Torklift Central is able to custom fabricate a trailer hitch for any car, truck, van, SUV, RV and ATV.  The first step to understanding which custom trailer hitch is right for your vehicle is to settle on a hitch class.  The following are the standardized hitch class definitions to help you Get Out and Go towing your way.     

Key Terms
Common terms used to explain hitch capacities
GTW:  Gross Trailer Weight.  Weight of a fully loaded trailer
TW:  Tongue Weight.  Downward force on the hitch ball created by the trailer tongue
GVWR:  Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.  Maximum weight of a vehicle when fully loaded
GCWR:  Gross Combination Weight Rating.  Weight of the loaded tow vehicle and trailer
Hitch Classes
Hitches are categorized by their weight ratings and applications
Class 1
  • Towing capacities up to 2,000 pounds GTW and 200 pounds TW
  •  Available in 1-1/4″ and 2″ receivers
  • Often used on smaller cars, smaller pickups and smaller vans (minivans)
  • Works for bike racks, cargo carriers, motorcycles and a Jet Ski
Class 2
  • Towing capacities up to 3,500 pounds GTW and 350 lbs TW 
  • Available in 1-1/4″ and 2″ receivers 
  • Appropriate for larger cars, full-size vans, full-size pickups and SUV 
  • Works for bike racks, cargo carriers, motorcycles, Jet Ski’s, utility vehicles (x2), small boat or small trailer
Class 3
Class 3 hitches are the most common receiver class installed on full-size pickup trucks and SUVs.  Class 3 receivers can handle up to 6,000 pounds trailers and 600 pounds of tongue weight with a weight carrying ball mount, or up to 12,000 pounds and 1,200 pounds of tongue weight with a weight-distributing hitch. This generally exceeds the towing capacities of most non-commercial vehicles. 
  • Towing capacities up to 5,000 pounds GTW and 500 lbs TW 
  • Available in 1-1/4″ and 2″ receivers 
  • Considered the standard type hitch for general towing 
  • Designed specifically for your vehicle 
  • Works for bike racks, cargo carriers, motorcycles, Jet Ski’s, utility vehicles (x2), small boat, small trailer, fishing boat or medium trailer
Class 4
Class 4 hitches can carry 10,000 pounds and 1,000 pounds of tongue weight with a weight-carrying hitch, or up to 12,000 and 1,200 pounds with a weight-distributing hitch.
  • Towing capacities up to 10,000 pounds GTW and 1,000 pounds TW
  • Usually a weight distribution hitch
  • Fits full-size cars, pickups, vans & SUV’s
  • Works for bike racks, cargo carriers, motorcycles, Jet Ski’s – utility vehicles (x2), small boat, small trailer, fishing boat, medium trailer, or large RV
Class 5
  • Towing capacities up to 30,000 pounds GTW and 3,000 pounds TW
  • Designed for heavy-duty trucks or vans to tow larger trailers
  • Attach directly to the vehicle frame
  • Available with a 2-1/2″ receiver
  • Works for toy haulers, equipment trailers, horse trailers, car trailers, or enclosed trailers
To learn more about how Torklift Central can help you Get Out and Go with a custom trailer hitch, send us an email or give us a call at 877-373-9195.