2.0", 2.5", and 3.0" Hitches - Which Is Right For You?
When discussing trailer hitches, it is easy to get confused when talking about 2", 2.5" and 3" hitches. In this short article, we will go over what these measurements stand for and which hitch is best for your application.
Before we begin, let's discuss the difference between the trailer hitch and the hitch receiver. The hitch receiver is the piece that is mounted directly to the frame of the vehicle that allows the connection of the trailer hitch. The hitch receiver will have an opening at the rear of the vehicle allowing the user to slide in a trailer hitch which can then be used to connect a trailer. The trailer hitch is the piece that actually allows the connection of the trailer to the vehicle. The trailer hitch will typically either have a ball or a pintle mount.
With that out of the way, let us continue to determine the different hitch receivers and trailer hitches.
2" Hitches: A 2" trailer hitch or 2.0" trailer hitch is designed to be used in a 2" hitch receiver. 2" hitch receivers can be both Class 4 and Class 5 and will have a 2" receiver opening (the opening on the rear of the vehicle where the trailer hitch slides into). This 2" measurement is determined by measuring the receiver opening either vertically or horizontally. A 2" hitch receiver is typically found on the following vehicles:
-Nearly all SUVs dating back to the 90s. Typically any SUV capable of towing more than 3,000 Lbs will have a 2" hitch receiver. Some SUVs older than this will have a smaller 1-1/4" Class 3 receiver.
-Nearly all 1/2-ton trucks. This would include Ford F-150s, Dodge 1500s, Chevy 1500s, as well as smaller trucks such as Ford Rangers and Chevy Colorados
-3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks prior to 2010. This would include Ford F-250s/F-350s, Chevy 2500s/3500s, and Dodge 2500s/3500s.
-3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks from 1990's-2019 with a flatbed. Oftentimes when a truck is fitted with a flatbed, the hitch receiver is replaced with a 2" receiver instead of the standard 2.5" hitch receiver seen on 2010-2019 Heavy Duty diesel trucks.
-3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks from 2010-2019 with a gas engine.
-Some RVs, Semis, and other Heavy duty trucks.
2.5" Hitches: A 2.5" trailer hitch is meant to used with a 2.5" hitch receiver. 2.5" hitch receivers are Class 5 receivers. A 2.5" receiver is typically found on the following vehicles.
-2010-2019 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks with a diesel engines.
-Some RVs, Semis, and other Heavy duty trucks.
3.0" Hitches: A 3.0" trailer hitch is meant to be used with a 3" hitch receiver. 3" hitch receivers are also Class 5 receivers. A 3" hitch receiver is typically found on the following vehicles.
-2017+ Ford F250s/F350s/F450s. Please be sure to measure your receiver opening, as sometimes these hitch receivers can be 2.5" receivers. The only way to tell for sure is to measure the receiver opening.
-Some RVs, Semis, and other Heavy duty trucks.
These guidelines are typical however never guaranteed. When trying to determine which size hitch you will need, the best method to use would be outlined in our sizing guide at this link here: https://www.bulletproofhitches.com/pages/what-size-hitch-do-i-need
For any other questions, please call us at (941) 251 8110 and we will be happy to help you determine the best-fitting hitch for your specific application.
