Your Complete Guide to Trailer Hitches & Classes
If you've just begun your search into trailer hitches, you've come to the right place. There are numerous different types of hitches used when it comes to towing a trailer. These hitches are separated into different classes. Each type and class has a purpose, so it's essential to consider all your options before making a purchase.
Trailer Hitch Types
Each trailer hitch is designed for different towing capacities and vehicle types. Here are the main types you'll find on the market:
- Bumper Mount Hitch - A bumper mount hitch allows you to easily attach a receiver to your vehicle instead of mounting it to the frame. As its name implies, bumper mount hitches are attached to a vehicle's bumper and include a receiver tube and safety chain attachment points. With an average towing capacity of 5,000 pounds of gross trailer weight and 500 pounds of tongue weight, bumper mount hitches are great for hauling numerous types of trailers for your bikes, boats, small campers and more.
- Front Mount Hitch - As one of the most common hitches for trucks, vans and SUVs, front-mount hitches can be used for a variety of hauling purposes. Ideal for towing campers, trailers, bikes, fishing gear and more, a front mount hitch is a popular option for most seeking a hitch that can help them bring their smaller or more compact items with them on a trip.
- Rear Mount Hitch - Rear mount trailer hitches are available in a variety of classes and serve multiple weight capacities. With a gross trailer weight capacity of anywhere between 2,000 and 20,000, you have a wide range of options when it comes to rear mount hitches.
- Gooseneck Hitch - A gooseneck hitch is ideal for those who require heavy-duty towing strength paired with the ability to make sharp and tight turns. These are most often used by people who transport trailers with livestock, horses and other heavy materials. Being one of the sturdiest types of trailer hitches, gooseneck trailers can pull up to 30,000 pounds. Gooseneck hitches are already pre-designed to be used in pickup trucks and can be mounted above or below the bed of the truck.
- Weight Distribution Hitch - A weight distribution hitch is also known as a weight distribution system, as it allows drivers to tow the maximum capacity allowed by the hitch while also reducing sway. This system provides a smoother, more level ride while also helping to prevent and correct vehicle sag. With a weight distribution hitch, you will need several other parts, including a ball mount, hitch receiver, spring bar assembly and sway control. These hitches are great for several vehicles, ranging from minivans to large pickups.
- 5th Wheel Hitch - A 5th wheel hitch goes beyond the needs of the average person, as they're most often found on large semi-trailer trucks for hefty loads. 5th wheel hitches can be used for both long-bed and short-bed trucks.
Trailer Classes
All trailer types come in a variety of classes, allowing for different weight capacities and sizes. Here's a helpful chart to understand which class would work best for your needs:
| Gross Trailer Weight | Tongue Weight | Example Loads | Vehicles | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class I | 1,000 - 2,000 lbs. | 100 - 200 lbs. | Bikes, kayaks, or canoes, small trailers | Compact cars, SUVs, mid- and full-size cars, minivans |
| Class II | 2,000 - 3,500 lbs. | 200 - 500 lbs. | Multiple bikes, kayaks or canoes, small trailers, small boats | Compact cars, SUVs, mid- and full-size cars, minivans |
| Class III | 3,500 - 8,000 lbs. | 300 - 800 lbs. | Mid-size campers, utility trailers, large equipment | Full-size cars, SUVs, minivans, trucks |
| Class IV | 5,000 - 12,000 lbs. | 500 - 1,200 lbs. | Large campers, large boats, horse trailers | Heavy-duty trucks and large SUVs |
| Class V | 10,000 - 25,000 lbs. | 1,000 - 4,000 lbs. | Large toy haulers, equipment haulers, multi-car trailers, horse trailer | Heavy-duty trucks and commercial trucks |
| Class I | |
|---|---|
| Gross Trailer Weight | 1,000 - 2,000 lbs |
| Tongue Weight | 100 - 200 lbs |
| Example Loads | Bikes, kayaks or canoes, small trailers |
| Vehicles | Compact cars, SUVs, mid- and full-size cars, minivans |
| Class II | |
| Gross Trailer Weight | 2,000 - 3,500 lbs |
| Tongue Weight | 200 - 500 lbs |
| Example Loads | Multiple bikes, kayaks or canoes, small trailers, small boats |
| Vehicles | Compact cars, SUVs, mid- and full-size cars, minivans |
| Class III | |
| Gross Trailer Weight | 3,500 - 8,000 lbs |
| Tongue Weight | 300 - 800 lbs |
| Example Loads | Mid-size campers, utility trailers, large equipment |
| Vehicles | Full-size cars, SUVs, minivans, trucks |
| Class IV | |
| Gross Trailer Weight | 5,000 - 12,000 lbs |
| Tongue Weight | 500 - 1,200 lbs |
| Example Loads | Large campers, large boats, horse trailers |
| Vehicles | Heavy-duty trucks and large SUVs |
| Class V | |
| Gross Trailer Weight | 10,000 - 25,000 lbs |
| Tongue Weight | 1,000 - 4,000 lbs |
| Example Loads | Large toy haulers, equipment haulers, multi-car trailers, horse trailer |
| Vehicles | Heavy-duty trucks and commercial trucks |
If you're wondering what the difference between Gross Trailer Weight and Tongue Weight means, check out this helpful article.
Finding Your Trailer & Trailer Class
When deciding which trailer and trailer class is right for you, we recommend talking with experts like those at Southside Hitch. Our team can not only help you explore trailer and trailer class options but also show you which ones would work best for your vehicle and towing needs. We can also help you purchase, install and test the trailer hitch to ensure it's up to code and works as intended.