Class 3 vs Class 4 Trailer Hitch (Canada)

Class III and Class IV are the two receiver classes most Canadian truck and SUV owners shop. Both often use a 2″ opening. The difference is capacity — not the hole size.

Built for Canadian shoppers. Free shipping on CURT towing gear from Lots of Parts.
Confirm the class printed on your CURT hitch. Never exceed the lowest rating among vehicle, hitch, ball mount, and ball. Shop trailer hitches · Towing guides hub.

Official CURT video (choosing a class)

Public videos from the CURT YouTube channel (@curtmfg). Watch here, then keep reading.

If the embed does not load, use the YouTube link under the card.

How to Select a Trailer Hitch

CURT · Class I–V receivers and what to match to your trailer

Best overview of hitch classes, receiver sizes, and matching the hitch to vehicle + trailer ratings.

Watch on YouTube →

Class 3 vs Class 4 at a glance

Topic Class III Class IV
Receiver opening Typically 2″ Typically 2″ (read the listing)
Typical role Most SUVs, many crossovers, and half-tons for everyday towing + racks Higher-capacity trucks/SUVs when ratings support heavier trailers
Capacity idea Wide everyday band — always read the product tag Generally higher ceiling — still capped by the vehicle
Accessories 2″ mounts, bike racks, cargo carriers, WD kits within rating Same 2″ ecosystem when the opening is 2″; choose higher-rated mounts/balls
Canada takeaway Default sweet spot for many SUVs and half-tons Step up when you need the extra rated capacity — not for looks

Exact pound ratings vary by CURT part and vehicle. Use this as a map, then confirm numbers on the product page and in your owner’s manual.

Side-by-side shopping notes

Choose Class III when

Everyday 2″ towing

  • Your vehicle’s tow rating sits comfortably in the Class III range
  • You tow a utility trailer, mid-size boat, or modest travel trailer
  • You also want bike racks / cargo carriers on a 2″ shank
  • A vehicle-specific CURT Class III fits your year / make / model

See vehicle-type picks →

Choose Class IV when

You need the higher rating

  • Trailer + people + gear push near the top of the truck/SUV’s tow rating
  • You expect regular WD use at higher tongue weights
  • CURT offers a Class IV for your vehicle and the ratings beat Class III
  • You still verify ball mount, ball, and wiring (7-way / brakes)

Weight distribution guide →

What does not decide the class

  • Not the trailer alone — a heavy trailer on an under-rated vehicle is still unsafe.
  • Not “2″ means Class IV” — both Class III and IV commonly use 2″ openings. Read the label.
  • Not a substitute for wiring / brakes — lights need a harness; electric brakes need a controller (often 7-way).
  • Not 5th / gooseneck — in-bed systems are different. See the 5th wheel vs gooseneck guide.

Canada shopping checklist

Step 1Vehicle rating

Owner’s manual tow + tongue figures for your engine / axle / cab / bed.

Step 2CURT fitment

Open your year page or the trailer-hitches collection and pick the vehicle-specific hitch.

Step 3Compare classes

If both III and IV exist, choose the one that covers your trailer with margin.

Step 4Outfit

Ball mount or WD, wiring, and brakes — then torque to the install sheet.

Popular vehicle hitch pages

Related guides & shopping

Hitch Buying GuideFull Class I–V overview Choose a Hitch + VideosTruck / SUV / crossover picks Weight DistributionWhen Class III/IV still need WD Wiring Guide4-flat vs 7-way Towing Guides HubAll guides + YMM landers

Trailer Hitches Collection

Browse CURT Class 1–5 receivers with Canada-wide free shipping. Filter by vehicle, then read the class and weight ratings on the product page.

Open trailer hitches →

Shop by vehicle

Jump to fitment tools, then confirm class on the CURT part you select.

Shop hitch by vehicle →

More help: towing guides hub · ball mount guide · ball mounts · contact support