A Guide to Trailer Hitches

When shopping for the right trailer hitch for your vehicle, you need to determine what you will be towing and your vehicle’s towing capacity. Let’s go over the various types of trailer hitches, as well as the different classes, to help you figure out which type of hitch is right for the job.

Types of Trailer Hitches

The most common type on pickup trucks and SUVs, a receiver hitch, has a 2” square tube opening used for accessories. Depending on the class, they are typically rated to tow up to 8,000 - 20,000 pounds GTW* (classes 3-5). 

These days, hitches are almost all vehicle-specific, ensuring a perfect fit and matched capacity to your vehicle’s specifications.

*GTW = Gross Towing Weight. This is the weight of whatever you are towing, including the trailer itself. So, if you have a 2,000 pound trailer with 4,000 pounds of sod on it, your GTW is 6,000 pounds.

Another common type of trailer hitch is the 5th wheel hitch, which can have a towing capacity of as much as 30,000 pounds. Found on pickup trucks or semi-trucks, a 5th wheel hitch couples with a trailer’s kingpin. They are designed for towing large trailers, such as a horse trailer or a full-size RV.

Like 5th wheel hitches, gooseneck hitches can be installed in any heavy-duty pickup. Some ¾ and 1-ton pickups may even come with one installed from the factory. Gooseneck hitches are mounted to the frame rails, underneath the truck bed. 

On the top side of the bed is where a removable hitch ball and safety chain anchors go. Gooseneck hitches have a towing capacity up to 30,000 pounds with a standard 2-5/16” ball or even 38,000 pounds with a 3” ball.

Pintle hitches have a capacity up to 60,000 pounds. Providing a strong connection, a pintle hitch connects to a lunette ring. They are available for heavy-duty vehicles and are frequently used in industrial and agricultural applications, due to their ability to articulate over uneven terrain.

With up to a 15,000 pound capacity, weight distribution hitches aid in the leveling of the tow vehicle and the trailer to provide better control. This type of hitch requires a receiver attachment.

Classes of Trailer Hitches

There are five different classes of trailer hitches available, all of which depend on your vehicle’s towing capacity and receiver tube size. The higher the class rating, the greater the towing capacity and hitch opening size. Among the different classes, weight ratings range from 2,000 to 20,000 pounds.

Class 1 Trailer Hitch

Made for passenger cars, minivans, and small crossovers, class 1 trailer hitches are ideal for towing small loads, such as bicycles, mobility scooters, and cargo carriers. They have a 1¼ inch by 1¼ inch receiver tube opening and commonly attach to the tow vehicle’s frame or bumper. Class 1 hitches have a gross trailer weight (GTW) of 1,000 to 2,000 pounds and a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 200 pounds.

Class 2 Trailer Hitch

Generally used on full-size sedans, crossovers, minivans, SUVs, and pickup trucks, a class 2 hitch is perfect for hauling small trailers, small boats, and pop-up campers. Like a class 1 hitch, they have a 1¼ inch by 1¼ inch receiver tube and attach to the vehicle’s bumper or frame. Unlike class 1 hitches, though, they do not have a built-in stopper as class 2 accessories typically have longer shanks. Class 2 trailer hitches have a GTW of up to 2,000 to 3,500 pounds and up to a 300 pound maximum TW.

Class 3 Trailer Hitch

The most common hitch size, class 3 trailer hitches have a large range of towing capabilities and work with a variety of trailer types. Typically for full-size pickups, SUVs, and minivans, these hitches can be used for towing mid-size campers, lawn equipment, and motorcycles. With a 2 inch by 2 inch receiver, a class 3 trailer hitch attaches to the vehicle frame and has a GTW rating between 3,500 and 8,000 pounds and up to a 600 pound maximum TW. In addition, some are considered weight carrying and some are weight distributing; however, not all of these hitches are rated both.

Class 4 Trailer Hitch

Typically used on SUVs and full-size pickups, class 4 trailer hitches are ideal for towing boats, large campers, and horse trailers. With a 2 inch by 2 inch receiver size, a class 4 hitch mounts to the vehicle frame. Depending on the hitch and vehicle specifications, they are either weight carrying or weight distributing. Class 4 hitches have a GTW up to 5,000 to 12,000 pounds and up to a 1,000 pound (weight carrying) or 1,400 pound (weight distributing) maximum TW.

Class 5 Trailer Hitch

The most heavy-duty class, class 5 hitches have the highest weight ratings. Generally for full-size heavy-duty pickups and commercial trucks, these hitches can be used for towing equipment haulers and multicar trailers. With a 2 inch or 2 ½ inch receiver, a class 5 hitch attaches to the vehicle frame and can be either weight carrying or weight distributing. 

A class 5 receiver hitch has up to a 10,000 to 25,000 pound GTW and up to a 1,200 pound (weight carrying) or 1,700 pound (weight distributing) maximum TW. To safely tow these weight loads, the hitch ball and ball mount both need to be rated for class 5, and weight distributing hitches require a weight distribution system.

Choosing the right trailer hitch for the job makes all the difference. While you can always purchase adapters for smaller accessories, it’s ideal to choose a hitch that equals your vehicle’s towing capacity in case you ever want to haul something larger. Remember that the towing capacity is limited to the component with the lowest rating.

Find the right class 3, 4, or 5 trailer hitch for your vehicle at H&H Truck Accessories.