Trailer Hitch

A trailer hitch is the mounting system that connects your vehicle to a trailer, boat, camper, or other load. It bolts directly to the vehicle’s frame and provides a rated connection point for a ball mount, pintle, or gooseneck coupler. 

Choosing the right hitch depends on towing capacity, receiver size, and vehicle compatibility. This collection includes trailer hitch options for Canadian drivers, from light-duty SUV setups to heavy-duty truck applications.

Trailer Hitch Classes Explained

• Class I: Rated up to ~2,000 lbs GTW with 200 lbs tongue weight, using a 1-1/4" receiver. Suitable for compact cars and small crossovers towing light trailers or bike racks.

• Class II: Rated up to ~3,500 lbs GTW and 350 lbs tongue weight, also using a 1-1/4" receiver. Common for sedans, minivans, and small SUVs towing small boats or utility trailers.

• Class III: The most popular class in Canada, rated up to 6,000–8,000 lbs GTW with a 2" receiver. Ideal for half-ton trucks, full-size SUVs, and larger crossovers towing campers, boats, and dual-axle trailers.

• Class IV: Rated up to 10,000–12,000 lbs GTW, typically using 2" or 2-1/2" receivers. Designed for three-quarter-ton trucks and larger SUVs handling heavier trailers and equipment.

• Class V: Heavy-duty hitches rated from 12,000 lbs up to 20,000+ lbs GTW, using 2-1/2" or 3" receivers. Used on three-quarter and one-ton trucks for commercial towing. For maximum loads, a gooseneck hitch mounted in the truck bed offers greater stability and higher capacity.

Receiver Sizes

The receiver is the square opening that accepts your hitch accessories and must match your hitch class.

• 1-1/4" – Found on Class I and II hitches for light-duty towing, bikes, and small trailers

• 2" – The most common size in Canada, used on Class III and many Class IV hitches

• 2-1/2" – Used on heavy-duty Class IV and V setups for increased strength

• 3" – Reserved for extreme-duty Class V and commercial applications

Adapters can change receiver sizes, but towing capacity is always limited by the weakest component in the system.

Understanding Weight Ratings

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the total loaded weight of the trailer. It must stay within both your hitch and vehicle limits.

Tongue Weight (TW) is the downward force on the hitch, typically 10–15% of GTW. Too little tongue-weight can cause the trailer to sway, while too much can overload the rear axle. Safe towing is always limited by the lowest-rated component in the system.

Choosing a Hitch for Your Vehicle

Hitches are engineered to bolt to factory frame points, so a vehicle-specific fit matters for both safety and ease of installation.

• Cars & Crossovers – Class I or II for bikes and light trailers

• SUVs – Usually Class III with a 2" receiver for boats and campers

• Half-Ton Trucks – Class III or IV for recreational towing

• Heavy-Duty Trucks – Class IV, V, or gooseneck systems for commercial loads

Use the year, make, and model filters on this collection to narrow results to hitches confirmed to fit your exact vehicle, rather than guessing with a universal part.

Frequently Asked Questions - Trailer Hitches

What class trailer hitch do I need?

Start with your fully loaded trailer weight, then choose a class rated above it. Class III (up to 6,000-8,000 lbs) covers most half-ton trucks and SUVs, while Class IV and V are for heavy trailers behind three-quarter and one-ton trucks. Never exceed your vehicle's own towing capacity, even if the hitch is rated higher.

What's the difference between a receiver hitch and a tow hitch?

"Tow hitch" is the general term for any device that connects a trailer to your vehicle. A receiver hitch is the most common type, featuring a square tube that accepts removable ball mounts and accessories. So every receiver hitch is a tow hitch, but not every tow hitch is a receiver hitch (goosenecks and fifth wheels are tow hitches too).

Can I install a trailer hitch myself?

Many vehicle-specific receiver hitches bolt to existing frame holes and can be installed at home with hand tools in an hour or two. Some require trimming a fascia or lowering an exhaust, and gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitches involve drilling the truck bed, so those are better left to a professional installer.

Is a gooseneck hitch better for heavy towing?

For very heavy loads, yes. A gooseneck hitch places the trailer's weight over the rear axle instead of behind the bumper, which improves stability and allows higher ratings (often 20,000-30,000 lbs). It's the standard choice for large livestock, flatbed, and commercial trailers, while a receiver hitch remains ideal for lighter recreational towing.