What is the Difference Between a Class I and Class II Hitch?

Question

Question:

Structure wise what is the difference between class one and class 2 hitch? I have a 2018 ford focus sedan.

asked by: Michael P

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Structurally, a class II trailer hitch is designed to hold a bit more weight than a class I. This is because the materials that compose a class II hitch are stronger. All class I and class II hitches have the same 1-1/4 inch receiver opening which are compatible with 1-1/4 inch accessories. I went ahead and attached a diagram that shows the typical weight capacity differences between class I and class II hitches.

For your 2018 Ford Focus Sedan, we only carry class I hitches. For this route, I recommend the Curt Hitch # C11158. This hitch is assembled in the U.S.A. and comes with a complete hardware kit for installation. As far as weight capacity, the Curt hitch includes a 200 pound maximum tongue weight as well as a 2,000 pound maximum towing weight rating. As with all hitches, I recommend confirming with your vehicle's owner's manual to make sure that your vehicle's weight rating can accommodate that much weight.

expert reply by: Bob C

1

Difference Between Class I and Class II Hitches
(click to enlarge)

Answer 1

Actually the Curt Class I hitches do not have the weld stop in the hitch tubes to prevent Class II only accessories from being used. It's not a well-known feature we advertise as the absence of it does not mean you can use a Class II only…

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Answer 2

For your 2012 Ford Focus Sedan, I recommend the Curt Class I Hitch #C11158. I have attached a link to all the bike racks that will work with the Curt hitch's 1-1/4 in receiver opening. The link will show both hanging and platform racks. If you…

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Answer 3

All Class I hitches offered for your 2014 Ford Focus SE Hatchback are a light-duty type that offer the same 200-lb tongue weight capacity, but as you note there are some differences between them that may help guide your choice for your cargo basket…

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Answer 4

I have a great solution for you for a bike rack with a ramp. Unfortunately, Saris does not make a ramp for the Saris MTY Bike Rack SA4031. We also do not have a bike rack that has a ramp for a single bike. With that being said, we do have a 2-bike…

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Answer 5

The Thule Passage 2-bike trunk-mount rack #TH910XT is a confirmed fit on both the 2014 Ford Focus sedan and hatchback ST models with factory spoiler. My contact at Thule confirmed that there are no fit issues on your car, but it is true that there…

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Answer 6

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 7

There are five items you need when flat-towing your 2008 Honda Fit. You need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, lighting for your Fit, and most states now require a supplemental brake system. The base plates I recommend are the Blue Ox Base…

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Answer 8

Both Class I and Class II trailer hitches have the same 1-1/4 inch receiever opening, however a Class II hitch will have higher towing and tongue weight capacities. The primary issue with using a Class II accessory in a Class I hitch is that many…

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Answer 9

I have a replacement bike rack option for you, but there is not a rise adapter for 1-1/4". The reason for this is since using an adapter reduces the capacities of the hitch by 50% using the adapter would reduce the ratings of the hitch so low it…

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Answer 10

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 11

Tongue weight is roughly 10% of hitch capacity. The capacity of this Draw-Tite Class I is 2,000 lbs, making the tongue weight 200 lbs. We have a hitch with a higher capacity for your vehicle. The Curt Class II receiver hitch (part 12490) has 3,500-lb…

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Answer 12

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4" #C11679 for a Kia Spectra is rated at 200 lbs maximum tongue weight. You are correct in the description of torque being applied at greater distance, and I don't have any…

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