Types of Trailer Hitches

Auto One carries one of the largest selections of trailer hitches in Michigan. If you are looking for light or heavy duty towing capabilities, Auto One has you hitched up fast.

Review the differences between trailer hitch sizes.

Standard Size Trailer Hitches

Class I Trailer Hitches

These hitches are designed for light loads on small to medium sized vehicles.

• Rated up to 2000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW)
• Maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 200 lbs
• Use a drawbar and hitch ball of the same rating or higher
• Some hitches in this class may attach to the vehicle bumper or trunk pan
• Most other Class I hitches attach to the vehicle frame

Class II Trailer Hitches

Designed for medium loads on small to large sized vehicles.

• Rated up to 3500 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW)
• Maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 300 lbs
• Use of a drawbar and hitch ball of the same rating or higher
• Normally attached to the vehicle frame and or bumper

Class III Trailer Hitches

Designed for large loads on trucks and SUVs

• Class III hitches are weight carrying (WC) and also are weight distributing (WD) hitches depending on the vehicle and hitch specifications.
• Class III hitches used for weight carrying are rated up to 5000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 500 lbs.
• Hitches that are used for weight distributing are rated up to 10,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 1000 lbs.
• Use of a ball mount and hitch ball of the same rating or higher
• Class III hitches attach to the vehicle frame only

Heavy Duty Trailer Hitches

Class IV Trailer Hitches

These hitches are very similar to Class III hitches except for the weight ratings.

• These are weight carrying (WC) and weight distributing (WD) hitches depending on the vehicle and hitch specifications. Not all Class IV hitches are rated to be both
• Weight carrying hitches are rated up to 12,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 1200 lbs.
• Weight distributing hitches are rated up to 15,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 1500 lbs.
• Use a ball mount and hitch ball of the same rating or higher
• A weight distribution system is required (to use weight distribution side of the hitch)
• Class IV hitches attach to the vehicle frame only.

Class V Trailer Hitches

These heavy-duty trailer hitches vary by the weight ratings. Hitch uses a 2-1/2" receiver.

• Class V hitches are weight carrying (WC) and weight distributing (WD) hitches.
• Weight carrying hitches are rated up to 13,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 1300 lbs.
• Weight distributing hitches are rated up to 17,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 1700 lbs.
• Use a ball mount and hitch ball of the same rating or higher
• A weight distribution system is required (to use the weight distribution side of the hitch)
• Class V hitches attach to the vehicle frame only.