What Are The Different Types Of Hitch Classes?

Generally, there are five types of Hitches that are used for RV Towing. Each of these types is intended for a particular trailer weight range. Most often, the class of Car Trailer Hitch that you select is greatly determined by the type of your vehicle as well as its towing capacity. Based on the towing capacity of your vehicle, you will know what it can be capable of. SUVs and smaller cars can only manage smaller loads, hence, a Class I hitch would be more appropriate. Vans and large trucks are intended for bigger loads and can utilize a Class III, IV, or V hitch.

Keep in mind that you should always check your owner's manual to know its vehicle rating before going to a Hitch Shop or any Towing Equipment Provider.

Class I Hitch

Typically, Class, I hitches are designed for loads that weigh up to 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight. The maximum tongue weight of these weight-carrying hitches is 200 pounds. A receiver tow bar that includes a 1-1/4 inch square receiver opening is one of the best examples of a Class I trailer hitch.

Usually, Class, I Trailer Hitches For Sale are installed on the truck pan, and the vehicle frame, while some of its light-duty variants are affixed directly to the bumper. Class I Truck Hitch is perfect for compact passenger vehicles. In fact, these are commonly used for compact cars, compact utility vehicles, hatchbacks, smaller SUVs, and sedans.

A vehicle with Class I Trailer Hitch installed is capable of towing things such as tent campers, mobility scooters’ drawbars, bike racks, cargo carriers, and other similar loads. Smaller trailers that are loaded with light water toys and equipment such as jet skis, canoes, and kayaks can also be pulled.  

Class II Hitch

Class II hitches are another type of Trailer Hitch Canada that are rated up to 3500 lbs. gross trailer weight. Furthermore, its maximum trailer tongue weight is 300 lbs. to 500 lbs. depending on the type of hitch that you have chosen. Similarly, with Class I hitches, the square receivers of Class II hitch measure 1-1/4 inches and 2 inches, depending on the kit that you bought. 

These Class II trailer hitches are usually used in tow vehicles such as larger CUVs, larger compacts, and full-size sedans. Although they can also be used for smaller pickups, SUVs, and minivans, there are some owners who would choose larger Class III or Class IV hitches. These hitches are generally affixed on the bumper or frame of the vehicle, hence just like Class I hitches, they can also be considered as weight-carrying hitches.

Class III Hitch

Class III Canadian Hitches are designed for medium-duty towing. These hitches are expected to have a maximum gross trailer weight between 5,000 lbs. to 8,000 lbs. depending on the type of Curt Hitch that you choose. Its maximum trailer tongue weight is between 500 to 1000 pounds. Aside from being weight carrying, they are also weighted distributing, again, it will likely depend on the hitch and vehicle specifications. But remember that not every Class III hitch is rated for both.

These hitches have a 2" square receiver opening. Usually, Class III hitches are affixed on the vehicle frame only. Class III hitch can be attached to a variety of vehicles, hence, be sure to get a kit that is the right match to your tow vehicle. Typically, they can be used for tow vehicles such as minivans, sedans, larger SUVs as well as other kinds of larger passenger vehicles. 

Class IV Hitch

Class IV trailer hitches are typically used for heavy-duty towing applications. These weight-carrying hitches are commonly rated up to 10,000 lbs. for its maximum gross trailer weight. Although you can also find weight distributing hitches that have ratings of up to 14,000 lbs. However, it will depend on the kind of Reese Hitch system that you pick.  But keep in mind that not every Class IV hitch is rated for both. If you want to use this hitch for weight distribution you must have a weight distribution system.

The openings for Class IV Receiver Hitches are two inches and are used to attach tow ball mounts and carriers. This class will be attached to the frame of the vehicle only. The towing systems that are intended to work with Class IV hitches are created for heavy-duty work, hence, it is expected that large loads can be pulled with them. That is why it is quite common to see sway control and weight distribution features added in most Class IV hitches.

Class V Hitch

Class V hitches are considered as the highest weight class for towing gear with ratings of up to 12,000 lbs. for gross trailer weight and a maximum trailer tongue weight of 1200 lbs. They are designed for heavy-duty towing, hence, these hitches are only for vans, trucks, large SUVs, and heavy-duty pickups. When used as a weight distributing hitch, its ratings for gross trailer weight is up to  17,000 lbs. while its maximum trailer tongue weight is 1700 lbs. However, its use will greatly depend on the hitch and vehicle specifications.

A 2-1/2" square receiver opening is used for Class V hitches. When used for weight distribution, you must have a weight distribution system. It is important that your Trailer Hitch Ball and ball mount must be both rated for Class V so you can safely tow weight loads. These Class V hitches should be affixed to the vehicle frame only. You can make the most of your Class V Curt Trailer Hitch by using them for heavy-duty towing such as multiple trailers, large toy haulers, equipment haulers, and containers. 

Beyond Class V Hitch

Nowadays, trucks are produced with greater strength and are capable of more heavy-duty towing. In other words, they can haul and tow RVs and heavier trailers. It is important that hitches must be able to keep up with the demand. Lately, there are hitches that have two ratings of 21,000 lbs. which is the highest that most companies go on ratings.

The SuperHitch Magnum is an Adjustable Trailer Hitch that is one of its kind. It is not as expensive compared to the custom Tow Hitch with a similar weight rating. It comes with a bolt-on hitch ready for installation. Its maximum trailer tongue weight is 3,000 lbs, while its maximum towing rate is 30,000 lbs.

Accessories for Front Mount Hitch

With Front Mount Trailer Hitch Calgary, you are able to use the front portion of your vehicle for different towing applications. For instance, you can use them for mounting snow plows, a winch, and other accessories. When there is insufficient space, a front mount Adjustable Hitch can be used for holding a cargo carrier. This can help in freeing up the space inside your vehicle, at the same time, you can use the rear mount receiver for pulling a trailer. 

For a boat ramp, you can hitch up the front mount receiver on your boat trailer, providing you with better control as you launch the trailer. Aside from this, there are other Trailer Hitch Accessories that you can use with a front mount hitch such as a license plate holder, skid shield, step pad, and spare tire mount. You can purchase all of these at The Hitch Shop or any stores that sell Canadian Towing Equipment. 

Rear Trailer Hitches Accessories

A Rear Mount Hitch is a certain kind of Trailer Hitch Receiver that is affixed to the rear of a tow vehicle. It gives you a standard receiver tube that is perfect for hooking up and pulling a trailer. Most pickup trucks are equipped with a hitch receiver so you are ready to tow your trailer. But most of the time, you are not towing anything. There are lots of accessories that you can use for towing even when you are not dragging a boat.

The bed extender hitch can fit into a two-inch square hitch receiver. It is perfect for longer cargo that does not fit in the standard bed. Hitch lights can provide a narrower spotlight and a wide light. A two-inch Hitch Step fits perfectly into your hitch receiver providing you with easy access to your truck bed. A Drop Hitch can keep the trailer level while you are attaching to your tow vehicle. While RV Stabilizer Jacks can stabilize the trailer when you are camping. Other Hitch Accessories include Hitch Mount Bike Rack, Luggage Basket, Tow Hitch Cover, and Key Vault.

What Is a 5th Wheel Hitch? They look the same with a hitch at the back of a semi-truck. Fifth Wheel Hitches are installed on the truck-bed floor and come with a plate for the trailer tongue. While Gooseneck Hitches are another type of truck bed hitches that will be connected to a gooseneck trailer with the use of Hitch Ball. The Fifth Wheel To Gooseneck Adapter is perfect if you require a particular type of hitch fit for towing heavy loads