| When you are looking to tow a trailer, attach a cargo | | | | cargo carriers or bike racks. |
| carrier or essentially connect one vehicle to another, | | | | Class II |
| you'll find that you need to look for the right trailer | | | | Class II hitch adaptors tend to be made for light |
| hitch. After a brief consultation, though, you'll realize | | | | towing duty, and as such, they will be rated at 3500 |
| that trailer hitches come in a wide variety of classes | | | | pounds GTW. As the name implies, they can be used |
| and that each class is meant for a different function. | | | | for Class I or Class II accessories, and thy will use a |
| When you are trying to find the right hitch for your | | | | removable drawbar. Keep in mind that it will work |
| situation, you'll find that there are several different | | | | with a Class I and II hitch balls, but that a 2 and 5 |
| things that you need to keep in mind when it comes | | | | 16" hitch ball will not work in this setup. |
| to what class is best for your purposes. Remember | | | | Class III |
| that for the definitions below, GTW refers to gross | | | | Class III trailer hitches are also known as round |
| trailer weight, which is the weight of the trailer when | | | | receiver hitches and they will be rated up to 6000 |
| fully loaded, not when it is sitting empty. | | | | pounds GTW. There is usually a 2" by 2" receiver |
| Class I | | | | opening, and you'll find that these hitches tend to |
| Class I trailer hitches are meant for the lightest | | | | have the most options when you are looking at |
| towing duties. They tend to be rated up to 2000 | | | | things like bike racks and cargo carriers. You'll also find |
| pounds GTW, and they tend to be fitted with a | | | | that you'll be able to make sure that you can simply |
| draw bar or a ball mount where the accessories will | | | | carry more gear. When you are looking at Class III |
| be attached to the hitch itself. You'll find that they will | | | | trailer hitches, you'll find that the ballmounts can be |
| work with any class I accessory and that they will | | | | sold separate, and you'll find that there are many |
| usually use a 1/2" pin to secure the ball mount in | | | | available which can ensure that your trailer rides level |
| place. A Class I trailer hitch is ideal for hitch adapters, | | | | with the tow vehicle in question. |