When it comes to choosing a trailer hitch for your vehicle, you need to find one that can handle the precise types of towing you’re going to be doing. Before you rely on a Google search for ‘how to choose a trailer hitch by class,’ why not let the experienced team at Bulletproof Hitches help you out.
As a manufacturer of the world’s strongest hitch, we know a thing or two about how to choose the right hitch for your towing needs..
If you want to better understand the different types of available trailer hitches, we’ve put together simple guide to help you along.
Class 1 Hitch
The ideal choice for smaller compact cars, sedans, or SUVs, a Class 1 trailer hitch is rated for up to 2,000 lbs and is generally used in a 2" receiver. Commonly known as weight-carrying hitches, this type of product is useful when towing small accessories or trailers, including:
- Bike Racks
- Kayaks
- Jet Skis
- Cargo Trays
- Small Tent Camper
Class 2 Hitch
Like Class 1 hitches, the Class 2 trailer hitch is also considered a weight-carrying hitch. The primary differences are that they can handle up to 3,500 lbs and aren’t the best choice for compact vehicles. They also are used in 2” receivers and are useful when towing similar equipment, including bike racks, small campers, or boats.
Class 3 Hitch
Once you get into a Class 3 trailer hitch, you are probably towing medium to larger loads at up to 5,000 lbs and with this much trailer weight, you can also start thinking about using a weight distribution system.
Class 3 trailer hitches are the most common options found on small trucks, larger sedans, and SUVs. They traditionally come with 2” shanks, but can be used in a 2.5" receiver by inserting a reducer sleeve.
Class 4 Hitch
Do you have a larger vehicle or need heavy-duty towing capacity? Then start your search for a Class 4 trailer hitch. Compared to the previous three trailer hitch classes, a Class 4 hitch can handle up to 12,000 lbs—a significant increase from a Class 3 hitch. This hitch class will most likely have a 2” shank with the occasional 2.5" shank.
BulletProof Hitches™ start at a Class 4 with our entry level hitches rated up to 14,000 lbs.
Some of the most popular towing uses for a Class 4 hitch include:
- Medium to Large Trailers
- Large Boats
- Utility Trailers
- Medium to Large RV Trailers
Class 5 Hitch
Made for large pick-up trucks, commercial vehicles, or semi trucks, the Class 5 trailer hitch is listed to have a towing capacity of up to 20,000 lbs.
The Class 5 hitch is made to handle some of the most heavy-duty towing applications and are available for 2", 2.5", & 3" receivers.
Most Class 5 hitches are used with sway control and weight distribution systems to help manage the large trailer weight being pulled. They’re frequently used for towing multi-car trailers, large boats, and equipment haulers.
And Lastly—the BulletProof Hitch!
That’s right; we’re putting the BulletProof Hitch in a class of its own! Unlike the other five hitch Classes, our industrial-strength, solid steel trailer hitch can handle up to an astonishing 36,000 lbs. with our Extreme Duty hitches. It is the strongest adjustable drop hitch on the market and boasts a durable design that will benefit your towing needs for years to come.
If you want the best trailer hitch available, give our BulletProof technical team a call today for assistance finding the right BulletProof Hitch for your towing needs. Or, simply fill out our online form to request more information.
