Trailer Hitches & Accessories

How Trailer Hitches Are Rated by Class

Trailer hitches fall into five classes based on receiver opening size and weight rating. A higher hitch class means a larger receiver and more capacity, but every rating depends on the specific hitch and your vehicle.

Here's how each class typically compares, based on CURT class guidelines:

• Class 1 hitches use a 1-1/4 in. receiver rated up to about 2,000 lbs.
• Class 2 hitches use a 1-1/4 in. receiver rated up to 3,500 lbs.
• Class 3 hitches use a 2 in. receiver rated up to 8,000 lbs gross trailer weight (GTW).
• Class 4 hitches share the 2 in. receiver but carry higher ratings than Class 3.
• Class 5 hitches use a 2-1/2 in. receiver rated up to about 20,000 lbs.

These are typical maximums, and actual ratings vary by hitch and vehicle. No hitch raises your vehicle's tow rating, so the lowest-rated part of your setup sets your limit. Check your owner's manual first, then match the hitch, ball mount and ball to that number.

Receiver Hitches vs. Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Hitches

A receiver hitch bolts to your vehicle's frame at the rear and accepts removable ball mounts and accessories. Fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches mount in a pickup bed over the rear axle to handle heavier trailers.

Browse receiver hitches in every common hitch class, including vehicle-specific hitches and RV bumper receivers. They suit cars, SUVs and pickups that tow utility, boat and small camper trailers. Your receiver can also hold a CURT forged receiver-mount pintle hook for trailers with a lunette ring.

A fifth wheel hitch couples to a trailer kingpin with a jaw plate, while a gooseneck hitch uses a ball in the truck bed. Shop fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches for heavy-duty trucks, including the CURT 5th Wheel Rail Spyder gooseneck rated at 25,000 lbs GTW.

You'll also find the Mopar Accessories fifth wheel hitch assembly for 2013-2016 Ram 3500 trucks. For a deeper breakdown of each style, read our guide to the different types of tow hitches.

Weight Distribution Hitch and Sway Control Basics

A weight distribution hitch spreads tongue weight across your tow vehicle's front and rear axles and the trailer's axles. That keeps your vehicle level, which helps steering, braking and headlight aim.

Tongue weight should typically run 10-15% of gross trailer weight. A 6,000-lb trailer, for example, puts about 600-900 lbs on the hitch ball. Too little tongue weight can cause trailer sway, and too much can overload your rear axle.

If your rear end squats when you hitch up, or your trailer is heavy relative to your vehicle, consider a weight distribution setup. Your owner's manual may also list a trailer weight above which weight distribution is required.

Sway control adds resistance to calm side-to-side trailer movement from crosswinds and passing trucks. Shop weight distribution hitches and sway control, including the CURT MV round bar hitch rated for 10,000 lbs GTW and CURT sway control kits.

Ball Mounts, Hitch Balls and Trailer Wiring Harness Options

Your trailer ball mount slides into the receiver, and the hitch ball on it must match your trailer's coupler. Common ball sizes are 1-7/8, 2 and 2-5/16 in., and most couplers are marked with the size they need.

Browse trailer balls and ball mounts, including CURT Class 3 ball mount kits with a 2 in. ball. A CURT adjustable tri-ball mount carries all three sizes, so you can switch trailers without swapping balls. Pick a mount with the right rise or drop so your trailer sits level.

A trailer wiring harness connects your vehicle's lighting to the trailer. The two most common connector types are:

• 4-way flat connectors, which handle basic lighting on small utility and boat trailers
• 7-way RV blade connectors, which add circuits such as electric brakes on campers and larger trailers

Shop trailer connectors and wiring, including CURT custom 4-way flat harnesses built for specific vehicles.

How to Choose the Right Tow Hitch for Your Vehicle

Start with your owner's manual, which lists your vehicle's maximum towing capacity and tongue weight limit. Then pick a tow hitch rated at or above your loaded trailer's weight, without going past what your vehicle can handle.

Use the JEGS Add a Vehicle fitment tool to filter results to parts that fit your year, make and model. Vehicle-specific hitches are designed around your frame's mounting points, which keeps installation simpler. Next, match your receiver size to your ball mount and accessories, and plan your wiring.

Trailer hitches do more than tow. When you're not pulling a trailer, a cargo carrier in the same receiver adds room for coolers, bags and gear. Our hitch cargo carrier buying guide compares your options.

To compare product lines before you buy, read our CURT towing products review. Once your hitch is sorted, browse all trailer, towing and recovery parts to finish your towing setup.