Difference in Class I and Class II Ball Mounts and Can They Interchange

Question:

Is the draw bar different for a class 1 and class 2 receiver? I mean, will they fit interchangeably? In particular the 1-1/4inch drawbar and hitch.

asked by: Andrew W

Expert Reply:

The correct ball mount or draw bar for the Hidden Hitch Class I 1-1/4 Inch Hitch, part # 24812, on your 2010 Toyota Matrix will be Draw-Tite Ball Mount, part # 3593.

When towing with a Class I or Class II trailer hitch, the ball mount that is recommended by the hitch manufacturer should be used. All Class I and Class II trailer hitches are tested and rated with the specific ball mount for that hitch. Using a ball mount that is not recommended by the manufacturer will void the warranty.

A Class II ball mount will not fit into a Class I hitch. Manufacturers accomplish this by placing a stopper in the back of Class I hitch receivers so that drawbars and accessory shanks can only slide into the trailer hitch opening up to that point. On hitch accessories designed for Class II trailer hitches, the shank that slides into the hitch opening is longer. When this longer shank slides into a Class I hitch, it will hit the stopper, preventing the pin hole on the hitch from lining up with the pin hole on the accessory. This is done to prevent somebody from overloading a Class I hitch.

I am including links to FAQ articles on hitch receiver sizes and the different hitch classes.

expert reply by: Jeff D