About the Class 1 hitch
Buyer’s Guide, Comparison and Advice
So you’re planning your next adventure. Maybe you’re going on a hunting trip or a family camping trip? But how are you going to transport all the equipment you need? What hitch do you need for your specific car? What if you need to use a trailer? Do you need to use a Class 1 Hitch or a Class 2 Hitch? What’s the difference? Well, a Class 1 hitch if you’re towing a light load that’s under 2000 lb. But a Class 2 hitch can take a heavier load between 2000 lb and 3500 lb. In this article, we go into further detail about the different hitch classes. We also explain what the Class 1 hitch is good for and the differences between class 1 and class 2.
What are the different trailer hitch classes?
There are five different classes of receiver hitches. These hitches are the most common types of hitches. There are other hitch types, including hitches and 5th wheel hitches. Receiver hitches are in different classes based on how much weight they can tow and the receiver tube size. The higher the class, the bigger the receiver tuber and a higher towing capacity. The five different hitch classes can manage different weight ratings. The weight can range from 2000 lbs to 20 000 lbs. Each class has a maximum weight that it can handle. Having a maximum weight capacity means you can’t just use any hitch for any towing purpose. It’s important to remember that most receiver hitches will be made for specific vehicles. Being vehicle-specific means that not all of the hitches marked as “Class 5” will be suitable for each car.
With trailer hitches, there are four standard trailer hitch sizes. These sizes include 1-1/4″, 2″, 2-1/2″, and 3.” Each hitch size refers to the hitch receiver’s inside dimensions. If you use a standard hitch size when towing, you will have different towing options. You will be able to attach various pieces of towing equipment to your car. You will be able to do this without needing any modifications or an adapter.
It’s important to remember that your towing weight will be limited to your lowest-rated towing component. Your lowest-rated towing component can be a trailer, the car, the accessory, or the hitch.
Advantage of using a vehicle-specific hitch
There are plenty of benefits to having a vehicle-specific design. One of the main benefits is that having a vehicle-specific design makes finding the correct hitch easier.
Also, vehicle-specific hitches are quick and easy to install. A quick and easy process means that you won’t need to complete any extra modifications to your car.
A vehicle-specific hitch will also look like it’s part of the design on your character. Looking like it’s a natural part of the car means that you won’t have an unsightly attachment on your car.
What is a class 1 hitch?
So what is a Class 1 Hitch? A class 1 trailer hitch can manage a gross trailer weight (GTW) between 1000 lbs to 2000 lbs. A Class 1 Hitch can also handle a maximum tongue weight of 200 lbs.
You can use a Class 1 trailer hitch with pickups, small cars, or vans that are used for light-duty towing. Most cars such as SUVs, Sedans, and compact cars will include a Class 1 Hitch.
You can use this class to transport smaller accessories and tow small trailers. So if you’re planning on hunting, camping, boating, or biking, you can use the Class 1 hitch for your towing needs.
What can a class 1 hitch tow?
A Class 1 Hitch can handle the lightest of towing loads. It’s one of the lightest-duty hitches. Being the lightest-duty class means that these hitches have the lowest towing capacity and the most miniature receiver tube.
This smaller and lighter design means that the Class 1 Hitch is excellent for some minivans, sedans, compact cars, and crossovers. You can use a class 1 trailer hitch to create extra cargo space for your vehicle.
You can also use this hitch to safely transport extra equipment that won’t fit in your car, such as bikes. The Class 1 Hitch also be used to tow different light-duty and smaller trailers such as a teardrop camper, kayak hauler, or even a small utility trailer.
how to choose a class 1 hitch for your car
Not every Class 1 Hitch will be the same. There are different gross trailer weight ratings, and the placement of the mounting holes will vary.
The hitches can be tailored to suit a different model, make, and specific year. With class 1 hitches being designed specifically for vehicles, it should be easy to find a class 1 hitch for your car.
To find the best Class 1 Hitch for your car, you will need the car’s information, such as the model, make, and year. Most online companies that sell towing equipment will have a page where you can enter all this information.
