difference between class 2 & 3 hitch?

[Patty Pooh]

I have a 2000 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 with a 4.7 V8. It came with the factory towing package. How can I tell what class hitch it is? I want to tow a new Trophy model 2002 with hard top. I want to make sure the truck can handle it.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: difference between class 2 & 3 hitch?

If it's a factory tow package, there is likely a sticker right there on the receiver itself with various weight limit ratings listed based on the type of hitch you're putting in the receiver. At least that's how my Chevy is set up. I'm not that familiar with Dodges. If the decal isn't there, check your owner's manual or contact the dealer for a definitive answer. If it's a 2 inch receiver, I'd guess it's a class 3 hitch. But guessing is not always a good thing...

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: difference between class 2 & 3 hitch?

Yeah, I thought that the biggest diff between class 2 and 3 is that class two has the real little square opening, and Class 3 has a 2inch sqaure receiver.

 

[Navigator]

Re: difference between class 2 & 3 hitch?

Class 1 - blade type hitch insert - usually 100lb tongue weight - 1000 lb trailer<br />Class 2 - 1.5 Inch square hitch insert - Usually 150 lb tongue weight - 1500 lb trailer<br />Class 3 - 2 Inch square hitch insert - Usually 300 - 400lb tongue weight - 5000lb trailer<br />Class 4 - 2 inch square hitch insert - Usually up to 800lb tongue weight - 8000lb trailer<br />Class 5 - 2 inch square hitch insert - Usually up to 1500 hitch weight - 10,000+lb trailer<br /><br />Each hitch class is specific to each vehicle its mounted on. Just because you have a Class 5 hitch mounted on a Corolla, doesn't mean you can use it to its limits.<br /><br />The main difference between 3,4 & 5 is the thickness of the hitch material. A class 3 is typically made out of 1/4" steel and weighs about 60 lbs. A Class 4 is usually made out of 3/8" steel and weighs around 100lbs. A class 5 sometimes is constructed out 1/2 steel and weighs upwards of 150lbs.<br />Class 3's are usually found on SUV's and small trucks. Class 4's are found on 1/2 ton Pickups and Large SUV's. Class 5's are on the Superduty and heavy duty Pickups since they are designed to haul heavy loads.<br /><br />Thisoldboat, in your case, I'd look in the Dakota's manual and look at the maximum towing rating. If it came with the tow package, then the truck is designed to tow up to its specification. I wouldn't be concerned about the hitch itself.<br /><br />Nav

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: difference between class 2 & 3 hitch?

Good data Navigator. Nice reference.

 

[Shepherds Ride]

Re: difference between class 2 & 3 hitch?

Navigator has it mostly correct.<br /> <br />Class 2 is usually 350 lb tongue weight and 3500 lb trailer with a 1.5’ receiver <br />For some cars you can also get a class 1 with a 1.5’ receiver (my 2001 Nissan Sentra does)<br />You can also get a class 2.5 hitch which is really a class 2 with a 2’ receiver. (2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor for one)<br /><br />But on the Dodge Dakota I think class 1 would be a ball in the bumper and class to would be 1.5’ receiver with a 2’ receiver being a Class 3.