Reference
Trailer hitch classes & ball sizes
Written by Hemant RawatLast reviewed July 2026How we verify
Receiver hitches are grouped into classes by capacity. Ratings vary between manufacturers and standards, so these are typical ranges — your hitch's own rating label always governs.
| Class | Receiver | Weight-carrying GTW / TW | Weight-distributing GTW / TW | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | 1-1/4" | ≤ 2,000 lb / ≤ 200 lb | — | Cars and small crossovers; light utility trailers, small teardrops, bike & cargo carriers. |
| II | 1-1/4" | ≤ 3,500 lb / ≤ 300–350 lb | — | Full-size sedans, minivans, crossover SUVs; small campers and utility trailers. |
| III | 2" | 6,000–8,000 lb / 600–800 lb | 10,000–12,000 lb / 1,000–1,200 lb | Full-size SUVs, vans and half-ton pickups; mid-size campers and boats. |
| IV | 2" | 10,000 lb / 1,000 lb | 12,000–14,000 lb / 1,200–1,400 lb | Heavy-duty full-size trucks and large SUVs; large campers, car haulers, equipment trailers. |
| V | 2-1/2" (some 2" or 3") | 12,000–20,000+ lb / 1,200–2,700 lb | up to ~17,000–21,000 lb / up to ~1,700–2,700 lb | Heavy-duty, dually and chassis-cab trucks; large RVs and commercial hauling. |
Notes: Class I: Weight-carrying only (no weight-distribution rating). Class II: Weight-carrying only. The tongue-weight ceiling varies by maker (300–350 lb) — use the hitch label. Class III: Weight-carrying vs weight-distributing ratings first diverge here, and conventions differ by maker — defer to the hitch’s own label. Class IV: Weight-distributing figures vary (CURT 12,000/1,200; others 14,000/1,400) — use the label. Class V: Least standardized class (outside the SAE J684 scope) — figures vary widely by product line. Always use the product’s rating label.
SAE J684 (current revision 2014, J684_201405; prior 2005 revision superseded) covers trailer couplings, hitches and safety chains up to Class IV (trailer GVWR ≤ 10,000 lb / 4,540 kg). Class V is manufacturer-defined and outside its scope.
Hitch ball sizes
| Ball diameter | Typical GTW rating | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 1-7/8" | ~2,000–3,500 lb | Smallest common ball; light-duty small utility and boat trailers. |
| 2" | ~3,500–12,000 lb | Most common size; boat, utility and camper trailers. |
| 2-5/16" | ~6,000–30,000 lb | Heavy-duty: large travel trailers, commercial/agricultural, heavy bumper-pull. |
| 3" | up to ~30,000 lb | Largest standard ball; heavy commercial use, uncommon on consumer trailers. |
Choosing the right ball
Two independent checks, both required. (1) The ball diameter must exactly match the size stamped on your coupler — a ball too small can let the trailer come off, one too large won’t let the latch close. (2) The ball’s stamped weight rating must be at or above your trailer’s gross weight; two balls of the same diameter can carry different ratings, so matching diameter alone is not enough.
Once the ball and coupler match, size the ball mount drop or rise so the trailer tows level, and confirm your tongue weight is in range.
Sources
- CURT Manufacturing — Types of trailer hitches (class ratings)
- OnAllCylinders — A guide to trailer receiver hitch class ratings
- TRIMAX — Different hitch class receivers
- Mechanical Elements — Trailer hitch class ratings
- Weigh Safe — Choosing your trailer ball hitch size — a step-by-step guide
- Big Tex Trailer World — Hitch and ball sizes
- CURT Manufacturing — Trailer balls — learn more (sizes & capacities)
Values are summarized from public references and were last verified July 2026. See ourmethodologyfor how we source and verify; manufacturer rating labels and your owner's manual always take precedence.