Hitch Class Guide — Class I-V Receivers Explained on PickRV

Class I: up to 2,000 lbs tow weight, 200 lbs tongue weight. Light passenger cars. Suitable for the smallest teardrops (under 1,500 lbs).

Class II: up to 3,500 lbs tow weight, 350 lbs tongue weight. Mid-size cars and crossovers. Lightweight pop-ups and small teardrops.

Class III: up to 8,000 lbs tow weight, 800 lbs tongue weight. Most SUVs and half-ton trucks. The most-common class for travel trailers and pop-ups.

Class IV: up to 12,000 lbs tow weight, 1,200 lbs tongue weight (or 1,700 with weight-distribution hitch). Three-quarter-ton and HD trucks. Heavier travel trailers, larger toy haulers.

Class V: 16,000-20,000 lbs tow weight, 2,000-2,700 lbs tongue weight. HD one-ton trucks. Largest fifth-wheels and toy haulers.

Class I-II: 1.25-inch receiver opening.

Class III-IV: 2-inch receiver opening (most-common).

Class V: 2.5-inch receiver opening.

Most aftermarket Class III-IV hitches use 2-inch receivers because almost all consumer trailers couple to a 2-inch ball mount.

WDH is a hitch design that uses spring bars between the trailer's A-frame and the tow vehicle's receiver to redistribute tongue weight across both vehicles' axles.

WDH typically increases the tow vehicle's effective tongue weight capacity by 30-50% beyond the receiver's published rating.

Required by most manufacturers for trailers over approximately 5,000 lbs (varies). The listing tells you whether WDH is required, recommended, or included.

Sway control is a feature (separate or integrated) that resists trailer sway caused by side wind, passing tractor-trailers, or downhill speed.

Friction-bar sway control is the most-common (Reese, Husky brands). Integrated dual-cam sway control (Equal-i-zer brand) is the higher-end option.

Required by most manufacturers for trailers over 5,000 lbs. The listing tells you what's included.

Look at the hitch itself — the class rating is stamped on the receiver tube. 'Class III' or 'Class IV' will be visible.

Check the receiver opening size — 1.25-inch is Class I-II, 2-inch is Class III-IV, 2.5-inch is Class V.

Verify the tongue weight rating. Class III ball mounts come in ratings from 350 lbs (Class III light) to 800 lbs (Class III heavy). Use the highest rating for your trailer's tongue weight.