Whether you're pulling a boat, a camper or a utility trailer, the hitch is the most important link between your truck and your load. This guide explains hitch classes, receiver sizes, tongue weight, and what a typical receiver hitch install looks like.
Hitch classes at a glance
Ratings vary by manufacturer, but these are the typical ranges:
| Class | Receiver size | Typical max trailer weight | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class I | 1-1/4" | Up to about 2,000 lb | Bike racks, small cargo carriers |
| Class II | 1-1/4" | Up to about 3,500 lb | Small boats, light utility trailers |
| Class III | 2" | Up to about 8,000 lb | Most trucks and SUVs – campers, boats, car haulers |
| Class IV | 2" | Up to about 10,000 lb | Larger campers and equipment trailers |
| Class V | 2" or 2-1/2" | Over 10,000 lb | Heavy-duty trucks and big trailers |
Your real limit is the lowest rating in the system – the hitch, the ball mount, the ball, and your vehicle's towing capacity in the owner's manual. Never exceed any one of them.
Hauling a big fifth-wheel camper? That's a bed-mounted setup rather than a receiver hitch. The Husky Towing 31318KIT Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Head Unit is listed with a 26,000 lb weight carrying capacity. See Fifth Wheel & Gooseneck Hitches for more.
Tongue weight
Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer puts on the hitch. For conventional trailers it's typically about 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight. Too little causes sway, too much overloads the rear axle. For heavier trailers, a weight distribution and sway control system spreads the load and keeps the truck level.
For example, the Husky Towing 30849 Trailer Weight Distribution Kit is a round-bar kit rated for 1,200 lb tongue weight, with a 2-5/16 in. ball and sway control. Check the ratings against your trailer before you order.
Choosing the ball mount and ball
- Match the shank to your receiver (1-1/4", 2" or 2-1/2").
- Pick a drop or rise that keeps the trailer level. Measure from the ground to the top of the receiver opening, and from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler; the difference is the drop or rise you need.
- Match the ball size to the coupler (1-7/8", 2" or 2-5/16") and make sure its rating covers your trailer.
For heavier trailers with a 2-5/16" coupler, the Husky Towing 30255 Trailer Hitch Ball is listed at 12,000 lb gross towing capacity with a 1-1/4" shank diameter.
Shop Ball Mounts, Hitch Balls & Pins to complete the setup.
What a receiver hitch install looks like
- Confirm the hitch is made for your exact year, make and model. Use the vehicle selector at the top of our site.
- Lower the spare tire or exhaust if the instructions call for it.
- Clean the threads of the frame mounting holes (a wire brush or thread chaser helps) or feed in the carriage bolts supplied with the hitch.
- Lift the hitch into place – a helper or floor jack makes this much easier – and start every bolt by hand.
- Torque all hardware to the specs in the instructions.
- Install trailer wiring and test every light with the trailer connected. See Trailer Parts & Wiring.
Before every trip
- Coupler latched and locked, hitch pin and clip in place
- Safety chains crossed under the tongue
- Lights and brakes working
- Tires on the truck and trailer at the right pressure
Find the right hitch for your truck in Receiver Hitches or our full Towing section. Need help? Use Live Chat or call (919) 283-6645.
Always follow your vehicle's owner's manual and the hitch manufacturer's instructions and ratings.