Receiver Hitches | U-Haul (2024)

FAQs

What size receiver hitch do I need? ›

The hitch receiver will have an opening at the rear of the vehicle allowing the user to slide in a trailer hitch which can then be used to connect a trailer. The trailer hitch is the piece that actually allows the connection of the trailer to the vehicle.

The three basic types of trailer hitches are receiver hitches, 5th wheel hitches, and gooseneck hitches. Receiver hitches are the most common and broken up into five different classes based on maximum weight. 5th wheel hitches and gooseneck hitches are heavy-duty hitches that attach into the bed of trucks.

They have a 2” receiver tube and most Class 3 and 4 receivers can be used with weight distribution hitches. Class 3 receivers can carry up to 8,000 lbs. whereas Class 4 receivers can carry up to 10,000 lbs.

You'll want to consider your vehicle's towing capacity, hitch class, tongue weight and other elements to choose the best hitch for your needs.

Installing a trailer hitch is a relatively easy automotive job. A typical tow hitch installation may involve some of the following steps: removing the spare tire, lowering the exhaust, removing existing vehicle hardware, lifting the hitch into position and torqueing the hitch hardware to the correct values.

Hitch classes are separated by their maximum weight capacity rating and receiver opening size. Classes range from I to V, and each class has its own unique capacity and applications. To find: Read the label on your hitch, or measure the size of the opening.

All hitches shall be frame attached (no bumper hitches permitted).

What is a class 2 receiver hitch? ›

Class II. Class II hitches are weight carrying (WC) hitches rated up to 3500 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 300 lbs. A Class II hitch usually has a 1-1/4″ square receiver opening. A higher class drawbar does not increase the towing capacity of the hitch.

A Class 1 trailer hitch generally has a maximum towing capacity of approximately 2,000 pounds. They are perfect for towing small light duty trailers, small boats or hitch mounted bike racks for carrying up to two bikes.

The most common size trailer hitch ball is the 2-inch diameter ball. The 2-inch ball is used on a variety of popular trailers, such as boat trailers, utility trailers and campers. 2-inch trailer balls have a wide weight capacity range from 3,500 pounds to 12,000 pounds gross trailer weight.

A tow hitch is simply another name for a trailer hitch. It is a hitch used for towing a trailer. Usually, tow hitch refers specifically to a receiver hitch. However, a 5th wheel hitch, gooseneck hitch and other hitches may be called tow hitches.

A pintle hitch is a type of receiver hitch that uses a tow ring configuration to secure to a hook or a ball combination. They are generally used for more heavy-duty towing jobs. This type of hitch is commonly used on very large trucks who need serious towing capabilities.

Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to 3,500 lbs in GTW and up to 525 lbs in TW. Class III, on the other hand, have a 2 inch receiver and have up to 8,000 lbs GTW and 800 lbs TW. I will attach a help article that goes in to more detail for you.

All you need to use a tow bar that fits a 2-inch hitch receiver in a 3-inch hitch receiver is use the Buyers Products Receiver Adapter # 337RTA302. This will reduce the receiver opening size on your trailer hitch from 3 inches to 2 inches so that you can use any tow bar with a 2-inch shank.

Receiver Hitch Size Diagram. 1/2 Ton Pickup & SUVs normally have 2″, 3/4 & 1 Ton Pickup 2-1/2″. Only Select F350/F450 (Newer) have 3″ receiver.