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What class hitch on F150?

The Ford F-150 typically uses a 2-inch hitch receiver, most often in a Class III or Class IV configuration depending on year and towing package. The exact class you have depends on your trim, engine, and whether you opted for Ford’s towing packages.

Understanding hitch classes and the F-150’s receivers

Hitch classes define how much weight a trailer can safely tow and how large the receiver opening is. For light duties, smaller classes use 1-1/4-inch receivers; for most F-150 towing needs, a 2-inch receiver is standard, with Class III and Class IV ratings dominating the lineup. The presence of a Max Tow or other towing package typically pushes the setup toward Class IV, but always verify your exact configuration in the owner’s manual or with a dealer.

Before diving into the list, note that hitch classes correspond to both receiver size and weight rating. The Ford F-150 is most commonly equipped with 2-inch receivers that support Class III or Class IV towing. The following outlines the typical classes you might encounter in relation to the F-150.

Class I: Up to about 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight (GTW); uses a 1-1/4-inch receiver. Not common on modern F-150s.

Class II: Up to roughly 3,500–4,000 pounds GTW; typically uses a 1-1/4-inch receiver. Rare for the F-150’s standard configuration.

Class III: Approximately 5,000–8,000 pounds GTW; uses a 2-inch receiver. This is the most common setup for mid-range towing on many F-150s, especially with a tow package.

Class IV: Roughly 8,000–12,000 pounds GTW; also uses a 2-inch receiver. Frequently paired with Ford’s Max Tow or similar tow packages on capable F-150 builds.

Class V: Up to around 12,000–20,000 pounds GTW in some hitch configurations, but not typically offered as a factory option on the F-150. If used, it’s usually through aftermarket installations or other Ford trucks in the lineup designed for heavier towing.

In practice, most current F-150 models are configured with a 2-inch receiver and a Class III or Class IV rating, depending on the tow package and engine choice. If you’re planning to tow near the upper limits, confirm the exact rating for your specific truck in the owner’s manual or with your Ford dealer.

What size receiver you’ll typically see on an F-150

Two inches is the standard and most common receiver size for the F-150 in recent years. This size is compatible with both Class III and Class IV hitch inserts, and it supports a wide range of towing capacities as determined by the truck’s configuration. If you encounter a different size, it’s usually due to aftermarket modifications or an older, non-standard setup.

Before this list, note that identifying the receiver size helps you determine the likely class, but always verify official ratings.

2-inch receivers are the norm for modern F-150s and align with Class III/IV capabilities.

1-1/4-inch receivers indicate smaller-class options (Class I/II) and are uncommon on contemporary F-150 tow packages.

2.5-inch or other larger options appear primarily in aftermarket or non-F-150 platforms; not typical for standard F-150 factory gear.

For most owners, the takeaway is straightforward: if you see a 2-inch receiver on an F-150 with a towing package, you’re likely looking at Class III or IV capacity. Always cross-check your vehicle’s exact ratings to stay within safe limits.

Choosing the right hitch for your F-150

To select the appropriate hitch class for your F-150, start with your towing needs and your vehicle’s configuration. The receiver size is a quick clue, but the official weight ratings come from Ford’s documentation and the towing package you selected at purchase.

Before this list, consider these steps to determine the best fit for you.

Review the exact tow package installed on your truck (e.g., standard tow vs. Max Tow) and note the engine and axle configuration, as these impact max capacities.

Check the receiver size on your hitch assembly; a 2-inch receiver strongly suggests Class III/IV capabilities.

Consult the owner’s manual or Ford’s official spec sheet for your model year to confirm maximum trailer weight and tongue weight.

When in doubt, ask the dealer or a certified mechanic to verify compatibility with any aftermarket hitch or towing accessories you plan to use.

Bottom line: the F-150’s hitch class is not one-size-fits-all. It hinges on the specific tow package, engine, and year, with 2-inch receivers underpinning the majority of Class III and IV configurations.

Summary

The Ford F-150 generally uses a 2-inch hitch receiver, most commonly in Class III or Class IV configurations depending on year and towing package. Class I and II are uncommon on modern F-150s, while Class V is not typically offered as a factory option for this model. To determine the exact class for your truck, check the tow package, engine choice, and the vehicle’s official specifications in the owner’s manual or via Ford’s product sheets. When towing, always stay within the published limits and use the correct hitch, wiring, and ball mount for safe, compliant operation.

