Towing and Trailer Hitches
Your hitch system’s overall strength and towing capacity are determined by the weakest component. Don’t sacrifice your safety and the safety of others while towing on the highway. Talk to one of our experts to make sure you’re not overweight on your vehicle’s towing capacity limits.
Our shop carries a wide selection of trailer hitches, hitch balls, ball mounts, wiring, weight distribution kits, rear airbags, fifth-wheel towing set-ups, and other accessories to assist you in getting on the road to towing. Lexington Lifted can help you with the best towing configuration for your vehicle, whether you are hauling trailers, boats, cars, campers, equipment, or other materials. We carry only the highest quality towing equipment from the most trusted manufacturers like Curt, Draw, B&W, REESE, and more.
Choosing a Receiver Hitch
There are four standard sizes of trailer hitches: 1-1/4″, 2″, 2-1/2″, and 3-inch and the inside dimensions of the hitch receiver determine the size. Standard hitch sizes allow for greater versatility in towing options which enable you to attach many towing accessories to your vehicle without the need to modify or adapt.
Towing Hitch Class
The five hitch classes have different weight ratings. They range from 2,000 to 20,000 lbs. Up to 20,000 lbs. Each hitch has its own weight rating, which may or not be within the maximum range for the class.
Class I
The Class 1 trailer hitches can be used for small crossovers and passenger cars. These hitches are available with either a 1-1/4″ receiver tube opening, or a fixed tongue that allows you to mount a trailer ball directly instead of using a ball mount.
Class 1 hitches can tow trailers up to 2,000 lbs. One important note to keep in mind is that not all hitches have the same rating and that no hitch can increase the vehicle’s maximum weight.
Class II
Both class 1 and 2 hitches have a 1-1/4″ receiver tube. They are intended for towing light-duty trailers. They can also be mounted onto other types of vehicles, such as cars, vans, and crossovers. Class 2 hitches can be found on full-size sedans, crossovers, minivans, and sometimes small SUVs or pickup trucks.
Class III
The receiver of class 2 hitches is 1-1/4″ and can only handle up to 3,500 lbs. GTW. Class 3 hitches, on the other hand, have a 2-inch receiver and can hold up to 8,000 lbs. gross trailer weight. Some class 3 hitches can also be used with a weight-distribution hitch to increase the towing capacity to 12,000 lbs but this is not recommended.
The most popular receiver hitch type installed on SUVs and full-size pickup trucks is the class 3 trailer hitch. A class 3 trailer hitch is most likely to be installed on trucks equipped with towing prep packages. Class 3 hitches have lots of versatility in that they can tow many different types of trailers and loads.
Class IV
Full-size pickup trucks and SUVs are often equipped with Class 4 trailer hitches. These hitches have a receiver tube opening of 2″ and a weight capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and a weight-distribution hitch can be used by most class 4 hitches for ratings up to 12,000 lbs.
Class V
Class 5 hitches are available with a 2-1/2 inch and can support heavy tow loads up to 20,000 lbs GTW. The Class 5 trailer hitches offer the most weight capacity and are usually used on large pickups and commercial trucks.
Trailer Wiring
Trailer wiring is required if you intend to tow a trailer. These will make sure that the trailer lights are compatible with the vehicle lights. Let Lexington Lifted outfit your truck and trailer for maximum visibility, safety, and compliance with local and state traffic laws.
