Learn about which hitch class you need for your vehicle!

At Torklift Central we’re all about educating and helping customers learn everything they can about the hitch options available to them. Whether you’re a newbie wanting to buy your first hitch or a veteran who’s had many hitches before, it’s always best to do research to find the best hitch class for your vehicle and one that fits your needs.

 

At our shop, we can custom fabricate and manufacture a hitch with any rating you’ll need, but there are also many great options that are already in production and ready to install. Learn all you need to know about the different hitch classes that exist and get some ideas of what you’ll be able to tow or haul with each:

 
Class I

Mostly considered weight carrying hitches – Class I hitches are typically rated up to a maximum of 200 tongue weight and 2,000 pounds towing and traditionally come in a 1 ¼” receiver (EcoHitches also come in 2” receivers as well so you can use accessories you already own).

• Examples of what you can use/tow: bike rack, cargo trays, small tent camper, jet skis
  • To the right is a photo of the Chevy Volt EcoHitch – rated at 200 pounds tongue and 2,000 pounds towing, this is a great example of a Class I hitch that is perfect for hauling smaller things such as bike racks and cargo trays

Class II

Class II hitches are considered weight carrying hitches, and have the ability to handle more weight. Typically rated around 350 pounds tongue weight and a maximum of 3,500 pounds towing, this type of hitch also traditionally comes in 1 ¼” and 2” receiver sizes are regularly made by EcoHitch and have a class 2 rating.

• Examples of what you can use/tow: bike rack, small campers, jet skis, boats
  • To the right is a photo of the Subaru XV Crosstrek EcoHitch – rated at 350 pounds tongue and 3,500 pounds towing, this is a perfect example of a Class II hitch that can not only haul bike racks and cargo trays, but small trailers, motorcycles and more

Class III

Class III hitches are what you normally see on trucks, SUVs and larger sedans. These hitches are usually rated at around 500/600 pounds tongue weight and up to a maximum of 5,000 pounds towing and normally come in 2” receivers. There are adapters available where you can convert your 2” to a 1 ¼” receiver, but we don’t normally suggest using them if you’re going to be hauling heavier weights.

 

Another fun fact about this class of trailer hitches is that you can start using weight distribution to help even out the load, prevent sag around the tongue of the trailer and be able to tow more weight. Not all hitches available are rated for both weight carrying and weight distributing, so here is where your research will come in handy, especially if you plan on using weight distribution.

• Examples of what you can use/tow: medium sized campers, jet skis, utility trailers, boats, bike rack, cargo trays and more
  • To the right is a photo of the BMW X5 EcoHitch – rated at 500 pounds tongue and 5,000 pounds towing, this is a great example of a Class III hitch and as an added bonus, the receiver is removable so you can’t even tell there’s a hitch installed when it’s not in use

Class IV

Have a large truck and a beefy looking hitch? You probably have a Class IV hitch. These hitches are usually rated around 1,000/1,200 pounds tongue weight and up to a maximum of 12,000 pounds towing, and come in 2” receivers. Class IV hitches are where you get into the heavier towing and will most likely need weight distribution for what you’re planning to pull.

• Examples of what you can use/tow: trailers, large boats, toy haulers, small travel trailers, utility trailers

 

Class V

The highest class available for hitches (well, sort of – but we’ll explain below). These hitches are usually rated around 1,200/1,700 pounds tongue weight and 20,000 pounds towing, and come in 2” receivers. Class V hitches are where you are doing the heaviest towing and will need weight distribution and probably sway control to help make your towing experience more enjoyable and easier.

• Examples of what you can use/tow: large trailers, equipment haulers, multi-car trailers, large boats, toy haulers, large travel trailers, utility trailers
  • To the right is a photo of the SuperHitch Original 20K – rated at 2,000 pounds tongue and 20,000 pounds towing with weight distribution, this is a great example of a Class V hitch that is strong enough to tow heavy duty items – especially with its dual truss design that adds strength and stability

Beyond Class V

As trucks are getting more heavy duty and are manufactured with greater strength to tow and haul heavier trailers and RVs, hitches must keep up with demand. From the factory, there are hitches coming out with a 21,000 pound tow rating but there is another hitch available that is the only one if its kind. Not as expensive as a custom hitch of the same weight rating is a bolt-on hitch that comes ready to install: this is the SuperHitch Magnum. This hitch is rated at 3,000 pounds tongue and 30,000 pounds towing with weight distribution.

Also made with a patented dual receiver design, the SuperHitch Magnum is the strongest and safest hitch available that will literally exceed all your towing needs.

 

If you’re interested in getting a hitch for your vehicle, we have you covered from Class I to Class V and beyond! Visit here for more or by using the information below if you have any questions we can help you with about the next hitch for your vehicle.

 

 

Torklift Central
315 Central Ave N. Kent, WA 98032
[email protected]
877-343-6933
www.torkliftcentral.com

Written by Kerstin Stokes:

As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels.