What is a standard hitch rating?
The standard hitch rating is the maximum weight a trailer hitch receiver is designed to tow, expressed as gross trailer weight (GTW) and tongue weight (TW). It is determined by the hitch class and the receiver’s design, and you must not exceed these limits for safe towing.
What it measures and why it matters
A hitch rating tells you how much weight the hitch can safely handle when pulling a trailer. GTW is the total weight of the trailer and its cargo, while tongue weight is the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch. Ratings come from the hitch’s class and are influenced by the receiver size and hardware. Exceeding the rating can cause hitch failure, vehicle damage, or unsafe towing conditions.
Hitch classes and typical capacities
The following overview shows typical GTW ranges for common hitch classes used on consumer trailers. Capacities can vary by manufacturer, so always verify the label on your hitch and consult your vehicle manual.
- Class I — up to 2,000 lb GTW; tongue weight typically up to about 200 lb; commonly uses a 1¼" receiver; suitable for small trailers and bike racks.
- Class II — up to 3,500 lb GTW; tongue weight up to about 350 lb; can use a 1¼" or 1½" receiver; used for light trailers and some campers.
- Class III — up to 6,000 lb GTW; tongue weight up to roughly 600 lb; typically uses a 2" receiver; common for mid-size trailers and SUVs.
- Class IV — up to 10,000 lb GTW; tongue weight around 1,000–1,200 lb; usually a 2" receiver; used for larger trailers and heavy-duty camping or utility trailers.
- Class V — up to 20,000 lb GTW (some models go higher, up to 30,000 lb); tongue weight up to about 2,000 lb (depending on model); commonly features a 2½" or 3" receiver; designed for heavy trailers and commercial use.
These ranges represent common configurations. Always check the specific rating label on your hitch and the vehicle’s tow package to confirm exact limits.
Receiver size and compatibility
The size of the hitch receiver (1¼", 1½", 2", 2½", or 3") influences the practical capacity you can realize. Higher-capacity classes typically require larger receivers, but the actual towing limit is the lesser of the hitch rating and the vehicle’s own towing specification. Always verify both to avoid overloading.
Safety and compatibility: using hitch ratings in practice
Applying hitch ratings safely means verifying all components and limits before towing. The steps below help ensure you stay within safe parameters.
- Check the hitch label for GTW and tongue weight ratings, and confirm receiver size. Compare these with your trailer’s GTW and TW and your vehicle’s towing limits.
- Ensure the trailer ball size and mount match the hitch ball size recommended for the class and model you’re using (for example, 1-7/8", 2", etc.).
- Use appropriate hitch accessories (drawbar, coupler, safety chains, and wiring) that are rated for or above the load you plan to tow.
- For heavy loads, consider a weight-distributing (WD) hitch, and ensure all components are rated for the anticipated tongue weight and trailer weight.
- Remember that tongue weight, trailer brakes, and trailer wiring all influence safe operation; ensure the vehicle’s GCWR (gross combined weight rating) and payload capacity are not exceeded.
In practice, matching the hitch rating to the trailer and vehicle specifications—and adhering to all safety guidelines—helps prevent accidents and component failures on the road.
Summary
A standard hitch rating defines the maximum load a trailer hitch receiver is designed to carry, expressed as gross trailer weight and tongue weight, and is determined by the hitch class and receiver size. Typical classes range from Class I (up to about 2,000 lb GTW) to Class V (up to around 20,000 lb GTW, with some heavy-duty variants exceeding that). Always verify the exact ratings on the hitch label and in the vehicle manual, and ensure your trailer weight, tongue weight, receiver size, and vehicle capabilities align to tow safely.
