What is the Difference Between a Class I and Class II Ball Mount
Question:
what is Class II and Class I Ball Mounts for ?
asked by: Ethan
Expert Reply:
Class I Ball Mounts
When towing with a Class I trailer hitch, the Class I ball mount that is recommended by the trailer hitch manufacturer should be used. All Class I 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. The features of a a Class I ball mount are:
Has a 1-1/4 inch x 1-1/4 inch shank
Class II ball mounts will not fit on Class I trailer hitches
Held in place with a 1/2 inch hitch pin like # PC2
Uses ball with a 3/4 inch shank diameter
Rated for 2,000 lbs gross trailer weight
Only 1-7/8 inch diameter or 2 inch diameter hitch balls can be used
Class II Ball Mounts
Class II Drawbar 5" Rise (Kit)
Similar to Class I ball mounts and hitches, if towing with a Class II trailer hitch, the ball mount that is recommended by the manufacturer should be used. All 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. Features of a Class II ball mount are:
Has a 1-1/4 inch x 1-1/4 inch shank
Class II ball mounts will not fit on Class I trailer hitches
Held in place with a 1/2 inch hitch pin like # PC2
Uses ball with a 3/4 inch shank diameter
Rated for 3,500 lbs gross trailer weight
Only 1-7/8 inch diameter or 2 inch diameter hitch balls can be used
The main difference is capacity and that a Class II ball mount will have a longer shank than a Class I. This is why a Class II ball mount will not fit in a Class I trailer hitch.
Most all Class I and II accessories including ball mounts have a solid shank. Higher capacity ball mounts have a hollow shank (Class III and up) but some of them can be solid as well. I have included some links with additional information on hitch classes and sizes and more on ball mounts.
Products Referenced in This Question
Pin and Clip for 1-1/4" Hitches - 1/2" Diameter
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 1/2 Inch Diameter
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Class I Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 6-1/4" Long - 2,000 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
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Curt Class I Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 6-1/4" Long - 2,000 lbs
- Search Results: 24961
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2018 Ford Fiesta
- Video: Curt Ball Mounts - Fixed Ball Mount - C45027 Review
- Video: Master Lock Hitch Locks - Standard Pin Lock - 2866DAT Review
- Q&A: Ball Mount and Ball Recommendations for Draw-Tite Class I Trailer Hitch on a 2011 Dodge Caliber
- Q&A: Exhaust Makes Contact with Trailer Hitch and Makes A Lot of Noise
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Ball Mount Basics: Weight Capacity, Class, and Size
- Shop: Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 4" Rise - 10" Long - 2,000 lbs
- Shop: Master Lock Hitch Receiver and Coupler Latch Lock Set - Padlock - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-3/16" Long - 3.5K
- Shop: Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 2-1/8" Rise, 2-3/4" Drop - 6-5/8" Long - 2K
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Stainless Steel
- Q&A: How to Reduce Excessive Trailer Noise Banging/Rattling
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Search Results: ball hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Article: The 5 Best Trailer Drop Hitches You Can Buy
- Video: Review of Curt Ball Mounts - Fixed Ball Mount - C45554
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer hitch wiring
on Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
