Receiver Hitches
Get Versatility with a Receiver Hitch
A CURT receiver hitch is the link to your lifestyle, equipping your vehicle for work or play and empowering you to pursue your passion. A hitch receiver is the portion of the towing system that bolts onto your vehicle and provides a versatile receiver tube to accept countless towing accessories.
Our receiver hitches come in standard receiver sizes, including 1-1/4", 2” and 2-1/2", and we offer a range of weight capacity options to perfectly suit your vehicle-trailer combination. We carry a complete selection of options to equip nearly every vehicle make and model on the road today.
To instill confidence in you and your crew for the road ahead, virtually all of our trailer receiver hitches are designed, manufactured, finished and tested in the USA. This allows us to maintain the very highest quality standards from start to finish. We also test our receiving hitches in house to industry-leading specifications. Every tow hitch receiver design is not only tested to SAE J684 protocols, but we also apply our own in-house fatigue test to ensure that our receivers are built to go the distance and give you a better towing experience, mile after mile.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Receiver Hitches
- What are the different types of receiver hitches?
Some different types of receiver hitches include custom hitches, multi-fit, front, rear, bumper, weld-on and RV hitches. Custom receiver hitches are a vehicle-specific option, featuring a frame and mounting points that match a unique vehicle make and model. Multi-fit receiver hitches are designed to fit as many different vehicles as possible. Receiver hitches can be mounted on the front or rear, on the bumper or frame. Hitches are most commonly attached to the vehicle using nuts, bolts and other hardware, but weld-on options are available as well, particularly for larger vehicles like full-size trucks. - What are the different classes of hitches?
Receiver hitches are divided into five classes. The higher the class number, the larger the weight capacity and receiver tube size. Class 1 hitches typically offer a weight capacity of around 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW), while class 5 hitches can be rated as high as 20,000 lbs. GTW. As such, class 1 and 2 hitches are usually for cars, crossovers and minivans. Class 3 hitches are for lighter trucks and SUVs, and classes 4 and 5 are for full-size trucks and SUVs.
- What is the difference between a trailer hitch and a receiver?
Trailer hitch is a term that is often used to refer to both a receiver hitch, as well as the ball mount accessory that fits into the receiver. Both can be called trailer hitch. A receiver hitch is comprised of a receiver tube and a frame that gets bolted or welded onto the rear portion of the tow vehicle’s frame area. A ball mount is comprised of a platform to mount a trailer ball, as well as a shank that gets inserted into the hitch receiver tube. There are many types of receiver hitches and ball mounts, and most of them can be referred to as trailer hitches. - What is the most common receiver hitch?
The custom class 3 hitch is perhaps the most common type of receiver hitch. It is a vehicle-specific solution that offers a versatile weight capacity of around 8,000 lbs. or higher, depending on the model, as well as weight distribution capabilities. This makes it well-suited for a variety of popular towing vehicles, from crossovers and SUVs to pickup trucks. Class 3 receiver hitches have a 2” x 2” receiver tube opening, allowing them to accept many different towing accessories, from ball mounts and tow hooks, to cargo carriers, bike racks and more. - Is a 1-1/4” receiver or 2” receiver better?
Some vehicles offer the option to install either a 1-1/4” receiver hitch or a 2”. 1-1/4” receivers generally have a lower weight capacity and may be restricted to a smaller number of accessory choices. 2” receivers have a characteristically higher weight capacity, providing more towing options. Two things to help you decide which hitch is better for you: 1) What accessories do you already have? You may wish to purchase a receiver hitch that matches those existing accessories. 2) What is the weight capacity of your towing system? You’re always restricted to the lowest-rated towing component, whether that’s your vehicle, trailer, hitch, coupler, etc. A higher-rated hitch may not necessarily gain you more towing capacity. - What hitches are made in the USA?
All CURT custom receiver hitches are made in the USA, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. These vehicle-specific hitches are designed, cut, fabricated, welded, finished and tested at CURT’s manufacturing facility. Some of the included hardware may be imported. - How much weight can you put on a receiver hitch?
Each receiver hitch has a unique weight rating, including a gross trailer weight rating and a tongue weight rating. These ratings will be provided by the manufacturing and printed on the hitch itself and in the installation instructions. It is important to remember that a hitch’s weight rating will not increase a vehicle’s towing capacity. A towing system is always limited by its lowest-rated component (vehicle, trailer, hitch, accessories, etc). - How do I choose a receiver hitch?
The best way to choose a receiver hitch is to look up your vehicle’s year, make and model. Custom hitches are the best choice because they are designed for a fast, seamless integration with the vehicle, while optimizing weight capacity. After looking up your vehicle, you may be presented with multiple hitch options, including different receiver sizes, frame styles and capabilities. Make your decision based on what you are planning to tow and how you can best optimize your vehicle’s towing capabilities. - How do I know what size receiver hitch I need?
Receiver hitches come in three standard sizes: 1-1/4”, 2” and 2-1/2”. Some larger trucks also have a 3” receiver. When selecting a hitch for your vehicle, you want to choose the receiver that will fit the accessories you intend to use. If you own or plan to buy a cargo carrier with a 2” shank, a 2” receiver will be ideal. Keep in mind that not every vehicle is compatible with all receiver sizes. In most cases, you’ll be restricted to one receiver size option based on your year, make and model. That being said, 2” is perhaps the most common and versatile receiver tube size, and you can buy an adapter for your receiver, allowing it to fit other shank sizes. - How hard is it to install a receiver hitch?
Custom receiver hitches are relatively easy to install compared to weld-on or multi-fit options, but it all depends on your vehicle year, make and model. Some are more difficult than others. Worn or rusted vehicle components can make the installation more difficult. All CURT custom receiver hitches come with step-by-step installation instructions, allowing you to not only follow along, but also see how difficult the installation will be before you attempt it. If you lack the tools, know-how or time, you can have your receiver hitch installed by a professional at your local dealer or auto shop.