Differences Between Class II and Class III Trailer Hitches
Question:
What is the exact difference between a class 2 and class 3 hitch for a 1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon? Is it strength of materials or design or both? Can I purchase fabrication drawings and specification specifics from you? Any help would be most appreciated . . Thanks,
asked by: George R
Expert Reply:
The biggest difference between a Class II hitch and a Class III is the size of the hitch opening. The Class II will have an opening that is 1-1/4 inch by 1-1/4 inch and lower capacities whereas the Class III will have a 2 inch by 2 inch opening with higher capacities. There aren't always Class III hitches available for every vehicle. For example your 1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon only has a Class II hitch available, part # C12009.
The Class III hitches are generally reserved for larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks. I attached a help article that covers the differences for you to check out as well.
Typically the availability of a Class III has more to do with the vehicle the hitch is designed to fit than the actual strength of the hitch. If you were to push a Class II hitch to failure it would more than likely be the attachment area for the hitch on the vehicle that would fail before the hitch.
Drawings aren't available for the hitches we carry either.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 400 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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