trailer hitch question

[Donald]

If a used vehicle had a frame mounted trailer hitch (and no sticker) is there any way to tell if its a class III or IV? I may pull over the 8000 a class III can handle and I would really hate to have the hitch break and come free as that means no safety chains either.

 

[Oil Changer]

To answer your question:

Yes, there should be a stamping on the hitch depicting weight limits/type. If it is frame mounted and has a 2" receiver, it is most likely III or IV.

Soap box answer:

If you don't know, why risk your life, someone else's life, your possessions, and/or a lawsuit?

Buy the best, biggest, and baddest hitch you can afford, have it installed and go on with your life worry free that you have the right equipment for the job.

 

[matrass]

you could try and see if a place like Uhaul could check it out for you. they do enough of them around my area to be able to determine what size it is. I would think there are some markings on the hitch, other than the sticker. maybe if they put it on their lift they can find the class for sure. I know I would want to be certain also before actually using it.

 

[chubbs1]

Originally Posted By: Oil Changer
To answer your question:


Soap box answer:

If you don't know, why risk your life, someone else's life, your possessions, and/or a lawsuit?

Buy the best, biggest, and baddest hitch you can afford, have it installed and go on with your life worry free that you have the right equipment for the job.


+1 Just be safe on the safe side Donald and be sure you have the right stuff.

 

[mrsilv04]

I'd spend the $200 for a new hitch. Then you know.

And unless you can see the heads of the bolts, you can't be sure as to the grade of bolt that was used to install it.

 

[wallyuwl]

Get a new hitch. No sense risking it.

 

[RANDYZ]

Id have to agree on going new to be 100% sure. 8000 lbs is nothing to play with.

 

[Rand]

I thought class 3 was 5000#

you definitely want a class IV for 8000#

http://hitches4less.com/trailer-hitch-classes.html

sometimes you can get overbuilt setups that are class III but rated higher.

 

[Donald]

Thanks.

Anyone want to buy a class III hitch?

 

[Oil Changer]

Originally Posted By: Donald
Thanks.

Anyone want to buy a class III hitch?


How do you know it's a class III?