Types of Trailer Hitches and Hitch Classes - Towing 101 (2024)

There are many different types of hitches used for towing a trailer. Receiver hitches are perhaps the most common,divided into 5 classes. Some of the other hitch types include 5th wheel hitches and gooseneck hitches.

Each type of trailer hitch has a unique purpose and coupling style, as well as its own set of capacities and sizes.

Capacity:Up to 20,000 lbs.

Provides a tube for accessories

Available for most vehicles

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Capacity:Up to 30,000 lbs.

Couples to a 5th wheel kingpin

Pickup trucks only

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Capacity:Up to 38,000 lbs.

Couples to a gooseneck trailer

Pickup trucks only

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Capacity:Up to 15,000 lbs.

Helps level vehicle and trailer

Requires hitch receiver

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Capacity:Up to 60,000 lbs.

Couples to a lunette ring

Available for heavy-duty vehicles

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Receiver hitches are divided into 5 classes, depending on their towing capacity and receiver tube size. The higher the class number, the higher the capacity and the larger the receiver tube is.

While it is helpful to distinguish between the various tow hitch classes, it is important to note that most receiver hitches are made vehicle-specific. In other words, not all 5 classes are available for each vehicle.

There are four standard trailer hitch sizes: 1-1/4", 2", 2-1/2" and 3". The hitch size refers to the inside dimensions of the hitch receiver.

Using a standard hitch size approach allows for more versatile towing options. It enables you to attach a variety of towing accessories to your vehicle, without the need for an adapter or modifications.

Across the five hitch classes, weight ratings vary greatly, from 2,000 lbs. up to 20,000 lbs. Each individual hitch comes with its own specific weight ratings which may or may not reach the maximum range of the designated hitch class.

Remember, your towing capacity is always limited to the lowest-rated towing component, whether the hitch, an accessory, the vehicle, your trailer or any other component of the towing system.

Class 1 trailer hitches are generally designed for passenger cars and small crossovers. They are equipped with a 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver tube opening or sometimes a fixed tongue to directly mount a trailer ball instead of a ball mount.

Most class 1 hitches are rated to tow trailers up to 2,000 lbs. However, it is important to remember that not all hitches are rated at the same capacity and that no hitch ever increases the maximum weight a vehicle can tow.

Class 1 hitches and class 2 hitches both have a 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver tube and are designed for towing light-duty trailers. They also mount onto similar vehicle types, including cars, vans and crossovers.

Class 1 hitches are different from class 2 hitches in that, generally, class 1 hitches have a lower weight rating. While class 1 maxes out around 2,000 lbs., class 2 is typically rated up to 3,500 lbs.

Class 2 trailer hitches have a 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver tube opening and are used for lightweight towing applications. Most class 2 hitches are able to tow up to 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight.

Class 2 hitches are typically found on full-size sedans, minivans and crossovers but can also be found on small SUVs and even pickup trucks.

Class 2 hitches are quite different from class 3 hitches. Class 2 hitches have a 1-1/4" receiver and generally only go up to 3,500 lbs. GTW. On the other hand, class 3 hitches have a 2" receiver and can range up to 8,000 lbs. gross trailer weight.

Additionally, some class 3 hitches are able to be used with a weight distribution hitch for a towing capacity as high as 12,000 lbs.

The class 3 trailer hitch is the most common receiver hitch class installed on full-size pickup trucks and SUVs. If your truck is equipped with a towing prep package, it probably has a class 3 hitch.

CURT class 3 hitches are equipped with a 2" x 2" receiver tube opening and typically have a weight carrying capacity up to 8,000 lbs. gross trailer weight. Some class 3 hitches can also be used in combination with a weight distribution hitch.

Class 3 hitches are extremely versatile, able to tow a variety of trailer types and load size. Not sure how much your trailer weighs? Learn more about trailer weight here.

Class 3 hitches and class 4 hitches both have 2" x 2" receiver tubes. Class 3 is different in that class 3 hitch weight ratings are consistently lower than class 4 hitches. This makes class 3 hitches much more versatile in terms of vehicle applications. They are found on everything from crossovers to pickup trucks.

Many class 3 and class 4 hitches are also compatible with a weight distribution hitch though not all. This provides increased weight capacity and control.

Class 4 trailer hitches are commonly mounted on full-size pickup trucks and SUVs. They feature a 2" x 2" receiver tube opening and generally have a weight carrying capacity up to 10,000 lbs. gross trailer weight.

Most class 4 hitches can also utilize a weight distribution hitch for ratings as high as 12,000 lbs.

