Class 2 vs Class 3 Hitch Class 2 hitches are quite different from class 3 hitches. Class 2 hitches have a 1-1/4" receiver and generally only go up to 3,500 lbs. GTW. On the other hand, class 3 hitches have a 2" receiver and can range up to 8,000 lbs. gross trailer weight.
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.
The different sizes of trailer hitch balls are 1-7/8-inch, 2-inch, 2-5/16-inch and 3-inch. 1-7/8-inch hitch balls are for light-duty trailers, 2-inch are for medium trailers, 2-5/16-inch are for heavy trailers and 3-inch are for gooseneck trailers.
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).
All you need to use a tow bar that fits a 2-inch hitch receiver in a 3-inch hitch receiver is use the Buyers Products Receiver Adapter # 337RTA302. This will reduce the receiver opening size on your trailer hitch from 3 inches to 2 inches so that you can use any tow bar with a 2-inch shank.
Class II. 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 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.
The best way to measure your receiver hitch tube is to measure inside of the tube to inside of the tube. This will help you know what size ball mount you need to get for your hitch. 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.
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.
Ball Mounts vs Hitches
The big difference is that a trailer hitch includes a ball mount as part of a larger mechanism. While the stand-alone ball mount is cheaper and easier to install, the e2® hitch from Fastway Trailer offers better sway control and weight distribution.
The three most common hitch ball sizes are 1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16" in diameter. In rare cases, you'll find a 3" size. Hitch balls also have variations in size for shank diameter and shank length. The different sizes factor into the weight capacity of a towing system.
Class III hitches used as weight carrying are rated up to 6000 lbs. gross trailer weight(GTW) with a 600 lbs. maximum trailer tongue weight (TW).
There are five classes of Hitches for towing trailers.
The vehicle towing capacity of your vehicle determines what it can be used for. Smaller cars and SUVs can only handle smaller loads and probably will use a Class I hitch. Large trucks and vans are built for larger loads and can use a Class III, IV or V hitch.
The class 3 is perfect for larger trailers and is usually found on crossovers, vans, SUVs, and full-sized pickup trucks. Class 3 hitches have a towing capacity between 3,500 to 8,000 lbs and a tongue weight capacity between 350 and 800 lbs.
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.
2" x 2" trailer hitch receivers are the most common type. Most 2" hitches are either Class III or Class IV. These hitches are typically found on pickup trucks, SUVs, and some full-size sedans. Most trucks and SUVs that come factory-equipped with a trailer hitch have a 2" 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.
Class I hitches are rated for less weight, typically maxing out at 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 200 pounds tongue weight. Class II hitches on the other hand can be rated as high as 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight.
A 2″ receiver is stronger, rated for higher loads, and allows you to do more with it (like towing a boat, for example) but requires more of your car as well. While the 2″ receiver itself is heavier, the racks that you attach to them (the part where you'll notice additional weight) are often lighter.
You can tow a trailer that weighs up to 3,500kg MAM .
To calculate this, you only need to know two key figures: the kerbweight of the car and the maximum mass of the caravan (called 'maximum technically permissible laden mass', or MTPLM). If the mass of the caravan is 85% or less of the car's kerbweight, the car will tow it with ease.