To determine the type of trailer hitch you need, you will need to determine a few things. First, what will you be towing, and what will you want to tow in the future? Next, How much weight will you be towing, and how much weight can your vehicle handle towing?
Trailer Hitches are broken up into 6 different categories depending on weight.
- Class I hitches fit all vehicles and can tow a gross trailer weight up to 2,000 lbs. with up to 200 lbs. of weight on the tongue.
- Class II hitches fit mid-size cars, trucks, vans and SUV's and can tow up to 3,500 lbs. and handle up to 350 lbs. of tongue weight.
- Class III hitches fit mid-size pickups, vans and SUV's and can tow up to 5,000 lbs. and handle up to 500 lbs. of tongue weight.
- Class IV hitches fit full size cars, pickups, vans and SUV's can tow up to 12,000 lbs. and handle up to 1,200 lbs of tongue weight.
- 5th Wheel hitches fit pickups only and can tow up to 24,000 lbs.
- Gooseneck hitches fit pickups only and can tow up to 25,000 lbs. with up to 6,250 lbs. weight capacity.
Always check your vehicles owner's manual to determine the amount of weight your vehicle can safely tow.
