Hitch Receiver Sizes report
When you buy a trailer hitch, you'll find different designs, including a trailer hitch, a part of which is permanently attached to the vehicle. The drawbar slides into the receiver for towing but can be removed when not needed. Before we begin, you should know the difference between the trailer hitch and the hitch receiver.
The hitch receiver is the piece that is mounted directly to the vehicle's frame that allows the connection of the trailer hitch. The hitch receiver will have an opening at the rear of the car allowing the user to slide in a trailer hitch which can then be used to connect a trailer.
The pull rod slides into the square hole of the receiver, and the pin is inserted from the side, moving through the connecting rod and pull rod to hold the pull rod in place. One of the benefits of a receiver-style trailer hitch is that the hitch can be removed when it is not used to eliminate the extra length it occupies in the rear of the truck. There are more basics about the trailer hitch size you should know.
Hitch Receiver Size Guide
There are many different types of hitches used for towing a trailer. Each type of trailer hitch has a unique purpose and coupling style, as well as its own set of capacities and sizes. Trailer hitch receivers are perhaps the most common, divided into five classes. Some of the other hitch types include 5th wheel hitches and gooseneck hitches. This short article will go over the hitch receiver classes and sizes.
Hitch Receiver Classes And Sizes
Trailer hitch receivers are available in 4 main sizes: 1-1/4", 2", 2-1/2", and 3". These numbers refer to the width of the receiver openings.
- CLASS 1 & CLASS 2
Class 1 and Class 2 receivers are both very similar in that they both are 1-1/4" receiver tubes. Both are designed for smaller passenger vehicles, like sedans and smaller vans towing very lightweight trailers and loads. The difference between the two is that Class 1 receivers can tow a maximum of 2,000 lbs. whereas the Class 2 receiver can tow up to 3,500 lbs.
- CLASS 3 & CLASS 4:
Class 3 and Class 4 receivers are the most common receivers out there. They are most common for all SUVs and crossovers, quarter-ton half-size pickups, half-ton full-size pickups, and all 3/4-ton and full-on trucks manufactured before 2008. They have a 2" receiver tube, most Class 3 and 4 receivers can be used with weight distribution hitches. Class 3 receivers can carry up to 8,000 lbs. whereas Class 4 receivers can carry up to 10,000 lbs.
- CLASS 5
Class 5 receivers have the highest weight ratings and range between 2.5" and 3" receiver sizes. They are usually found on heavy-duty full-size trucks and commercial trucks. The 2.5" receiver is rated up to 18,500 lbs. The 3" is rated at 21,000 lbs.
| Hitch Receicer Class | Receiver Opening Size | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|
| CLASS 1 | 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" | maximum of 2,000 lbs |
| CLASS 2 | 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" | maximum of 3,500 lbs |
| CLASS 3 | 2" x 2" | maximum of 8,000 lbs |
| CLASS 4 | 2" x 2" | maximum of 10,000 lbs |
| CLASS 5 | 2 1/2" x 2 1/2", 3" x 3" | 2.5": up to 18.500 lbs; 3": 21,000lbs |
Measure your hitch receiver size
It would be best to measure your trailer hitch receiver tube from inside to inside of the tube, which will help you know what size ball mount you need to get for your hitch. Regardless of what receiver you think you have on your vehicle, please measure! Owner’s manuals can be misleading, and even dealerships can give you the wrong information, so always measure your receiver to confirm you have the correct measurement/size. It may be 1-1/4″ common on cars. Most likely, it is either a 2″ or 2-1/2″, which is often found on most SUV and pickup trucks. Select newer pickups even have a 3″ receiver.
