything in between. Let’s get into it. 

1. Parts of a Receiver Hitch
2. Common Receiver Hitch Sizes
3. Hitch Weight Ratings
4. Hitch Classes: What Are They & What Do They Mean?
5. Choosing the Right Hitch for Your Vehicle
6. FAQ 

The main body is the foundation of any trailer hitch system and is mounted directly to your vehicle’s frame. The main body on a custom-fit hitch is made from steel and features a liquid A-coat and black powder coat finish.  

This is where the hitch attaches to your vehicle. With CURT hitches, each hitch is custom- designed to fit the exact year, make, and model of your vehicle. This not only ensures a proper fit, but also allows you to securely attach the hitch to your vehicle without worrying about where to secure nuts and bolts.  

The receiver is an essential part of the towing system, and it is the primary connection point that allows you to attach a ball mount, cargo rack, or other accessory. Receiver hitches come in five classes, each with different towing capacities and receiver tube sizes (1-1/4”, 2”, 2-1/2”, or 3”). A higher class number means a higher weight capacity and most likely a larger receiver tube size.

However, keep in mind that not all classes are available for every vehicle. CURT custom receiver hitches are designed with the parameters and limitations of each specific vehicle in mind, so you might not find all five classes for your particular vehicle. 

This is an essential safety feature that prevents your ball mount or accessory from sliding out during use. The pin and clip are vital components that are easy to use and provide a quick way to attach or remove your ball mount or accessory. There are two hitch pin sizes commonly found on CURT hitches. Class 1 and 2 hitches use a 1/ 2-inch hitch pin, while class 3, 4, and 5 use a 5/8-inch hitch pin.  

Safety chains serve as a critical backup connection between your trailer and the towing vehicle. In the event of a hitch failure, safety chains are designed to keep your trailer attached to the vehicle to prevent the trailer from becoming a runaway hazard.  

Choosing the right receiver hitch is an important aspect of towing. Remember, the right hitch size not only ensures your safety but also maximizes towing efficiency. Consider your vehicle’s towing capacity and the type of load you’ll be towing when choosing the best trailer hitch for your vehicle. When in doubt, use CURT’s vehicle selector tool to help you find the right hitch for your vehicle.  

Typically found on compact cars and small crossovers, this size is great for towing a bike rack, cargo carrier, or light-duty trailer, like a kayak hauler, teardrop camper, or small utility trailer. Depending on your vehicle, you might have the option to choose between a class 1 or class 2 trailer hitch. What’s the difference? Class 2 hitches have a higher weight capacity and generally fit larger vehicles while still utilizing a 1-1/4” x 1-1/4” receiver tube.  

This is the most versatile and commonly used hitch size. It’s a popular choice for many vehicles, including SUVs, trucks, Jeeps, and vans. It’s one of the most popular hitch sizes due to its ability to handle a wide range of towing needs, from small utility trailers and bike racks to medium-sized campers and even some larger trailers. 2” receiver hitches are available in classes 3, 4, and 5.  

Designed for heavy-duty and commercial towing, this receiver size is often seen on larger trucks and SUVs. 2-1/2” trailer hitches are perfect for towing large boat trailers, livestock trailers, RVs, toy haulers, and other large utility trailers. 2-1/2” hitches are most commonly designated as class 5 commercial duty and feature a 20,000- lb. gross trailer weight rating and a 2,700 lb. tongue weight capacity.  

You can typically find a 3" trailer hitch on heavy-duty and commercial vehicles, such as large trucks, heavy-duty work trucks, and some fleet vehicles. These hitches are designed for extremely high towing capacities and are often used for hauling very large trailers, construction equipment, and other substantial loads. 

These include hitches with rectangular openings, fixed tongue hitches that are permanently attached, and custom hitches designed for specific vehicles or purposes. Always consult a professional or your vehicle’s manual when considering non-standard options to ensure safe towing. 

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and that holds true when it comes to towing. There’s nothing more important than ensuring your vehicle and hitch system are properly rated for whatever you’re hauling. Hitch weight ratings are crucial numbers that determine the maximum load your hitch can handle. Misjudging these ratings can lead to serious problems, from poor handling to potential damage or even worse — accidents.  

