Trailer Hitch Classes Guide

When you are searching for a trail hitch classes guide, then this post can definitely help! We’ve compiled a trailer hitch classes guide to help you decide which trail hitch best suits your application.

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_{Trailer Hitch Classes Guide – Classification Chart}

Selecting the correct trailer hitch class is very important when using your vehicle to tow. There are many factors concerning weight distribution, rating, tongue weight, and gross trailer weight. All of these put together, can determine which class of trailer hitch best fits your application. Read our handy trailer hitch class guide below to help guide you in selecting the right hitch for you.

Class 1

A Class 1 hitch is rated to hold up to 1 ton (2,000lbs) and referred to as a weight carrying (WC) hitch. The GTW (gross trailer weight) has a max tongue weight (TW) being 200lbs.
Class 1 hitches tend to have 1-1/4” squaredreceiver opening.
Class 1 hitch commonly attached to the truck pan, bumper, or frame.
A hitches towing capacity is not increased by a higher class drawbar.

Class 2

A Class 2 hitch is rated to hold up to 1.75 ton (3,500lbs) and referred to as a weight carrying (WC) hitch. The GTW (gross trailer weight) has a max tongue weight (TW) being 300lbs.
Class 2 hitches tend to have 1-1/4” squared receiver opening.
Class 2 hitch commonly attached to the frame or bumper.
A hitches towing capacity is not increased by a higher class drawbar.

Class 3

A Class 3 hitch is both a weight distributing (WD) and weight carrying (WC) hitch, based on the hitch and vehicle specifications.
Class 3 hitches are rated differently, not all are rated WC and WD. You should review hitch specifications.
Class 3 hitches used as WC hitches have a rating up to 3 tons (6,000lbs). The GTW (gross trailer weight) has a max tongue weight (TW) being 600lbs.
Class 3 hitches used as WD hitches have a rating up to 5 tons (10,000lbs). The GTW (gross trailer weight) has a max tongue weight (TW) being 1000lbs.
Class 3 hitches commonly have a 2” square receiver opening.
Class 3 hitches attached directly to the frame.
The hitches towing capacity is not increased by a higher class drawbar. For using class 3 hitches for weight distribution, you must have a weight distribution system.

Class 4

Class 4 hitches are rated differently, not all are rated WC and WD. You should review hitch specifications.
Class 4 hitches used as WC hitches have a rating up to 5 tons (10,000lbs). The GTW (gross trailer weight) has a max tongue weight (TW) being 1000lbs.
Class 4 hitches used as WD hitches have a rating up to 7 tons (14,000lbs). The GTW (gross trailer weight) has a max tongue weight (TW) being 1400lbs.
Class 4 hitches commonly have a 2” square receiver opening.
Class 4 hitches attached directly to the frame.
The hitches towing capacity is not increased by a higher class drawbar. For using class 3 hitches for weight distribution, you must have a weight distribution system.

Class 5

Class 5 hitches are rated differently, not all are rated WC and WD. You should review hitch specifications.
Class 5 hitches used as WC hitches have a rating up to 6 tons (12,000lbs). The GTW (gross trailer weight) has a max tongue weight (TW) being 1200lbs.
Class 5 hitches used as WD hitches have a rating up to 8.5 tons (17,000lbs). The GTW (gross trailer weight) has a max tongue weight (TW) being 1700lbs.
Class 5 hitches commonly have a 2.5” square receiver opening.
Class 5 hitches attached directly to the frame.
Class 5 hitches require a hitch ball and ball mount to have a Class 5 rating to tow the maximum load, safely. For using class 5 as a weight distribution hitch, you will need a weight distribution system.

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