Comparing Class III and Class IV Trailer Hitches for a 2008 Ford F-150

Question

Question:

Other than costs: Class IV, as opposed to Class III?

asked by: George M

0

Expert Reply:

There are going to be several differences between a Class III trailer hitch and a Class IV trailer hitch like Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, # 41933. One difference is how each attaches to the truck. The Class IV hitch requires more attachment points. I have included a link to the installation details for this hitch below that better illustrates where and how the hitch attaches to the truck.

Even though there may be more attachment points, we still have the install difficulty rated at a 3 out of 10 since it should only take about 30 minutes to install for a novice installer with the appropriate tools.

Another difference is capacity. The Class IV trailer hitch has a higher capacity; 1,000 pounds tongue weight capacity and 10,000 pounds gross trailer weight capacity (1,200/12,000 with weight distribution). A Class III hitch will have a 600/6,000 pound capacity (1,000/10,000 with weight distribution).

Both # 41933, and Class III hitches have a 2 inch square receiver opening for any accessories that require a 2 inch receiver (ball mounts, bike racks, cargo carriers etc). Basically, you are looking at capacity as the major difference so you will want to choose the hitch that is best for what you need to tow as well as what you might need to tow in the future.

I would go with the higher capacity Class IV hitch for the simple fact that there may be a time when you need to tow something heavier than 6,000 pounds. When that time comes you will be ready with a Class IV hitch rated for 10,000 pounds. But, if you are certain you will never tow more than 6,000 pounds, the Class III hitch will be a good choice. You will also want to check your vehicle owners manual to determine the towing capacity of your truck. I have included a link to our hitch classes FAQ article below.

To complete your towing set up with the Class IV hitch, you can use ball mount # 40331 for use with ball # A-90 (2 inch diameter) or # 19286 (2-5/16 inch diameter). For a Class III hitch, like # 75506, you can use ball mount # 2753 for use with ball # 19260 (1-7/8 inch diameter), # 19247 (2 inch diameter), or # 19287 (2-5/16 inch diameter). For trailer wiring with either hitch, use # 18252 if your truck does not have a tow package, or # 40185 if your truck does have a tow package.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

What you will need in order to convert your 4 pin connector to a 7 pin connector on your 2008 Ford F-150 is Adapter 4 Pole to 7 Pole and 4 Pole part #37185. This adapter will allow you to use a 7 pin trailer connector and have the option to use a 4…

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Answer 2

The hitch I suggest for your 2008 Ford F-150 Crew Cab without factory hitch is the Hidden Hitch #41933. The hitch installs without drilling using included hardware. I suggest the etrailer Ball Mount Kit #EBMK4 since it provides you with flexibility…

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Answer 3

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…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 6

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 7

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 8

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 9

As far as wiring for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, we do have the Curt #C59236 available which is more of a universal hardwire harness. Unfortunately there are not any plug-and-play options that have been confirmed to fit as of yet (October 4,…

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Answer 10

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 11

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 12

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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