Class 1 hitches are light-duty connectors that can tow up to 2,000 lbs. of total weight. They usually have a 1.25 in. square receiver opening that attaches to bumpers, truck pans or vehicle frames.

Class 2 trailer hitches are made for lighter-duty towing, having a gross trailer weight capacity of up to 3,500 lbs. Class 2 hitches may be attached to passenger vehicles, including full-size sedans, minivans and crossover SUVs. They tow trailers and some recreational vehicles. A class 2 hitch features a 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" receiver tube opening.

Class 3 trailers have a 2" x 2" opening with a gross trailer weight capacity of up to 8,000 lbs. Class 3 hitches are some of the most common types of receiver hitches because they are versatile and have standard 2" receiver sizes. These class 3 hitches can tow a wide variety of trailers

Class 4 hitches have a gross trailer weight capacity of up to 12,000 lbs. They can be used in combination with a weight distribution hitch to increase the overall towing capacity. This makes the class 4 hitch good 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. Class 4 hitches accept ball mounts and other hitch-mounted accessories with a 2" x 2" shank.

Class 5 hitches have a gross trailer weight capacity up to 20,000 lbs. A class 5 trailer hitches are capable of pulling almost any heavy-duty trailer, including livestock trailers, RVs, large boat trailers, double-axle utility trailers, and toy haulers.