Trailer Hitch Buying Guide (Canada)
The right trailer hitch starts with three checks: your vehicle year and model, the hitch class that covers your trailer weight, and the receiver opening your ball mount needs. Match those first, then add wiring so trailer lights work on the first plug-in.
Start with the vehicle
Hitches are vehicle-specific. A RAV4 receiver will not bolt to an F-150, and a factory hitch on one trim can be excluded on the product page for another. Use the year on the door sticker, then open the year, make, and model hitch page before you buy anything.
Check the product page for factory-hitch exclusions, hybrid or plug-in carve-outs, and dual-exhaust clearance. If the truck already has a factory receiver, you may only need wiring, a ball mount, and a brake controller.
Hitch classes at a glance
Class is a capacity family, not a fashion label. Always use the lowest rating among the vehicle, hitch, ball mount, and trailer. A Class 3 stamp on the receiver does not raise the manufacturer tow rating on the door sticker.
| Class | Typical opening | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | One and one quarter inch | Light cars and crossovers, bike racks, small utility trailers |
| Class 2 | One and one quarter inch | Cars and compact SUVs, light trailers within the hitch rating |
| Class 3 | Two inch | Most trucks, SUVs, and many crossovers for everyday towing and accessories |
| Class 4 | Two inch | Higher-capacity truck and SUV towing when ratings support it |
| Class 5 | Two inch or two and one half inch | Heavy-duty truck setups. Confirm the vehicle capacity carefully |
Gross trailer weight is how heavy the loaded trailer can be. Tongue weight is the downward force on the hitch. Both are printed on the hitch and on the product page. If you use weight distribution, check the hitch WD ratings too. More detail in the Class 3 versus Class 4 guide.
Receiver size and the rest of the setup
Your ball mount, bike rack, or cargo carrier must fit the receiver opening. Reducers exist, but they can lower capacity, so read the adapter rating before you rely on one. Once the receiver is on, match drop or rise so the trailer sits level, and plan wiring: four-way for basic lights, seven-way when electric brakes and a brake controller are in play.
Canadian winters are hard on hitch hardware and trailer plugs. Road salt and brine corrode receivers, connectors, and breakaway batteries. A spring look at the hitch, plugs, and breakaway pack is cheap insurance if the vehicle sees a lot of salted roads.
Parts that finish the hitch
Every part ships free anywhere in Canada. Open the product page for the full rating and fit notes.
