Section 9 – Technical Reference
R6 3/30/2017 Page 70
9.2 HITCH SYSTEMS
The various components of trailer fastening systems may be referred to in terms of “Class” depending on their
load rating. The rating of hitch systems on tow vehicles also considers whether the hitch only carries the tongue
weight (for example, a ball hitch, which is also referred to as a Weight Carrying Hitch), or if it distributes the
tongue weight to all of the tow vehicle wheels (also referred to as a Weight Distributing Hitch).
Your hitch or hitch ball may carry a “class” rating instead of a pound rating. This chart may be used to cross
reference hitch/ball classification with trailer weight and tongue weight.
Hitch Classification
Class Type of Hitch Maximum Maximum
Towed Weight Tongue Weight
Class 1 Weight Carrying Hitch up to 2,000 pounds up to 200 pounds
Class 1 Weight Dist. Hitch up to 2,000 pounds up to 300 pounds
Class 2 Weight Carrying Hitch up to 3,500 pounds up to 300 pounds
Class 2 Weight Dist. Hitch up to 3,500 pounds up to 500 pounds
Class 3 Weight Carrying Hitch up to 5,000 pounds 300 to 500 pounds
Class 3 Weight Dist. Hitch up to 7,500 pounds up to 750 pounds
Class 4 Weight Dist. Hitch up to 10,000 pounds up to 1,000 pounds
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