Trailer Hitch Classes Explained: Class, Receiver Size and Ratings

This guide is for anyone buying a trailer hitch who keeps running into "Class 1", "Class II", "Class 3" and receiver sizes. The decision comes down to three things: the class and ratings of the hitch, the receiver size it gives you, and whether the accessories you plan to use match that receiver.

What a receiver hitch is

A receiver hitch bolts to the vehicle's frame and gives you a square receiver opening. That opening accepts a ball mount, a bike rack or another hitch-mounted accessory, for towing or for carrying. The hitch itself is made for specific vehicles. The accessories that slide into it are chosen by receiver size rather than by vehicle, and 2 inch is the most common size.

What to check first

• The class. Hitch titles state a class, sometimes in numbers (Class 1, Class 3) and sometimes in Roman numerals (Class II, Class III). Higher classes are built for heavier work, but the class is a group name, not a number you can tow to.
• The ratings. Each hitch has its own weight ratings. Read them on the product page and on the hitch label. A hitch does not change what your vehicle is rated to tow, so stay within the lower of the hitch's rating and your vehicle's. Check your province's rules and your vehicle's owner's manual for towing limits.
• The receiver size. Our hitch and accessory titles state sizes such as 1.25 inch and 2 inch, and some hitch pins are described for 2.5-inch receivers as well. Everything you slide in must match.
• The exact vehicle. Vehicle-specific hitches name years and models in the title, sometimes with trims included or excluded. Use the vehicle selector and read the fitment table on the product page.

Receiver hitches by class

Browse every style on our Trailer Hitches page. Three examples:

Class 1

The Draw Tite Trailer Hitch, Class 1 — 2020-2021 Mazda CX-30 gives its class and the vehicle it is listed for in the title. The title does not state the receiver size or ratings, so check the product page before buying. More from the brand on our Draw Tite page.

Class II

The CURT 2008-2020 Rogue Class II Receiver Hitch is listed, as its title says, for the 2008-2020 Rogue, including the Select and excluding the Krom. Read exclusions like these before ordering. See the CURT page for more.

Class 3

The B&W Class 3 Hitch with 2-Inch Receiver - 18-25 Crosstrek states both its class and its 2-inch receiver in the title, and is listed for the 18-25 Crosstrek. Its maker text describes it as a receiver hitch that bolts to the frame. More on our B&W page.

Weight-distribution hitches

A weight-distribution (WD) hitch is towing hardware sold separately from the receiver hitch on your frame. The Blue Ox Trackpro WD Hitch 1000LB carries a 1000 lb figure in its title. Before ordering, confirm with Blue Ox's instructions what that figure applies to and that it suits your trailer. Other Blue Ox towing products are on the Blue Ox page.

Accessories chosen by receiver size

The Thule T2 Pro Xtr Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier - 1.25" Receiver Hitch Mount is a bike carrier, not a hitch. Its title states a 1.25-inch receiver mount in black, so it is for a 1.25-inch receiver. More carriers on the Thule page.

The Gen-Y Hitches 5/8" Hitch Pin 4" Usable Length & Twist Clip holds an accessory in the receiver. Gen-Y describes it as stainless steel with a self-locking twist clip, for 2-inch and 2.5-inch receivers. The pin diameter and usable length are in the title: match both to the accessory and receiver you use. See the Gen-Y Hitches page for other sizes.

Wiring, brakes and the rest of the setup

A hitch is only part of a towing setup. Trailer lights need a wiring connection on the vehicle, and some trailers need brakes and a brake controller. Our guide to towing basics: hitches, brake controllers and wiring walks through those pieces. We ship across Canada.

FAQ

What does the class on a hitch title mean?

The class groups hitches by how much they are built to handle, with higher classes for heavier work. It is a group name, not your limit: read the weight ratings on the product page and the hitch label, and check your vehicle's owner's manual.

Which receiver size do I need?

Your hitch decides it. Accessories such as bike carriers, ball mounts and hitch pins are chosen by receiver size rather than by vehicle, and 2 inch is the most common. Our hitch and accessory titles state the size, such as 1.25 inch or 2 inch.

How do I know a hitch fits my vehicle?

Use the vehicle selector, then read the fitment table on the product page, which lists each year, make and model the hitch fits. Read the title too: some name trims that are included or excluded.

Do I need anything besides the hitch to tow?

Usually a ball mount, a pin and clip, and a wiring connection for the trailer lights; some trailers also need brakes and a brake controller. Our towing basics guide covers wiring and brake controllers. Check your province's rules before you tow.