Then you should get a list of hitches that could work for your car. Sometimes, you’ll need to provide your car’s body style and your sub-model to narrow down your findings.
What is the difference between a Class 1 and Class 2 hitch?
Both Class 1 Hitches and Class 2 Hitches have similarities and differences. A Class 1 hitch and Class 2 hitch are designed for towing light-duty trailers.
These classes have a 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ receiver tube. You can mount a Class 1, and you can mount 2 Hitch on crossovers, vans, and cars.
The main difference between a Class 1 and a Class 2 hitch is that Class 1 will have a lower weight capacity. The Class 2 Hitch has a gross trailer weight from 2000 lbs to a maximum of 3500 lbs.
The Class 2 Hitch also has a tongue weight capacity of 200 lbs to 525 lbs. While the Class 1 Hitch only has a tow weight capacity of 100 lbs to 200 lbs. It has the lowest weight capacity, and it can handle lightweight trailers.
Some examples of a standard Class 2 Hitch load can include small boats, small trailers, small pop-up campers, mobility scooters, bikes, cargo carriers, kayak trailers, and canoes.
In some cases, you might find that a Class 2 trailer hitch is better suited for single-axle utility trailers.
You can use a Class 2 Hitch on crossovers, full-size sedans, minivans, SUVs, and compact cars.
Top Class 1 Hitches:
There are plenty of well-known brands and companies that sell hitch and other tow equipment. So it can be challenging to know which ones to trust and which Class 1 Hitch you should get for your car.
Below, we’ve listed our choices for the top five Class 1 Hitches. They are made from materials such as a black powder coat to protect the hitches from rust and harmful UV rays.
#1: CURT 11386 Class 1 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4-Inch Receiver
This Curt Class 1 Trailer Hitch is excellent for anyone with an adventurous streak. This CURT class 1 hitch provides a light-duty towing receiver to transport equipment.
The CURT 113386 Class 1 Trailer Hitch is suitable for selected years of the Mazda 3. This means that if you have a Mazda 3, this CURT 11386 Class 1 trailer will be easy to install when you go on your next adventure.
The CURT 11386 Class 1 trailer hitch weighs only 26.35 pounds and is made from carbon steel. The steel will this a dependable piece of equipment. This class 1 hitch will handle a gross trailer weight maximum of 2000 lbs and a maximum tongue weight of 200 lbs.
This trailer hitch has a dual-coat finish. The manufacturers submerged the tow hitch kit in a liquid A-coat, and it has a durable black powder coat finish. This finish will provide long-lasting protection against UV Rays, chips, and rust.
Not only is the CURT 11386 solid and durable, but it’s also versatile. This Class 1 Hitch has a standard 1-1/4-inch x 1-1/4-inch receiver hitch. This receiver will let you mount a bike rack or a cargo carrier or tow a small trailer.
Each CURT hitch has been thoroughly tested in real-world conditions with real cars. The hitches were tested to SAE J684 specifications for safety.
Pros:
- Looks good
- Easy to install
- Affordable
Cons:
- It might not come with the hardware needed to install it.
- It might take longer than expected to install it.
- It might be too short for a 2007 Mazda3.
#2: CURT 11412 Class 1 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4-Inch Receiver
CURT has built a reputation for creating high-quality tow equipment for adventurers. Whether on family camping trips or mountain biking, the CURT 11421 Class 1 Trailer Hitch is suitable for any adventure.
The CURT 11412 Trailer Hitch is a vehicle-specific design for some years model of the Volkswagen Golf and GTI. This Class 1 Trailer Hitch is excellent for some models of the Volkswagen Golf and GTI.
So if you’re an owner of Volkwagen Golf or GTI, it should be easy to install. The Class 1 Trailer Hitch has a round body shape and doesn’t need drilling to be installed.
This vehicle-specific design doesn’t only make it easy to install in under 30 minutes; it also makes the hitch durable and highly versatile. It has a gross trailer weight of 2000 lbs and a WC Tongue Weight of 200 lbs. This Class 1 Hitch has a receiver tube size of 1.250 inches.
