From boats to campers, you might haul all sorts of bulky cargo on your travels. To prevent vehicle damage, get the appropriate trailer hitch for your ride. Connecting the vehicle to the trailer, the apparatus comes in five classes, with the overview below designed to help you find the right one.  

A Rundown of 5 Trailer Hitch Classes

1. Class I

If you have a small, light-duty pickup truck, car, compact utility vehicle, or sedan capable of towing up to 2,000 pounds, invest in a Class I trailer hitch. The downward force the trailer tongue places on the hitch shouldn’t exceed 200 pounds. The receiver-style apparatus features a 1¼-inch hole to place a ball mount—for hauling jet skis and tent campers—or bike rack. The hitch is secured to the bumper or frame. 

2. Class II

If your sedan, minivan, or compact utility vehicle is capable of towing 3,500 pounds, purchase a Class II trailer hitch. Attached to the bumper or frame, it uses the same square receiver opening as a Class I model. You can slide in a ball mount to keep boats, campers, and bike racks secure. The downward force placed on the hitch has a maximum limit of 300 pounds.

3. Class III

Attached to the frame of an SUV, pickup truck, or van, the gross trailer weight for a Class III weight-carrying hitch is 6,000 pounds. Class III weight-distributing hitches have a total trailer weight of 10,000 pounds. The two-inch square receiver opening can accommodate ball mounts for utility trailers, boats, and campers. 

4. Class IV

Capable of hauling horse and utility trailers as well as large campers, Class IV trailer hitches are secured to pickup trucks, vans, and large sport utility vehicles. The gross trailer weight for weight-carrying hitches is 10,000 pounds, while 14,000 pounds is the limit for weight-distributing models. The apparatus is attached to the vehicle frame and features a two-inch square receiver opening.  

5. Class V

Class V hitches are also connected to the structure and designed to transport campers, utility trailers, and horse trailers. The gross trailer weight of weight-carrying models is 12,000 pounds and 17,000 pounds for weight-distributing fixtures. The two ½-inch square receiver opening can accommodate more massive ball mounts.

If you are in the market for a trailer hitch, the professionals at Line-X Of Troy are available to help you navigate options. Based in Troy, OH, the company also carries truck bed covers, Jeep accessories, and more high-quality products to protect clients’ vehicles. To ask inventory questions, call (937) 335-0560 or view product details online.