Among truck accessories, nothing beats a trailer hitch for utility value. These simple devices can instantly increase your carrying capacity and make it possible to carry everything from raw materials to additional vehicles. There’s more than one type of hitch, each with a range of distinct advantages, so look at the article below to learn more about the available options.

What Are the Five Classes of Trailer Hitches?

1. Class I

Class I hitches are typically attached to cars and light crossover vehicles rated to pull loads of up to 2,000 pounds and have a 200-pound tongue weight (TW) capacity, a metric of the vertical weight load a vehicle can pull. They usually have a 1 ¼” square receiver opening for mounting hitches and other accessories. These hitches are typically mounted on bumpers or vehicle frames.

2. Class II

Cars, crossovers, and minivans can carry class II hitches, which are rated up to 3,500 pounds, have TW of 300 pounds, and also feature a 1 ¼” square receiver opening. These hitches are also usually attached to a vehicle’s frame or bumper.

3. Class III

If you drive an SUV, van, or lightweight pickup truck and want to haul heavier loads like campers and moving trailers, a class III hitch is a good choice. These can pull loads of up to 6,000 pounds and have a TW of 600 pounds. 

Weight-distributing class III hitches are those which have additional carrying equipment and can haul loads of up to 10,000 pounds with a TW of 1,000 pounds. They usually have a 2” square opening and can be mounted only on a vehicle’s frame.

4. Class IV

Class IV hitches are true truck accessories in that they’re only suitable for use with pickups and other heavier-duty vehicles. These have weight-carrying capacities of up to 10,000 pounds or weight-distributing capacities of up to 14,000 pounds, with TW ratings of 1,000 and 1,400 pounds, respectively. Like class III hitches, these have a 2” square receiver opening and only attach to a vehicle’s frame.

5. Class V

The heaviest class, weight-carrying class V hitches can haul up to 12,000 pounds with a 1,200-pound TW, while weight-distributing options can haul as much as 17,000 with a 1,700-pound TW. They have a 2 ½” square receiver opening, attach to vehicle frames only, and can be used to pull anything from fully-loaded livestock trailers to boats, campers, and heavy goods.

When you’re in need of top-quality trailer hitches, visit Line-X of Troy in Troy, OH. They carry and install an extensive selection of truck accessories from top manufacturers. Other useful products they carry include lift kits, truck bed liners, and more. Call (937) 335-0569 to speak with a representative and visit their website to learn more about their products.