Class II hitches are weight carrying (WC) hitches rated up to 3500 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 300 lbs. A Class II hitch usually has a 1-1/4″ square receiver opening. A higher class drawbar does not increase the towing capacity of the hitch.
2" Hitches: A 2" trailer hitch or 2.0" trailer hitch is designed to be used in a 2" hitch receiver. 2" hitch receivers can be both Class 4 and Class 5 and will have a 2" receiver opening (the opening on the rear of the vehicle where the trailer hitch slides into).
Class 4 hitches have 2-inch receiver sizes, and have a GTW capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. and a TW capacity up to 1,000 lbs. They also have a WD capacity of up to 12,000 lbs. and WDTW capacity of up to 1,200 lbs.
Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to 3,500 lbs in GTW and up to 525 lbs in TW. Class III, on the other hand, have a 2 inch receiver and have up to 8,000 lbs GTW and 800 lbs TW.
Tow Hitch Receiver Sizes and Classes
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.
Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue weight rating of 350 pounds and a towing rating of 3,500 pounds.
A 2-inch trailer ball is the most common hitch ball size. The 2-inch tow ball is the best fit for most class 3 receiver hitches – which are the most popular trailer hitches.
What is the most common tow ball size in Australia? The answer is 50mm. The Australian Standard is AS 4177.2—2004. Publishing this standard is forbidden; however, the maximum force applied is 85kN for no less than 10 sec.
The most commonly used hitch ball size is a 2-inch diameter ball. You'll find these regularly used on campers, utility trailers, and boat trailers. A 2-inch hitch ball or trailer ball can have a weight capacity of anywhere from 3,500 pounds to 12,000 pounds, so they're found on a wide variety of campers and trailers.
Measuring your receiver hitch tube size
It may be 1-1/4″ common on cars and cuvs. 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.
Class II hitches are also considered weight carrying hitches similar to Class I hitches, but have the ability to handle more weight. Typically rated around 350 pounds tongue weight and a maximum of 3,500 pounds towing, this type of hitch also traditionally comes in both 1 ¼” and 2” receiver sizes.
The two most common hitch sizes are 1 ¼” and 2”. Although some newer vehicles use a 2.5” which we have an adapter for.
A tow hitch is simply another name for a trailer hitch. It is a hitch used for towing a trailer. Usually, tow hitch refers specifically to a receiver hitch. However, a 5th wheel hitch, gooseneck hitch and other hitches may be called tow hitches.
Expert Reply: No, it is not safe to use a 1-7/8 inch ball with a trailer that has a 2 inch ball coupler. Most couplers have an adjustment for the latching mechanism that may solve your issue.
The 50mm has an under-cut lip at the base of the ball [which must weaken it no end] for the hitch securing lug to lock into - a 2 inch ball doesn't, so the hitch handle can't lock down fully and can then jump off.
The standard size of a modern day towball is 50mm. Clear and simple. However, if you have an AL-KO stabiliser on your caravan you may need to ensure it is stamped as 'ISO 50' or 'AL-KO'.
The best pickup truck hitch depends on the type of trailer you're towing. For bumper pull trailers, a custom receiver hitch is best. Trucks can have receiver hitch options from class 3, class 4 and class 5. Find a truck hitch by looking up your year, make and model.
With a class 2 hitch, you are able to add more weight to your cargo carrier or bike rack, as it holds up to 3,500 lbs. A class 2 can also be installed on most sedans and minivans and used to tow lightweight trailers, boats, or campers with the added weight capacity.
While both Class I and Class II trailer hitches have the same 1-1/4 inch receiver opening, Class I hitches will often be designed so that Class II accessories like bike racks cannot fit properly, preventing the hitch from being overloaded by a higher rated carrier.
In a nutshell, the capacity of your towing system will ALWAYS be limited to the capacity of the lowest rated component. If your truck has a manufacturer's tow rating of 12,000 lbs but the hitch being used has a 5,000 lb capacity, you'd be limited to the capacity of the hitch.