What is a Class IV hitch?
Rachel Hickman
Published Mar 01, 2026
What is a Class IV hitch?
Class 4 trailer hitches are commonly mounted on full-size pickup trucks and SUVs. They feature a 2″ x 2″ receiver tube opening and generally have a weight carrying capacity up to 10,000 lbs. gross trailer weight. Most class 4 hitches can also utilize a weight distribution hitch for ratings as high as 12,000 lbs.
What is the difference between Class 1/2 and 3 trailer hitches?
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.
What is the difference between a Class 1 and Class 3 trailer hitch?
Class I Hitch: A Class 1 trailer hitch can handle a gross trailer weight (GTW) of up to 2,000 lbs., and a maximum tongue weight of 200 lbs. This type of hitch is often used on small cars, pickups, or vans for light-duty towing. Class III Hitch: A Class 3 trailer hitch can handle a GTW of up to 5,000 lbs.
How do I know what class my trailer hitch is?
Hitch classes are separated by their maximum weight capacity rating and receiver opening size. Classes range from I to V, and each class has its own unique capacity and applications. To find: Read the label on your hitch, or measure the size of the opening.
What are the three basic types of trailer hitches?
The Different Types of Trailer Hitches
- Rear Receiver Hitch.
- Front Mount Hitch.
- 5th Wheel Hitch.
- Gooseneck Hitch.
- Pintle Hitch.
- Bumper Hitch.
- Weight Distribution Hitch.
How much is a Class 4 hitch?
Compare with similar items
| This item CURT 14006 Class 4 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Compatible with Select Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra 1500, Black | |
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| Customer Rating | 4.8 out of 5 stars (108) |
| Price | $18259 |
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What is a Class 3 or 4 hitch?
The main difference between a Class III hitch and a Class IV hitch is the capacities they set for the hitches. Class III hitches are rated for up to 6,000 lbs GTW with 600 lbs TW whereas a Class IV is rated for up to 12,000 lbs GTW and 1,000 TW.
What is the difference between a Class 4 and Class 5 hitch?
Class IV is going to be a 2 inch hitch opening that has tongue weights typically up to 1,200 lbs and total trailer weight of 12,000 lbs. For a Class V hitch the capacities bump up to 20,000 lbs for the total trailer weight and 2,000 lbs tongue weight.
Is there a class 5 hitch?
A Class V hitch has a 2-1/2″ square receiver opening. Your ball mount and hitch ball need to both be rated for Class V to safely tow these weight loads. To use this class of hitch for weight distribution requires a weight distribution system. Class V hitches attach to the vehicle frame only.
What is the strongest hitch?
The SuperHitch Magnum is designed to tow an incredible 30,000 pounds and allows for 3,000 pounds tongue weight when used with weight distribution. This MacDaddy among our SuperHitch Outlaw Series is the highest rated receiver hitch in the industry.
How much weight can a 2 inch ball pull?
The 2-inch ball is used on a variety of popular trailers, such as boat trailers, utility trailers and campers. 2-inch trailer balls have a wide weight capacity range from 3,500 pounds to 12,000 pounds gross trailer weight.
Why do some trailer hitches have three balls?
They are a great option for those who tow multiple trailers. Many have two or three different hitch ball sizes on them, and they can be adjusted to keep the trailer level (i.e., safer).