How can I tell what class hitch I have?

You can identify your hitch class by measuring the inner opening of the receiver tube and checking for a sticker on the hitch, as different classes have different receiver sizes (1.25" for Class I/II and 2" for Class III/IV). The sticker will also have a "weight carrying" capacity, which is the most accurate way to determine the class.

This video explains how to find your hitch's weight carrying capacity: 57sU-HaulYouTube · Apr 2, 2010
1. Check for a sticker

Look for a sticker on the hitch itself that indicates "hitch capacity" or "hitch type".
This sticker will list the "weight carrying" capacity under the "max gross" designation, which is the most reliable way to determine the class.

2. Measure the receiver tube opening

Use a tape measure to measure the inside of the square receiver tube opening.
1.25 inches: This typically indicates a Class I or Class II hitch.
2 inches: This is common for Class III and Class IV hitches.
2.5 inches or 3 inches: This is characteristic of a Class V hitch.

This video demonstrates how to measure your hitch receiver opening: 15sShocker HitchYouTube · Feb 21, 2019
3. Identify the hitch pin size

The size of the pin used to secure the ball mount also corresponds to the hitch class.
1/2-inch hitch pin: Typically used for Class I and II hitches.
5/8-inch hitch pin: Typically used for Class III, IV, and V hitches.

This video shows the difference between a Class 1 and a Class 3/4/5 hitch pin: 1mThe Fast Lane TruckYouTube · Apr 14, 2020
4. Match the receiver size to the class

Class	Receiver Size	Typical Weight Capacity (Max Gross Trailer Weight)
Class I	1.25"	Up to 2,000 lbs
Class II	1.25"	Up to 3,500 lbs
Class III	2"	Up to 8,000 lbs (can vary)
Class IV	2"	Up to 14,000 lbs (can vary)
Class V	2.5" or 3"	Up to 23,000 lbs (can vary)

What class hitch is a Ford F150?

The weight of the towing load determines the class of hitch you need. Hitch classes range from Class I (up to 2,000 pounds) to Class IV (up to 12,000 pounds). Since the F150 has a towing capacity range from 5,000 – 13,200 pounds, you'll likely need a Class III hitch or higher.

What is the hitch rating for a Ford F-150?

The hitch rating for a Ford F-150 varies significantly depending on the model year, engine, and specific equipment, ranging from a minimum of 5,000 pounds up to a maximum of 14,000 pounds on some properly equipped models. The specific hitch you need will depend on your truck's configuration, and a Class III hitch or higher is often necessary for higher towing capacities.

Factors that determine hitch rating

Engine: The engine type is a primary factor. For example, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in the 2024 model can tow up to 13,500 pounds, while the 5.0L V8 is rated lower, says Veterans Ford.
Equipment: To achieve the maximum towing capacity, the truck must have the proper equipment, such as the Max Trailer Tow Package, which includes specific hardware for optimal performance.
Cab and box configuration: The truck's cab and box length can also affect towing capacity, so it's important to check the specific configuration.
Hitch class: The hitch class should be matched to the truck's towing capacity. For instance, a Class V hitch is needed for towing up to 14,000 pounds, while a Class IV is for up to 12,000 pounds.

Important considerations

Weight distribution hitch: Benna Ford recommends a weight-distribution hitch for any trailer over 5,000 pounds to improve stability and performance.
Verify the vehicle's capacity: Before towing, always verify the exact towing capacity by checking the sticker on the driver's side door jamb and by consulting the owner's manual.
Hitch is not the only factor: The truck's hitch rating is the maximum capability, but you must also factor in the weight of the trailer, cargo, and passengers to ensure you stay within the vehicle's limits.

Is my hitch class 3 or 4?

Hitch Class Comparison Chart

Hitch Class	Common Applications	Receiver Size
Class 1	Cars and crossovers	1-1/4-inch
Class 2	Cars, crossovers and minivans	1-1/4-inch
Class 3	Crossovers, vans, SUVs and trucks	2-inch
Class 4	Trucks and SUVs	2-inch

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.