If you’re just getting started, here’s a good idea of what each trailer hitch class means for each kind of vehicle and trailer. PA customers usually have a wide variety of towing needs, so knowing the difference between the types of trailer is the first step in choosing the right one.

 

See the bottom of the chart for a detailed explanation.  

 

	You Drive	You Tow
Class I Up to 2,000 lbs*	Small Car	Bike Rack
	Minivan	Very Light Trailer
Class II Up to 3,500 lbs	Large Car	Small Boat Trailer
	Van	Snowmobile Trailer
	SUV	Motorcycle Trailer
Class III Up to 5,000 lbs	Mid-Size Pickup	Small Camper
	Large Van	Medium Boat
	Mid-Size SUV
Class IV Up to 10,000 lbs	Large Pickup	Large Boat
	Full-Size Van	Small Car Trailer
	Large SUV	Camper
Class V Tow Beast Above 10,000 lbs	Super-Duty Pickup	Car Trailer
	15-Passenger Van	Very Large Boat
	Full-Size SUV	Live-In Camper
5th Wheel Up to 24,000 lbs	Full-Size Pickup (Only)	Extended Live-In Camper
		Large-Car Trailer
Gooseneck Up to 25,000 lbs	Full-Size Pickup (Only)	Multi-Horse Trailer
		Multi-Car Trailer

 

*The weights for each chart reflect maximum gross trailer weight, (towing capacity), but you should also factor in maximum tongue weight when choosing a trailer hitch. 

 

Maximum tongue weight measures how much of the trailer’s weight can rest on the hitch itself.

 

As a general rule, maximum tongue weight for Draw-Tite hitches is measured as 1/10^th of gross trailer weight.  (Just take a 0 off the end of the towing capacity)

 

So Class I hitches can tow up to 2,000 lbs and support a maximum tongue weight of 200 lbs., Class II hitches can tow up to 3,500 lbs and support tongue weights up to 350 lbs, etc.

 

Gooseneck trailers can handle a lot more capacity for their weight: they can support trailer tongue weights up to 6,250 lbs.

 

If you’re comfortable with which kind of hitch you need, you can use our online hitch selector guide to find the perfect match for your vehicle.

 

If you have other questions about the type of new or used trailer hitch you need, feel free to give us a call at 1-877-381-1666 and we’ll walk you through the hitch selection process for car trailers, cargo trailers or any other trailers.