As a small business owner, ensuring that your vehicle or fleet is prepared and properly maintained is absolutely critical to your success. That's especially true if your business involves towing trailers or other oversized items on a regular basis. Towing is complex and knowing what type of vehicle or attachment/hitch is necessary for the job can be challenging. Don't worry—we're here to help. In this guide, we'll provide all the information you need to safely and efficiently tow large items with your vehicles, from exploring the different classes of trailer hitches to helping you master towing capacity and find the right accessories for every job.
Understanding Hitch Classes
Choosing the right trailer hitch class from the many available options will depend primarily on the vehicle you're using to tow a trailer or load, as well as the total weight capacity, receiver size, and other considerations. In the chart below, we break down the most common options and their applications.
| Choosing the Right Hitch Class for Your Vehicle |
| Hitch Class | Common Applications | Receiver Size | Gross Trailer Weight Capacity (GTW) | Trailer Tongue Weight Capacity (TW) | Weight Distribution Capacity (WD) | Weight Distribution Tongue Weight Capacity (WDTW) |
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Class 1
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Cars Crossovers | 1-1/4" | Up to 2,000 lbs. | Up to 200 lbs. | — | — |
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Class 2
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Cars Crossovers Minivans | 1-1/4" | Up to 3,500 lbs. | Up to 350 lbs. | — | — |
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Class 3
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Crossovers Vans SUVs Trucks | 2" | Up to 8,000 lbs. | Up to 800 lbs. | Up to 12,000 lbs. | Up to 1,200 lbs. |
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Class 4
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Trucks SUVs |
2" | Up to 10,000 lbs. | Up to 1,000 lbs. | Up to 12,000 lbs. | Up to 1,200 lbs. |
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Class 5 Xtra Duty
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Trucks SUVs |
2" | 16,000 to 17,000 lbs. | 2,400 to 2,550 lbs. | 17,000 lbs. | 2,400 to 2,550 lbs. |
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Class 5 Commmercial Duty
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Dually Trucks Chassis Cab Trucks |
2-1/2" | 18,000 to 20,000 lbs. | 2,700 lbs. | 18,000 to 20,000 lbs. | 2,700 lbs. |
Different Types of Hitch Receivers
Not sure what type of hitch receiver to use with your vehicle or fleet? There are many options, but below are the three most common.
| Custom Hitch | Rear-Mount Hitch | Front Hitch |
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How to Determine the Correct Trailer Hitch Ball/Coupler Size
To determine the proper size for the trailer hitch ball and/or coupler you should be using, you'll need to measure your existing equipment and understand the exact weight you'll need to tow. Use these instructions to take measurements and make sure you're choosing the right size every time.
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Step 1 Determine how much weight you're going to be towing.
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Step 2 Take the measurement from the ground to the top inside edge of the receiver tube.
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Step 3 Use a hand level on the trailer jack to ensure the trailer is level and will allow for an accurate height measurement.
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Step 4 Take the measurement from the ground to the bottom of the coupler.
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Step 5
Take both measurements and subtract the receiver height from the coupler height. This will tell you what ball mount size you need.
Knowing Your Towing Capacity
Keep in mind that your towing capacity is only as high as the lowest capacity of any part of your towing setup. You may also want to limit your towing to under about 80% of maximum capacity to allow a margin for error. Need to know your towing capacity and find parts that match your needs? Look no further than Zoro's handy online auto parts finder for trailer towing hitches and more.
Trailer Hitch Accessories
From adapters and extenders to safety chains, locks, trailer jacks, and so much more, your business's towing setup won't be complete without the proper accessories. Make sure you can safely tow everything you need with help from these commonly used parts and components—all available at Zoro in a convenient variety of sizes and other considerations.
Towing doesn't have to be a daunting task for your business, but it all begins with having the right equipment. While this guide contains the basics that you need to know in order to begin towing with your vehicles, it's important to make sure you fully review and understand every part of your towing configuration before you hit the road, from the hitch and receiver to the ball mount and coupler. Make sure you have the parts you need and that you never exceed the maximum towing capacity of your setup. And if you ever find yourself missing an essential component or accessory, Zoro's comprehensive selection has you covered.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.