The gross trailer weight (GTW) rating is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded trailer. This rating includes the weight of the trailer itself along with all cargo and any accessories loaded onto it. It’s essential to understand this rating because exceeding the GTW can stress your towing vehicle and hitch, leading to mechanical failures or unsafe driving conditions. Manufacturers provide the GTW to ensure your vehicle's towing capacity is not overstretched, which helps prevent accidents and enhances overall towing stability. 

Tongue weight refers to the downward force that the trailer exerts on the trailer hitch ball of the towing vehicle. This force is crucial for maintaining proper trailer balance and handling. The tongue weight rating is the maximum amount of weight that can be safely supported by the hitch ball. Properly managing this weight helps to prevent trailer sway and ensures that the trailer remains stable and aligned with the towing vehicle. Exceeding the tongue weight rating can lead to increased wear on your vehicle’s rear suspension and hitch, as well as reduced control over the trailer. 

The weight distribution rating is a measure of how well a hitch can manage and distribute the load across the vehicle’s axles. A weight distribution hitch is designed to redistribute the weight of the trailer more evenly across the towing vehicle and trailer axles, which helps you maintain a balanced ride. This rating is particularly important when towing heavy loads or when you frequently haul trailers at near the maximum capacity of your hitch. Proper weight distribution can prevent sagging in the rear of the towing vehicle and ensure better handling and braking performance. 

The weight distribution tongue weight rating specifies the maximum amount of tongue weight that the hitch can handle while employing a weight distribution system. This rating is particularly relevant when using a weight distribution hitch, as it helps to ensure that the added weight from the trailer is adequately supported and balanced. This rating ensures that the hitch system can effectively manage the increased load, providing better stability and control while towing. 

Hitches are categorized into five main classes — class 1, class 2, class 3, class 4, and class 5, and understanding the difference between each hitch class is crucial for ensuring safe, efficient towing. As we mentioned before, a higher class number generally means that it has a higher weight capacity rating and a larger receiver tube.

Knowing the strengths and capacities of each hitch class will help you select the best option for your vehicle and towing requirements, ensuring optimal performance and safety on every journey.
 
Keep in mind that CURT custom receiver hitches are designed for specific vehicles. As a result, not all five classes may be available for your vehicle. 

• Receiver Size: 1-1/4"
• Gross Trailer Weight Rating: Up to 2,000 lbs.
• Tongue Weight Rating: 200 lbs.

Class 1 towing hitches are perfect for light-duty towing needs and are designed for smaller vehicles such as compact cars, hatchbacks, and small crossovers. With a 1-1/4” receiver tube, class 1 hitches typically offer a towing capacity of up to 2,000 lbs. and a tongue weight capacity of up to 200 lbs. This makes them ideal for hauling small yard trailers, bike racks, and cargo carriers. Whether you're transporting a couple of bikes or a small utility trailer, a class 1 hitch provides the reliability you need for weekend towing tasks.  

• Receiver Size: 1-1/4"
• Gross Trailer Weight Rating: Up to 3,500 lbs.
• Tongue Weight Rating: 350 lbs.

Class 2 towing hitches are designed for medium-duty towing and are typically used with mid-size cars, SUVs, and small trucks. Ideal for those who need a bit more towing power than a class 1 hitch, class 2 hitches feature a 1-1/4” receiver tube and offer a towing capacity up to 3,500 lbs. and a tongue weight capacity up to 350 lbs. This makes them well-suited for hauling teardrop campers, small utility trailers, cargo carriers, and bike racks. 

• Receiver Size: 2”  
• Gross Trailer Weight Rating: Up to 8,000 lbs.
• Tongue Weight Rating: 800 lbs. 

Class 3 trailer hitches are a popular choice for vans, crossovers, pickup trucks, and SUVs thanks to their impressive versatility and robust towing capabilities. Equipped with a 2” x 2” receiver tube, these hitches boast an 8,000 lb. weight capacity and a tongue weight capacity up to 800 lbs. Whether you’re hauling a small boat, pop-up camper, ATV, or other equipment, Cclass 3 hitches provide the strength and reliability you need for safe, secure towing.  

