Best Trailer Hitch: Class 1, 2, and 3 Options Compared 2026
The CURT 13099 Class 3 Trailer Hitch is our top pick for Trailer Hitch: Class 1, 2, and 3 Options Compared. Class 3 for trucks and full-size SUVs. For budget shoppers, the Draw-Tite 75579 Class 3 Trailer Hitch offers solid value at a lower price.
See Today’s Price →At a Glance
| # | Product | Award | Price | Our Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  CURT 13099 Class 3 Trailer Hitch |
Best Overall | $303 | 9.2 | Buy → |
| 2 |  CURT 12108 Class 2 Trailer Hitch |
Also Excellent | $199 | 8.9 | Buy → |
| 3 |  CURT 11286 Class 1 Trailer Hitch |
Best Budget | $188 | 8.5 | Buy → |
| 4 |  Reese Towpower 37042 Class 3 Hitch |
Worth Considering | $204 | 8.2 | Buy → |
| 5 |  Draw-Tite 75579 Class 3 Trailer Hitch |
Budget Pick | $167 | 7.8 | Buy → |
Trailer Hitch Buying Guide
Photo by ᛟᛞᚨᛚᚹ ᚨᚱᚲᛟᚾᛊᚲᛁ / PexelsHow we picked these. We evaluated 6 trailer hitches across weight rating (tongue weight and gross trailer weight), receiver size (1.25" vs. 2"), hitch class, corrosion-resistant finish, and hardware inclusion, cross-referencing etrailer.com fitment data and verified consumer towing reviews.
Quick Verdict: Our top pick is the CURT 13099 Class 3 Trailer Hitch (Our Top Pick) — The CURT 13099 Class 3 delivers a 2-inch receiver and 6,000 lb tow rating with no-drill bolt-on installation — the st.... Priced at $303.98.
Budget Pick: The Draw-Tite 75579 Class 3 Trailer Hitch at $167.86 — Draw-Tite's concealed bolt technology and 75-year heritage make it the premium choice for owners who want a factory-c....
Trailer Hitch Buying Guide
Hitch Classes Explained
Class 1: 1.25-inch receiver, 2,000 lb tow / 200 lb tongue. For cars, small sedans, hatchbacks. Class 2: 1.25-inch receiver, 3,500 lb tow / 350 lb tongue. For minivans, mid-size SUVs, smaller crossovers. Class 3: 2-inch receiver, 5,000–8,000 lb tow / 500–800 lb tongue. For full-size trucks and SUVs — the most common hitch class. Class 4/5: Heavy-duty commercial use, 2-inch or larger receiver, 10,000+ lb tow ratings.
Receiver Size
The receiver opening determines what accessories you can use. 2-inch receivers (Class 3+) accept the widest variety of ball mounts, bike racks, cargo carriers, and tow bars. 1.25-inch receivers (Class 1 and 2) have fewer accessory options. When in doubt, choose Class 3 for maximum flexibility.
Installation
Most CURT and Draw-Tite hitches install with no drilling — bolts attach to existing frame or bumper mounting points. Installation takes 30–90 minutes with basic hand tools. Check the vehicle-specific fitment guide before purchasing — hitches are not universal.
Tongue Weight vs. Tow Capacity
Tongue weight (downward force on the hitch ball) is typically 10–15% of total trailer weight. Never exceed either limit. A 6,000 lb tow capacity hitch with a 600 lb tongue limit means the trailer's tongue cannot exert more than 600 lbs downward, regardless of total trailer weight.
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Watch: [Best Ceramic Spray Coating?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYxKQwZah1s) by Project FarmWhich Option Is Right for You?
- CURT 13099 Class 3 Trailer Hitch ($304) — truck and full-size SUV owners needing serious towing Key advantage: Class 3 for trucks and full-size SUVs
- CURT 12108 Class 2 Trailer Hitch ($199) — minivan and mid-size SUV owners needing reliable mid-duty towing Key advantage: Class 2 for mid-size SUVs and minivans
- CURT 11286 Class 1 Trailer Hitch ($188) — car owners needing light-duty towing capacity Key advantage: Class 1 for cars and small SUVs
- Reese Towpower 37042 Class 3 Hitch ($205) — value-minded buyers wanting a name-brand Class 3 hitch Key advantage: Trusted Reese brand
- Draw-Tite 75579 Class 3 Trailer Hitch ($168) — buyers valuing brand heritage and concealed bolt aesthetics Key advantage: Class 3 heavy-duty rating
Key Features to Compare When Spending Over $100
Automotive tools and accessories over $100 are often professional-grade equipment that prevents costly mistakes. A quality battery tester or OBD2 scanner that correctly diagnoses your car saves $80-200 per dealership diagnostic visit — often paying for itself on the first use.
- Compatibility range — which vehicle makes, models, and years does it cover?
- Display quality and readability in outdoor light conditions
- Update capability — does the manufacturer provide free software updates as vehicles evolve?
