Hitch Class?

[geaux_lsu]

Newbie Question: How do I tell which class of hitch is installed on a truck? Have begun looking at buying a truck to tow what will be a later purchased travel trailer approx 5500lbs dry weight, 27ft length. When I go to dealer lots or CarMax etc many of the trucks (Ram, GMC etc) 1500 series already have hitches, but how do I tell if it is a Class 3 or 4?
Thanks!

[Acdii]

BarneyS wrote:
If the hitch is on a pick up truck, then you can almost be assured that it is a class 3/4 hitch. I say 3/4 because almost all class 3 hitches can be converted to class 4 by the use of weight distribution.

If the truck is one of the newer ones, it may even be a class 5 hitch with the 2.5 inch receiver. My son's Ford F150 came with a 2.5 inch receiver a few years ago. However, my new 2019 Ram 1500 came with a 2" one. The class is determined by the weight capabilities of the receiver. Here is one interpretation of the hitch classes. Here is another. . Be aware that there are others.
Barney

Was going to say the same thing. They are all Class III rated weight carrying 500/5000 (except GM 700/7000). With WDH they go over the 10K limit of Class IV, up to 13,200 with the Ford Max Tow.

[BarneyS]

If the hitch is on a pick up truck, then you can almost be assured that it is a class 3/4 hitch. I say 3/4 because almost all class 3 hitches can be converted to class 4 by the use of weight distribution.

If the truck is one of the newer ones, it may even be a class 5 hitch with the 2.5 inch receiver. My son's Ford F150 came with a 2.5 inch receiver a few years ago. However, my new 2019 Ram 1500 came with a 2" one. The class is determined by the weight capabilities of the receiver. Here is one interpretation of the hitch classes. Here is another. . Be aware that there are others.
Barney

[Boomerweps]

Every truck & SUV I've looked at with a 2x2 factory hitch calls it a class 4. IF the vehicle is not too old, there should be a sticker still on it that lists weight specifications.

[drsteve]

There should be a sticker on the receiver somewhere with that information.

I would advise that you decide on a trailer BEFORE purchasing a truck. Nothing worse than realizing that your dream trailer is too heavy/long for the shiny new truck you just bought.

[MFL]

If you look closely, most hitches will be clearly marked, as to class, and weight carrying with/without WDH.

Jerry