The CURT 11412 Trailer Hitch has a black powder gloss to protect it from UV rays, rust, and chips. The hitch has also been tested following the SAE J684 for safety.
Pros:
- It has a precise fit for various vehicles.
- It’s easy to install, so you might be able to do it yourself.
Cons:
- It has a tight fit
- It might touch the muffler.
- It might cause the car to make more noise.
#3: Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Class I, 1-1/4 in. Receiver
Draw-tite is another brand that has established a reputation for manufacturing and selling high-quality hitches. This Draw-Tite Class 1 Trailer Hitch weighs only 23 pounds and has a powder-coated finish.
This Class 1 Trailer Hitch has a 1-1⁄4 in. Square Receiver Tube Opening. It can take a Gross Trailer Weight of up to 2000 lbs and a Tongue Weight of up to 200 lbs.
The company was founded in 1946 “out of a passion for outstanding performance and has come to represent one of the best custom-fit vehicle products available today.” This was according to their website.
All of Draw-tite’s hitches have been put through thorough testing to become “Tested Tough™.” This Class 1 Hitch has been designed for people who own sports utility cars and passenger cars.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Great hitch assembly
- It has a discrete appearance.
Cons:
- It might have poor-quality mounting hardware.
- It might be challenging to install.
- You might need help installing this hitch.
#4: CURT 45027 Class 1 Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
This Class 1 Trailer Hitch Ball Mount suits lightweight towing jobs. You can use this Class 1 Hitch for canoe haulers and basic utility trailers.
The CURT Class 1 hitch ball mounts are meant to complement their class 1 trailer hitch. The different styles make it a valuable and versatile piece of equipment.
This ball mount has a gross trailer capacity of 2000 lbs and a tongue weight capacity of 200 lbs. The ball mount also has a 1-1/4-inch x 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver.
This ball mount was made from steel that the manufacturers mechanically welded and CNC-formed. This process ensures that the ball mounts fit precisely in your receiver hitch.
Each ball mount has been coated in a high-gloss black powder coat to protect them from scratches, corrosion, and UV damage. This coating gives each ball mount a smooth finish.
Pros:
- The drill holes might be off-center.
- It might only fit in the rise position.
- It might be affordable.
- High-quality make.
Cons:
- It might not be true to size.
#5: Rigid Hitch Class 1 Trailer Hitch RT-156
This Class 1 Trailer Hitch RT-156 can be used on different cars. These can include the following:
- 2001 – 2003 Chrysler Town and Country (all models including 4WD)
- 2001 – 2003 Chrysler Voyager (all models including 4WD)
- 2001 – 2003 Dodge Caravan (all models including 4WD)
- 2004 – 2007 Dodge Caravan & Dodge Grand Caravan
- 2004 – 2007 Chrysler Town and Country
This Class 1 Trailer Hitch can handle a maximum gross trailer weight of up to 2000 lbs and a 200 lbs tongue weight. It comes with installation hardware, a ball mount, a pin, and a clip.
This Class 1 Hitch is quick and easy to install. It only takes 30 minutes, and you don’t need to drill anything.
Rigid Hitch has spent more than 50 years manufacturing high-quality products that comply with VESC regulation V-5 and SAE. Rigid Hitch has just been certified for conforming to ISO 9001:2008 standards.
Pros:
- Quick & easy to install
- High-quality hitch
- Smooth powder coat finish.
Cons:
- It might be slightly more expensive than other hitches.
- It might not be appropriately packaged.
Summary on a Class 1 Hitch
A Class 1 Hitch is the lowest of the five hitch classes. Being the lowest class means that a Class 1 Hitch can only take the lightest load of up to 2000 lbs as a gross trailer weight and a tongue weight of 200 lb.
Class 1 hitches can provide extra space when there is limited cargo space when you have a small car. Some class 1 trailer hitches are made from American steel and have a limited lifetime warranty.
So if you’re planning to tow a light load, you can use a Class 1 Hitch to your tow your trailer or equipment.