Class 4 hitches are fairly different compared to class 5 hitches. Class 4 hitches are generally only rated up to 10,000 lbs. and are restricted to a 2" receiver. One of the only similarities between the two is that some class 5 hitches also have a 2" receiver.

Class 5 hitches, however, are also available with a 2-1/2" receiver and are rated as high as 20,000 lbs., accommodating some of the heaviest tow loads.

Class 5 trailer hitches have the highest weight ratings of the receiver hitch classes, offering as much as 20,000 lbs. GTW. They are typically used on full-size pickups and commercial trucks.

CURT offers two types of class 5 hitches. Xtra Duty (XD) class 5 hitches have a 2" receiver and are rated for up to 17,000 lbs. Commercial Duty (CD) class 5 hitches have a 2-1/2" receiver and are rated for as much as 20,000 lbs.

Towing Tip!

Always choose a trailer hitch that matches your vehicle's towing capacity. You may not need the full capacity now, but if ever you want to pull a larger trailer, it pays to have a hitch that is already equipped to handle the weight.

This type of trailer hitch is designed for a very specific vehicle application, providing the best fit, easiest install and optimal weight capacity.

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This type of receiver hitch attaches to the rear of a tow vehicle, providing a standard receiver tube for hooking up and pulling a trailer.

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This type of receiver hitch attaches to the front of the vehicle and provides a standard receiver tube for a snow plow, winch mount and more.

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This type of trailer hitch is designed to fit as many vehicles as possible, while providing a standard hitch receiver and on-par weight capacity.

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This type of receiver hitch attaches to a vehicle's bumper and provides a standard receiver tube. Its weight capacity is limited to the bumper.

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This type of receiver hitch is specifically designed to mount at the rear of an RV or motorhome to tow a trailer or dinghy tow a vehicle.

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A 5th wheel hitch is a heavy-duty truck bed hitch that accepts the kingpin of a 5th wheel trailer. The design is similar to a tractor-trailer coupler.

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A gooseneck hitch is a heavy-duty truck bed hitch that provides a ball to couple to a gooseneck trailer. Gooseneck hitches are commonly used on farms.

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A weight distribution hitch is a receiver hitch attachment. It is designed to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer across the vehicle and trailer for increased control.

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A pintle hitch is a simple but strong coupling mechanism, consisting of a hook and a ring. Pintle hitches are commonly used in agriculture and industrial settings.

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How to tell what hitch class I have?

Receiver hitches are divided into 5 classes, depending on their towing capacity and receiver tube size. The higher the class number, the higher the capacity and the larger the receiver tube is.

Class 1: If you drive a car or crossover, you likely have a Class 1 hitch. Class 1 hitches have 1-1/4-inch receiver sizes, and have a GTW capacity of up to 2,000 lbs. and a TW capacity of up to 200 lbs.

Class 2: If you drive a minivan or have a car or crossover that is on the bigger or more heavy-duty side, you likely have a Class 2 hitch. Class 2 hitches have 1-1/4-inch receiver sizes, and have a GTW capacity of up to 3,500 lbs. and a TW capacity of up to 350 lbs.

Class 3: If you drive a crossover, van, SUV or truck, you likely have a Class 3 hitch. Class 3 hitches have 2-inch receiver sizes, and have a GTW capacity of up to 8,000 lbs. and a TW capacity up to 800 lbs. They also have a WD capacity of up to 12,000 lbs. and WDTW capacity of up to 1,200 lbs.

Class 4: If you drive a larger truck or SUV, you likely have a Class 4 hitch. Class 4 hitches have 2-inch receiver sizes, and have a GTW capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. and a TW capacity up to 1,000 lbs. They also have a WD capacity of up to 12,000 lbs. and WDTW capacity of up to 1,200 lbs.

Class 5 – Xtra Duty: If you drive a heavy-duty or super-duty truck or SUV, you have a Class 5 – Xtra Duty hitch. Class 5 – Xtra Duty hitches have 2-inch receiver sizes, and have GTW capacities of 16,000 to 17,000 lbs. and TW capacities of 2,400 to 2,550 lbs. They also have a WD capacity of 17,000 lbs. and WDTW capacities of 2,400 to 2,550 lbs.

Class 6 – Commercial Duty: If you have a Dually or chassis cab truck, you have a Class 5 – Commercial Duty hitch. Class 5 – Commercial Duty hitches have 2-1/2-inch receiver sizes, and have GTW capacities of 18,000 to 20,000 lbs. and a TW capacity of 2,700 lbs. They also have WD capacities of 18,000 to 20,000 lbs. and a WDTW capacity of 2,700 lbs.