What is the difference between a Class 4 and Class 5 hitch?
The main difference is in receiver size and towing capacity: Class 4 uses a 2-inch receiver with typical maximum trailer weight around 10,000 pounds, while Class 5 uses a larger 2.5-inch receiver and supports substantially heavier loads, often in the 16,000–20,000+ pounds range. The choice hinges on your trailer weight, vehicle capabilities, and the need for a sturdier mounting system.
Beyond the headline figures, the two classes are designed for different towing demands. This article breaks down the key distinctions, common applications, and practical tips to help you decide which hitch best fits your truck, trailer, and safety requirements.
Receiver size and load ratings
Before delving into the specifics, this section highlights the core measurements and how they translate into real-world use.
Key numerical ranges
- Receiver size: Class 4 typically uses a 2-inch square hitch receiver; Class 5 commonly uses a 2.5-inch square receiver (some go up to 3 inches in specialized setups).
- Gross trailer weight (GTW) capacity: Class 4 hitches are generally rated up to about 10,000 pounds, with some models higher depending on the mounting and manufacturer (roughly 8,000–12,000 pounds in common consumer options).
- Tongue weight (TW) capacity: Class 4 typically supports around 1,000–1,400 pounds of tongue weight, varying by model and install.
- Class 5 capacity: Class 5 hitches push into the higher end, often rated from roughly 12,000 up to 20,000+ pounds GTW, with tongue weights commonly in the 2,000–3,000 pound range depending on the specific product.
In short, the larger 2.5-inch receiver on Class 5 unlocks substantially higher towing and tongue-weight ratings, but the exact numbers depend on the specific hitch model and installation.
Typical applications and vehicle compatibility
To help you visualize when each class is commonly used, consider how different trucks and trailers are paired with these hitches.
Where Class 4 is commonly found
- Mounted on many full-size pickup trucks and larger SUVs for towing mid-size travel trailers, boats, utility trailers, and similar bumper-pull loads.
- Popular with light- to medium-duty towing needs where a 2-inch receiver fits standard ball mounts and weight-distribution hardware.
- Widely available and compatible with a broad range of aftermarket accessories.
Class 4 is a versatile, widely used option for enthusiasts who regularly tow sizable but not extreme loads and want broad accessory compatibility.
Where Class 5 is commonly found
- Practically essential on heavy-duty pickups (such as ¾-ton and heavier platforms) and some heavy SUVs used for trailers that push into the high end of bumper-pull capacity.
- Often paired with large travel trailers, heavy-duty utility trailers, commercial trailers, or equipment trailers that require higher tongue and gross weight ratings.
- May require stronger mounting hardware or frame reinforcement and is sometimes part of a more purpose-built towing package.
Class 5 handles heavier, more demanding towing tasks but is not as ubiquitous as Class 4, and installation or hitch hardware may be more specialized.
Practical considerations and how to choose
Choosing between Class 4 and Class 5 should start with a careful look at your towing needs and vehicle specifications.
Guidance for decision-making
- Check your trailer’s weight: Know the GTW and the tongue weight. If you regularly approach or exceed 10,000 pounds GTW or 1,500 pounds TW, a Class 5 may be more appropriate.
- Verify vehicle capabilities: Look up your vehicle’s towing capacity, payload rating, and whether the factory frame and hitch hardware can handle a higher-class hitch. Do not exceed the vehicle’s rated limits.
- Assess receiver compatibility: If you already own 2" accessories (ball mount, weight-distribution hitch, etc.), you’ll often be able to reuse them with Class 4. A 2.5" Class 5 requires compatible components or adapters.
- Consider future needs: If you anticipate heavier trailers or ongoing heavy-duty use, selecting Class 5 provides more headroom and reduces the risk of overloading.
- Account for installation and braking requirements: Heavier trailers may require supplemental braking systems, trailer brake controllers, and potentially more robust hitch installation hardware.
In practice, the best choice starts with the trailer’s weight and your vehicle’s towing limits, then confirms that the hitch size and rating align with your gear and future needs.
Summary
Class 4 and Class 5 hitch systems differ primarily in receiver size and towing capacity. Class 4 uses a 2-inch receiver with typical ratings around 8,000–12,000+ pounds GTW and 1,000–1,400 pounds TW, while Class 5 uses a 2.5-inch receiver with higher ratings that can reach 16,000–20,000+ pounds GTW and 2,000–3,000 pounds TW, depending on the model. The right choice depends on your trailer weight, vehicle capability, and whether you expect to tow heavier loads in the future. Always verify manufacturer specifications and ensure compatibility with existing hardware and legal requirements.
How much weight can a class 5 hitch pull?
20,000 lbs.
The class 5 heavy-duty tow hitch is ideal for towing the largest trailers — from large boats to double-axle utility trailers to RVs and livestock haulers. The class 5 commercial trailer hitch is built for meeting any kind of towing demand. The class 5 commercial hitch is capable of towing up to a robust 20,000 lbs.
What is a class 4 hitch good for?
and the tongue weight capacity increases to 1,400 lbs. This makes the class 4 hitch a prime candidate for towing large boat trailers, RVs, livestock trailers and other similarly large trailers. The class 4 trailer hitch is commonly found on such vehicles as mid to full-size pickup trucks and SUVs.
What is the difference between a Class 4 and Class 5 trailer hitch?
A Class 4 hitch has a 2-inch receiver and can tow up to 8,000 pounds, but a Class 5 hitch has a 2.5-inch receiver and has a max towing capacity of 20,000 pounds.
What class hitch is the best?
Class IV & V: Perfect for heavy-duty towing, including large trailers and equipment. These hitches are designed for full-size trucks and heavy-duty vehicles, providing maximum strength and durability.