- Power source: battery-powered for portability, corded for continuous shop use
- Carrying case and durability ratings for shop floor use
Common Mistakes Buyers Make
- Buying OBD2 scanners that only read codes without live data or component tests — limited tools miss intermittent faults
- Ignoring compatibility — some diagnostic tools don't cover all makes or require paid add-ons for certain brands
- Choosing based on price alone without verifying the tool covers your specific vehicle protocol
Our Picks
CURT 13099 Class 3 Trailer Hitch (Best Overall) — $303 See Price →
CURT 12108 Class 2 Trailer Hitch (Also Excellent) — $199 See Price →
CURT 11286 Class 1 Trailer Hitch (Best Budget) — $188 See Price →
Reese Towpower 37042 Class 3 Hitch (Worth Considering) — $204 See Price →
Draw-Tite 75579 Class 3 Trailer Hitch (Budget Pick) — $167 See Price →
Showing 5 of 5 products
CURT 13099 Class 3 Trailer Hitch
“CURT's Class 3 hitch provides a heavy-duty 2-inch receiver and 6,000 lb tow rating — the standard choice for pickup trucks and SUVs that need real towing capability.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Class 3 for trucks and full-size SUVs
- 2-inch receiver for max versatility
- 6000 lb tow capacity
- Custom fit no drilling
- Industry-leading brand
Watch out for
- Heavier weight than Class 1
- Professional installation recommended for some vehicles
- Higher price
Read Full Analysis
CURT's 13099 earns Best Overall by combining the most critical traits: a versatile 2-inch receiver that accepts the widest range of accessories, a 6,000 lb tow rating suitable for boats, campers, and horse trailers, and bolt-on installation that most owners complete in under an hour. The powder-coated finish resists road salt and weather for the life of the vehicle. CURT backs this with a lifetime warranty. For any truck or full-size SUV owner planning to tow anything more than a bike rack, this is the correct starting point.
CURT 12108 Class 2 Trailer Hitch
“CURT's Class 2 hitch fills the gap between light and heavy-duty, giving minivans and mid-size SUVs a 3,500 lb towing upgrade with the same no-drill bolt-on ease CURT is known for.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Class 2 for mid-size SUVs and minivans
- 1.25-inch receiver
- 3500 lb tow capacity
- No-drill bolt-on install
- Powder coated corrosion resistance
Watch out for
- Mid-size vehicles only
- Not for heavy-duty trucks
- Vehicle-specific application
Read Full Analysis
The 12108 fills the gap between light-duty Class 1 and heavy Class 3 hitches, providing minivans, mid-size SUVs, and crossovers with a properly rated 3,500 lb tow capacity. The 1.25-inch receiver fits all standard bike racks, cargo carriers, and small trailer ball mounts. Installation is the same bolt-on process as other CURT products. For owners of vehicles like the Honda Odyssey, Toyota RAV4, or Ford Edge, the 12108 is the correctly sized solution — buying a Class 3 would be unnecessary overkill.
CURT 11286 Class 1 Trailer Hitch
“CURT's 11286 bolts on without drilling for Class 1 vehicles, delivering reliable 2,000 lb towing for bike racks, small trailers, and cargo carriers at an accessible price.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Class 1 for cars and small SUVs
- Easy bolt-on installation
- 1.25-inch receiver
- Powder coated finish
- 2000 lb tow capacity
Watch out for
- Limited to 200 lb tongue weight
- Not for heavy trailers
- Vehicle specific fit
Read Full Analysis
The 11286 is engineered for vehicles that shouldn't tow more than 2,000 lbs — sedans, hatchbacks, smaller SUVs, and compact crossovers. The 1.25-inch receiver handles all bike racks, small cargo carriers, and lightweight trailer applications. CURT's vehicle-specific engineering means the hitch integrates cleanly with factory bumper mounting points, maintaining the stock appearance. For car owners who need to tow a small utility trailer or want a bike rack mount, the 11286 is the properly rated, code-compliant choice.
Reese Towpower 37042 Class 3 Hitch
“Reese Towpower has been a towing staple for over 50 years — their Class 3 hitch delivers 5,000 lb capacity with all installation hardware included at a competitive price point.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Trusted Reese brand
- Class 3 2-inch receiver
- Includes installation hardware
- 5000 lb tow capacity
- Good value pricing
Watch out for
- Less customization than premium brands
- Basic finish quality
- Not available for all vehicles
Read Full Analysis
Reese Towpower has been in the towing business since 1952, making them one of the oldest and most trusted hitch brands in North America. The 37042 delivers Class 3 performance with complete installation hardware included in the box — no trips to the hardware store. The 5,000 lb tow rating covers the vast majority of recreational towing applications. For buyers who want a trusted name-brand Class 3 hitch at a price below CURT without sacrificing quality, Reese delivers that balance consistently.
Draw-Tite 75579 Class 3 Trailer Hitch
“Draw-Tite's 50-year pedigree and concealed bolt technology make this the premium choice for drivers who want a clean factory look with serious Class 3 towing credentials.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Class 3 heavy-duty rating
- Custom application-specific fit
- Concealed bolt technology
- SAE J684 certified
- Draw-Tite 50-year heritage
Watch out for
- Premium price vs CURT
- Less universal availability
- Heavier than comparable CURT
Read Full Analysis
Draw-Tite invented the concealed bolt hitch design — a system that hides mounting hardware behind the hitch receiver for a cleaner, more factory-integrated appearance. This matters on premium vehicles where visible bolts detract from aesthetics. The 75579 is SAE J684 certified and draws on 75 years of engineering expertise. It's typically priced at a premium over CURT for the same Class 3 rating, but for owners of high-end trucks or SUVs where appearance matters, Draw-Tite is the prestige choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hitch class do I need?
Is CURT a good brand?
Do trailer hitches require drilling?
Can I install a trailer hitch myself?
What is the difference between CURT and Draw-Tite?
How We Analyze Products
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Each product earned its placement through data: total review volume, average rating, and the specific praise and complaints that repeat most often across buyers. No manufacturer paid for placement on this page. Products appear here because buyers endorsed them at scale, not because a company asked us to feature them.
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