• Receiver Size: 2”  
• Gross Trailer Weight Rating: Up to 10,000 lbs.
• Tongue Weight Rating: Up to 1,000 lbs. 

Class 4 trailer hitches offer an upgrade over class 3 hitches by delivering even greater strength and towing capabilities. While both classes utilize a 2” x 2” receiver tube, class 4 hitches feature a 10,000 lb. towing capacity and a tongue weight capacity of up to 1,000 lbs. Class 4 hitches are typically installed on full-size pickup trucks and SUVS, and are great for hauling large boat trailers, full-size campers, utility trailers, and other sizable recreational vehicles.  

•  Receiver Size: 2” or 2-1/2”  
• Gross Trailer Weight Rating: 16,000-20,000 lbs.  
• Tongue Weight Rating: Up to 2,700 lbs.  

Class 5 trailer hitches are designed for heavy-duty towing, making them the go-to choice for hauling livestock trailers, large boats, double-axle utility trailers, and oversized toy haulers. CURT class 5 hitches are also split into two different classes: Xtra Duty (XD) and Commercial Duty (CD).  

Xtra Duty (XD) hitches feature a 2” receiver and boast an impressive towing capacity of up to 17,000 lbs. and a tongue weight capacity of 2,550 lbs. They’re typically found on 3/4-ton and 1-ton pickup trucks and SUVs.

Commercial Duty (CD) hitches are found on dually and chassis cab trucks and feature a massive 18,000-20,000- lb. weight capacity rating and a 2,700- lb. tongue weight capacity. Simply put, class 5 hitches are engineered to handle the toughest towing jobs with ease.  

Choosing the right receiver hitch for your vehicle is easier than you might think, thanks to CURT’s precision-engineered designs. CURT hitches are custom-built to fit your vehicle’s exact specifications based on its year, make, and model. Once you've identified the correct hitch size for your vehicle, you simply choose the hitch class and style that best suits your towing needs. 

1. Use CURT’s online tool to look up the year, make, and model of your vehicle.
2. Find out the overall weight of your trailer, boat, camper, or whatever you’ll be towing.
3. Select a hitch class based on the weight of what you’ll be towing.
4. After choosing trailer hitch, you’ll need to purchase a few additional accessories like a ball mount, hitch pin or lock, and wiring harness. 

There are five main hitch classes that are commonly found on passenger vehicles. From the compact class 1 that’s perfect for light-duty towing, to the heavy-duty class 5 that’s built to handle the most demanding loads, each class offers a versatile solution to fit your towing needs.  

Hitch classes can be identified by their maximum weight capacity rating and the size of their receiver tube. To determine whether you have a class 3 or a class 4 hitch, you will need to get underneath the rear of your vehicle and look for a sticker on the body of the hitch. This sticker should show both your gross trailer weight rating and tongue weight capacity. If you need additional help deciding which class hitch you have, you can always talk to someone at one of our authorized dealers.  

When purchasing a new trailer hitch, you need to consider the size of your vehicle, how much weight you will be towing, and how you can maximize your vehicle’s towing potential. The quickest and easiest way to find the right trailer hitch for your vehicle is by using CURT’s online vehicle selector tool. Just enter your vehicle’s year, make, and model, and the tool will tell you which hitch class fits your vehicle. It’s that simple. 

There is no difference! A tow hitch is another term for a trailer hitch. While "tow hitch" often refers to a receiver hitch, it can also include other types of hitches, like 5th wheel and gooseneck hitches. 

One of the easiest ways is by installing an anti-rattle clamp or anti-wobble hitch pin. Both work by securing tightly against the shank, preventing it from vibrating inside the receiver.  

Class 3 trailer hitches are rated for towing trailers up to 8,000 lbs. Class 3 hitches have a tongue weight capacity rating up to 800 lbs. Remember, your towing capacity is always limited to the lowest-rated towing component, whether it’s your hitch, an accessory, the vehicle, your trailer, or any other component of the towing system. 

Disclaimer: These photographs, recommendations, and approximations are intended for demonstration purposes only and do not reflect the specifications of any particular tow vehicle, recreational vehicle, or trailer. Always consult the manufacturer’s Owner's Manual.