Use the infographic below to find the best trailer hitch class for your vehicle.

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<a href="http://www.autoanything.com" title="Hitch Class 101 - An Infographic by AutoAnything"><img src="http://a.cdnbrm.com/images/prm/homepage/TouchClarity/images/articles/infographic/hitch-class2.jpg" width="540"></a> <p>Hitch Class 101 - An infographic by the team at <a href="http://www.autoanything.com">AutoAnything</a></p>

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What are Hitch Classes

When it comes to selecting the right hitch, a lot rests on what kind of vehicle you are looking to tow with. If you are adding a receiver hitch to a compact car in order to use a bike rack your options are going to be significantly different than someone looking to add a heavy-duty hitch to their diesel truck. In some cases, such as small passenger cars, there may only be one class of hitch available. If you have a truck or SUV with more than one trailer hitch option, look at the maximum GTW for each hitch and compare that to the weight of what you would like to pull.

Because it is important to never exceed the GTW of any component in your towing system, it is best to choose a receiver hitch with a GTW that exceeds your needs. If, however, you plan on only using the hitch for attaching a bike rack, then the receiver hitch with the smaller GTW should be fine.

Different Hitch Classes

1. Class I Hitch

• Works best with subcompact cars, compact cars, midsize cars, small pickups, minivans, SUVs, full-size cars, vans, pickups and utility vehicles
• Up to 2,000 lbs Gross Trailer Weight
• Up to 200 lbs Tongue Weight

2. Class II Hitch

• Works best with midsize cars, small pickups, minivans, SUVs, full-size cars, vans, pickups and utility vehicles
• Up to 3,500 lbs Gross Trailer Weight
• Up to 350 lbs Tongue Weight

3. Class III Hitch

• Receiver with weight distribution hitch works best with midsize cars, small pickups, minivans, SUVs, full-size cars, vans, pickups and utility vehicles
• Up to 8,000 lbs Gross Trailer Weight
• Up to 800 lbs Tongue Weight

4. Class IV Hitch

• Receiver with weight distribution hitch works best with full-size cars, vans, pickups and utility vehicles
• Up to 10,000 lbs Gross Trailer Weight
• Up to 1,000 lbs Tongue Weight

The Importance of Knowing Your GTW and TW

Your vehicle's owners manual should provide details regarding the GTW and TW that your specific vehicle can safely tow. The chart below helps illustrate general idea of the weight of different types of trailers. Please remember that this chart lists the weight of the trailer alone. You are also going to need to add the weight of any cargo that you load into the trailer for an accurate total towing weight.

Product Comparison

	CURT Trailer Hitches	Draw-Tite Trailer Hitches	Reese Trailer Hitches	Hidden Hitch Trailer Hitches
Sale Price	From $91.95	From $72.95	From $89.95 /each	From $102.95
Shipping	Free Shipping	Free Shipping	Free Shipping	Free Shipping
Current Offers	SAME DAY SHIPPING	FREE GIFT
Customer Rating Price/Value Ease of Installation Quality Appearance	(2k+)	(300)	(1)	(225)
Available Colors
Style	Receiver Hitch	Receiver Hitch	Receiver Hitch	Receiver Hitch
Warranty	Lifetime Warranty	Lifetime Warranty	Lifetime Warranty	Lifetime Warranty
Weight Class	Class I Class II Class III Class IV Class V	Class I Class II Class III Class IV	Class III Class IV Class V	Class I Class II Class III Class IV
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Ask & Answer

Asked by Thelma T.

12/19/2011 1:48:43 PM

2003 C5

Hi :) I am looking for a Class I hitch to haul my track tires and miscellaneous tools for the track for my C5 Corvette. I checked it out on your website, but before ordering, I want to make sure it's able to be removed by cotter pins for quick release...or is this strictly "bolt on"? Thanks, Thelma T.

Staff Answer

Answered by Michael K. — 12/19/2011 4:15:43 PM

Hi Thelma, the receiver hitch itself is bolted permanently to the chassis of your vehicle. However, the hitch ball itself is held on by a quick release hitch pin.

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Asked by Gcdavis@Earthlink.Net D.

12/17/2011 5:38:39 PM

GARY

does this hitch come with reciever

Staff Answer

Answered by Michael K. — 12/19/2011 6:08:07 PM

Hi Gary, yes, it includes the hitch reciever and mounting hardware.

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