Getting Hitched: Everything You Need to Know About Trailer Hitches

Just like finding a spouse, finding a trailer hitch that you’re compatible with takes a little time. Trailer hitches come in a variety of classes and each one has its own unique towing capacity. As you begin your search for the perfect trailer hitch, you first need to find out how to choose the right hitch class for towing. We’ll help you narrow down your options as you consider both your vehicle and the load you plan to tow.

Finding the perfect match: What class of hitch do I need?
Trailer hitches come in five different classes, creatively labeled Class I–V. Generally, Class I hitches tow the smallest amount of weight whereas Class V are used for high capacity towing. In order to find the right towing hitch, we need to consider three figures:

1. The gross trailer weight (GTW) we want to pull—both the weight of the trailer and its load
2. The maximum tongue weight (TW) or the amount of pressure the trailer puts onto the hitch ball
3. The size of the receiver opening, which is the square opening where the trailer connects to the vehicle. Industry standard receivers range from 1.25-2 inches. Select the design most useful to what you plan to tow.

Let’s break down the five basic hitch classes, comparing the features of each one.

#1) Class I: 2,000 lbs GTW, 200 lbs TW weight carrying

The Class I receiver hitch is designed for smaller vehicles—from compact to mid-sized cars. The total trailer weight a Class I hitch can pull is about 2,000 pounds. The maximum tongue weight on the hitch ball is approximately 200 pounds.

#2) Class II: 3,500 lbs GTW, 300 lbs TW weight carrying

A Class II towing hitch is similar to a Class I hitch, but it has a slightly stronger construction. Class II hitches work well with mid-size and full-size cars as well as small SUVs. They can pull around 3,500 pounds with up to 300 pounds of tongue weight.

#3) Class III:
6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW weight carrying
10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW with weight distribution

Perhaps the most popular receiver hitch is the Class III. A Class III hitch is well-suited to a variety of vehicle types—from full-sized cars to large trucks. They can haul up to 6,000 pounds of gross trailer weight with a maximum tongue weight of 600 pounds. However when used with weight distribution system, can handle up to 10,000 pounds and 1,000 pounds tongue weight.

#4) Class IV:
10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW weight carrying
14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW with weight distribution

Class IV hitches can tow up to 14,000 pounds with a maximum tongue weight of 1,400 pounds when used with weight distribution. Most have a two-inch receiver hitch opening, but the hitch has a bulkier design than the Class III hitch, which helps it support more weight. The Class IV towing hitch is ideal for large trucks and SUVs.

#5) Class V:
12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW weight carrying
17,000 lbs GTW, 1,700 lbs TW with weight distribution

With strength in mind, Class V has a towing weight capacity of up to 17,000 pounds and a maximum tongue weight of 1,700 pounds when used with weight distribution. Class V receiver hitch openings vary between 2-2.5 inches. Class V towing hitches are designed for full-sized and heavy-duty trucks and are key to achieving high capacity towing safely.

#6) Class VI:
20,000 lbs GTW, 2,500 lbs TW weight carrying
30,000 lbs GTW, 3,000 lbs TW with weight distribution

The engineers at Torklift International built a hitch so strong we had to add another hitch class. With the strongest hitch capacities in the towing industry, Torklift International is proud to manufacture their own line of extreme trailer hitches called the SuperHitch Outlaw Series. If you’re looking for quality and durability, the SuperHitch Outlaw Series is the safest towing system available. Dual receiver openings on the SuperHitch range from 2-2.5 depending on the hitch.

For Class III-VI hitches, the use of a weight distribution system, which fits between the receiver hitch and the vehicle, will increase the vehicle’s overall towing weight capacity. The purpose of a weight distribution system is to reduce the stress of the trailer on the hitch ball by distributing weight more evenly across the axles of both the vehicle and trailer.

Keep in mind that for each class of receiver hitch, the exact towing capacity will vary based on the manufacturer of both hitch and vehicle as well as whether or not you use a weight distribution system. Always double check the owner’s manual of your vehicle to ensure you can safely haul the type of trailer you desire to tow. It is important to never exceed the towing capacity designated by the factory manufacturer. The amount you can tow is always limited to the lowest weight capacity rating on your set up, whether it be the vehicle, receiver hitch, towing extension or weight distribution system.

Not all hitches were created alike
Although there are plenty of receiver hitches on the market, not all are equal. Why not start your search for the perfect hitch right here at Torklift Central? We back all of Torklift-manufactured products with a lifetime warranty—that’s quality you can’t find everywhere. Take a look at a few of our favorite receiver hitches.

First, the EcoHitch. This hitch is eco-friendly and made from recycled materials. It is completely concealable except for the receiver, which is perfect for folks who don’t want to drastically change the look of their car with the addition of a towing hitch. The EcoHitch is available with both 1.25” and 2” receivers and it fits a variety of vehicles—from compact cars to small SUVS. For lightweight towing needs, this is the perfect choice of towing hitch. This hitch is also perfect for hauling bike racks and cargo trays.

 

For heavier towing, we recommend Torklift International’s SuperHitch Outlaw Series of receiver hitches. Among every towing accessory you would need, there are three receiver hitches in the series—the SuperHitch Hero 15K, the SuperHitch Original 20K and the SuperHitch Magnum 30K. Each SuperHitch was uniquely designed to haul at maximum weight capacities—15,000 pounds, 20,000 pounds, or 30,000 pounds respectively.

 

 

All were made in the USA and are backed by Torklift International’s legendary lifetime warranty. For heavy-duty towing, you can’t beat the SuperHitch for weight-bearing performance.

Learn more about the SuperHitch Outlaw Series at torkliftcentral.com.

 

Torklift Central also offers a variety of specialty hitches and towing accessories to meet the specific needs of truck owners that enhance the overall towing experience. These include specialized sway control hitches, fifth wheel hitches, hitch extensions, receiver extensions and equalizer bars. For more details about these and other products, visit our website at www.torkliftcentral.com.

 

Get hitched today!
As you start shopping for the perfect trailer hitch, keep in mind the type of vehicle you’ll be using, the type of trailer you want to tow and the purpose for towing—light excursions or heavy-duty hauling. And don’t forget to take into account your vehicle’s owner manual. Armed with this vital information we expect you’ll find the perfect hitch in no time. Pretty soon you’ll be riding off into the sunset towing happily ever after.

Now Get Out And Go towing safely! For more information, contact us today:

Torklift Central



315 Central Ave N Kent, WA 98032
[email protected]


877-343-6933



www.torkliftcentral.com

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Written by Jenica Donahue:
Jenica holds a B.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She is a freelance writer interested in blogging, copy writing and editing. She enjoys exploring new places and hiking in the Pacific Northwest.