What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
Question:
What is the difference between Class II or Class III towing hitch
asked by: Charlie
Helpful Expert Reply:
The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to 3,500 lbs in GTW and up to 525 lbs in TW. Class III, on the other hand, have a 2 inch receiver and have up to 8,000 lbs GTW and 800 lbs TW. I will attach a help article that goes in to more detail for you.
A good example of a Class II hitch that will fit on your 2015 Mazda CX-5 is the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class II # C12170. This will fit on your Mazda and has a max GTW of 3,500 lbs and a max TW of 350 lbs.
Even though the Class II hitch can serve many purposes, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III # C13315. A Class III hitch is rated to tow heavier loads; the max GTW is 4,000 lbs and the max TW is 600 lbs. Even though your total towing weight capacity is determined by your car, the Class III hitch has less restrictions with what you can tow.
Another thing you will want to keep in mind is that Curt's warranty for both of these trailer hitches states that you must use the Curt Support Strap # 18050 for use with non-trailer loads.
If you are interested in a hitch mounted bike rack then I recommend the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR. Not only does it feature the ability to fit on both 1-1/4 inch and 2 inch hitches, but it also has an anti-rattle bolt that reduces the vibration and noise from your bike rack.
If you decide to get the bike rack, then you will also want to get the Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device # THSTL2 and the Thule Cable Lock # TH538XT. These will help prevent theft of your bike rack and bike. If you have a bike that has an alternative, womens, or kids bike frame then I recommend the Thule Bike Adapter Bar # TH982XT which will help your bike to hang on the bike rack properly.
Along with the help article that I mentioned, I have also attached some demonstration videos for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Tie Down Straps
- CURT
more information >
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
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Thule Cable Lock w/ One Key System Lock - 6' Long
- Bike Locks
- Cable Locks
- Keyed Unique
- Steel
- 6 Feet Long
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 16 - 31-1/2 Inch Long
- Thule
more information >
Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Rack Specific Locks
- Keyed Alike
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Threaded Pin
- For Thule Racks
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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on Trailer Hitch
Stuart
4/15/2024
Jon, what is the weight difference of a Draw tight hitch between a class II and class III hitch? Reason I ask is that I'll primarily be using it for a bike rack but occassionally may pull an open U-Haul 8" trailer. I don't need a Class III hitch only Class II but I want the 2" reciever size. Welcome you inputs. Stuart