Differences Between Class I and II Trailer Hitches Available for 2009 Pontiac Vibe
Question:
Is there much difference from drawtie class 1 and class 2 hitches.I see # rate are different,but are they close. Ill be using to tow 4x8 utility trailer,half dozen times a year. Vibe has the 2.4 engine. Will need hitch,also do they come with 6 bolts. Wiring harness, ball,and receiver. Just not sure yet on class 1 or 2 yet,as I can only tow 1500 lbs.
asked by: Jim T
Expert Reply:
As your Vibe only has a 1500 lb towing capacity, the only benefit you'd get from going with a Class II hitch is the ability to carry 4 bikes on a bike rack, where the Class I can only carry 2.
If you're only planning on towing, and are fine with being limited to carrying two bikes on a bike rack, the Draw-Tite Class I, part # 24812 would be my recommendation. The hitch includes the pin and clip, but the properly sized ball mount and trailer ball are sold separately as part # 19256 for a 1-7/8 inch ball or # 19258 for a 2 inch ball. The hitch I mentioned isn't compatible with the GT model Vibe.
Curt offers two hitches for the Vibe, both Class II, part # C12221 for GT models or # C12228 for all models except the GT. f you want the ability to carry up to 4 bikes, as well as tow a trailer, the Curt hitches would be your best bet. The ball mount is sold separately as part # C45521. The trailer balls I mentioned above would be compatible.
Both the Curt and the Draw-Tite models include all necessary installation hardware, Curt uses 4 bolts, while Draw-Tite specifies 6. For a trailer wiring harness, use the Tow Ready # 118460. I've provided some installation videos for you. You can view them by clicking the provided links.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
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1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 250 lbs TW
- 2500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 250 lbs TW
- 2500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Curt Class II Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 3/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 3 Inch
- Rise - 2 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class II
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Gateway Pro 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 2 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Lock Rack
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 6 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
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