Class 1 hitch:

This is a light/regular duty trailer-hitch suitable for most sizes of vehicles including smaller and compact cars. Towing capacity for this class of hitch is up to 909 kg (2,000 lbs.). Maximum tongue weight is 90 kg (200 lbs.). This class of hitch should be restricted to use with smaller trailers such as a cargo carrier of less than six feet in length, or a boat trailer of no more than 12-feet long.

Class 2 hitch:

This is a medium to heavy-duty hitch suitable for midsize and larger vehicles, including minivans and is not recommended for use with compact cars. These hitches can safely pull a cargo trailer up to 12-feet in length or a boat trailer up to 20-feet long. Towing capacity for this class is up to 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs.). Maximum tongue weight is 136 to 227 kg (300 to 500 lbs.).

Class 3 hitch:

This is a heavy-duty hitch suitable for trucks, vans, SUVs and minivans. They incorporate heavier mounting hardware and utilize an under-car receiver attachment to the vehicle’s frame. These hitches can safely pull an automobile-transport or a boat trailer up to 24-feet in length.

Towing capacity ranges from 1,588 to 2,268 kg (3,500 to 5,000 lbs.). Tongue weight ranges between 136 to 227 kg (300 and 500 lbs.). The towing capacity as well as the tongue weight can be increased even beyond these limits if the hitch incorporates a weight-distribution system – a mounting arrangement that distributes weight directly to the frame and transfers the weight to all of the wheels.

A weight-distribution system is safer and better for heavy-duty towing because it improves handling in the tow vehicle and allows the vehicle to handle heavier loads without sagging in the rear.

Class 4 hitch:

This is a hitch that can tow up to 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs.). These hitches utilize weight-distributing mounting brackets to transfer the weight to all of the vehicle’s wheels. They are designed to handle large loads such as horse-trailers, boat-trailers of more than 24-feet in length, large campers, etc.

Check your vehicle towing capasities Towing Capasities