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Hitch Class Checker

Check your trailer's weight against standard hitch classes to find the minimum class you need.

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Minimum hitch class needed

The hitch class is only one of three limits

Your vehicle's tow rating, your hitch's rating, and your ball mount's rating all have their own limits -- use the lowest of the three, not just the hitch class alone.

How this calculator works

Receiver hitches are rated in five standard classes, each with a maximum gross trailer weight (GTW) and tongue weight rating. This tool checks your trailer's loaded weight and tongue weight against each class and recommends the minimum class that covers both numbers.

Where these numbers come from

Standard SAE-based hitch class ratings (Class I through V) used industry-wide by hitch manufacturers. Your specific hitch, vehicle, and ball mount all have their own individual weight ratings too -- always use the LOWEST of the vehicle's tow rating, the hitch's rating, and the ball mount's rating, not just the hitch class alone.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between gross trailer weight and tongue weight?

Gross trailer weight is the trailer's total loaded weight; tongue weight is the portion of that weight resting on the hitch itself, typically 10-15% of gross trailer weight for a properly loaded trailer.

Does having a Class III hitch mean my vehicle can tow that much?

No -- the hitch class is just one limit among several. Your vehicle's own tow rating (from the manufacturer) is often the actual limiting factor, and it can be lower than the hitch's rated capacity.

What if my tongue weight is unusually high for my trailer weight?

An excessive tongue weight (over about 15% of gross trailer weight) usually means the load is packed too far forward -- redistributing weight toward the rear axle of the trailer is generally safer than just moving up a hitch class.

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