How to Select a Trailer Hitch
Classes, receiver sizes, and matching hitch ratings to the trailer.
Watch on YouTubeClass 3 vs Class 4 Trailer Hitch (Canada)
Towing
Class 3 and Class 4 are the two receiver classes most Canadian truck and SUV owners shop. Both often use a two-inch opening. The difference is capacity, not the hole size. Pick the class that covers your trailer with room to spare under the vehicle tow chart, then outfit the mount, wiring, and brakes to match.
We stock CURT Class 3 and Class 4 receivers, with free shipping anywhere in Canada.
Confirm the class printed on the hitch. Never exceed the lowest rating among vehicle, hitch, ball mount, and ball.
Shop trailer hitches.
Prefer the hub?
Open the towing guides.
Class 3 versus Class 4 at a glance
| Topic | Class 3 | Class 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Receiver opening | Typically two inch | Typically two inch (check the product page) |
| Typical role | Most SUVs, many crossovers, and half-tons for everyday towing and racks | Higher-capacity trucks and 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 | Two-inch mounts, bike racks, cargo carriers, WD kits within rating | Same two-inch ecosystem when the opening is two inch. Choose higher-rated mounts and balls |
| Canada takeaway | Default choice for many SUVs and half-tons | Choose it when you need the extra rated capacity, not for looks |
Exact pound ratings vary by CURT part and vehicle. Confirm numbers on the product page and in the owner manual.
When Class 3 is enough
For most half-ton and SUV owners, Class 3 is the right choice. A Class 3 hitch with a two-inch receiver covers utility trailers, mid-size boats, modest travel trailers, and hitch-mounted accessories, as long as the trailer and vehicle stay within their rated limits. If your trailer chart and door sticker both sit comfortably in that band, stay with Class 3 and spend the rest of the budget on wiring and a proper ball mount.
When Class 4 makes sense
Class 4 earns its keep when the trailer weight asks for more capacity than a Class 3 hitch provides, and the truck or SUV tow rating supports that work. Do not treat Class 4 as a free upgrade. The vehicle payload, tongue weight, brakes, and tires still set the real ceiling. Check the hitch for your exact year before you buy a Class 4 receiver.
Official CURT class overview
Official clip from @curtmfg. If the embed stalls, use the YouTube link under the video.
Two inch receiver hardware
Every part ships free anywhere in Canada. Open the product page for the full rating and fit notes.
CURT part 45036Two inch ball mountClass 3 and Class 4 two-inch receivers. Check drop and rating on the product page.$57.03 CAD
CURT part 45040Two inch ball mountA second Class 3 and Class 4 mount. Compare drop and rating on the product page.$42.38 CAD
CURT part 40003Two inch hitch ballThe common two-inch ball. Match the shank to the mount hole.$26.20 CAD
CURT part 21500Five-eighths hitch pin with clipEveryday pin for two-inch receivers.$12.84 CAD
CURT part 22321Two inch anti-rattle kitQuiets a two-inch receiver.$54.92 CAD
CURT part 23518Hitch lockLocks the mount or rack into the receiver.$37.70 CAD
