Hitch Receivers, Class III, IV, V Trailer Hitches for SUV Towing

Receiver Classes and Towing Ratings

Class III through Class V capacity choices

Receiver class, gross trailer weight, and tongue weight establish the starting point for safe towing. The ball mount, hitch ball, coupler, safety chains, and trailer wiring must also meet or exceed the planned trailer rating.

Adjustable Ball Mounts and Drop

Level the trailer before every tow

Adjustable mounts provide multiple rise and drop positions for trucks, SUVs, and trailers that sit at different coupler heights. Select shank size, receiver size, ball size, and rated capacity as a complete system.

Heavy Duty and Gooseneck Towing

Hardware for demanding trailer loads

Heavy duty towing applications can use larger receiver shanks, pintle options, and gooseneck systems. Confirm truck tow ratings, trailer weight, payload, and required breakaway and wiring equipment before choosing high capacity gear.

Fitment and Installation

Use the right receiver for the vehicle

Vehicle specific hitch receivers are designed around the frame, bumper, and exhaust layout. Verify model year, trim, tow package, and factory equipment before installation, then torque mounting hardware to the product instructions.

Top Hitch Receiver and Towing Brands

• Curt. Vehicle specific trailer hitches, wiring, and towing accessories
• B and W. American made hitch systems, ball mounts, and towing hardware
• Draw Tite. Direct fit receiver hitches for trucks, SUVs, and crossovers
• Reese. Trailer hitch and towing equipment for recreational and work use
• Gen Y Hitch. Adjustable, torsion, and heavy duty hitch systems
• Weigh Safe. Adjustable ball mounts with integrated towing convenience features
• Andersen Hitches. Weight distribution and trailer coupling solutions
• BulletProof Hitches. Heavy duty adjustable ball mounts for pickup trucks
• Torklift. Truck towing accessories and receiver mounted solutions
• Tow Ready. Trailer electrical and towing support components

How to Choose the Correct Hitch Receiver

• Confirm the exact vehicle year, make, model, trim, and factory tow package
• Match receiver class to the vehicle tow rating and planned gross trailer weight
• Confirm the receiver opening size before choosing a ball mount or accessory shank
• Match ball diameter and coupler size on the trailer
• Keep the loaded trailer level by selecting the correct rise or drop
• Check rated tongue weight for the receiver, ball mount, ball, and trailer
• Confirm clearance around the bumper, spare tire, exhaust, and trailer safety chains
• Use rated hitch pins, locking devices, chains, and breakaway equipment
• Check local towing requirements for brakes, lighting, and safety equipment
• Torque all mounting hardware to the hitch manufacturer instructions

Common Questions

What hitch receiver class do I need?

Choose a receiver class that meets the vehicle tow rating and the fully loaded trailer weight. Never exceed the lowest rated towing component.

What is the difference between gross trailer weight and tongue weight?

Gross trailer weight is the loaded trailer weight. Tongue weight is the downward force at the hitch and must stay within the ratings of every towing component.

How do I choose the correct ball mount drop?

Measure from the receiver opening to the ground and compare it with the trailer coupler height. Select a rise or drop that keeps the trailer level.

Can I use an adjustable ball mount in any receiver?

Use an adjustable mount with the correct shank size and receiver opening. Confirm its tow rating, pin fit, and required clearance for the vehicle.

Do I need a Class V hitch for a heavy trailer?

Use the receiver class and towing equipment that meet the truck rating and loaded trailer requirements. Heavy trailers often need higher capacity hardware and vehicle equipment.

Can a hitch receiver carry a bike rack or cargo carrier?

Many receivers accept hitch mounted accessories. Confirm the receiver accessory rating and the carrier rating, including the effect of load distance behind the vehicle.

Should I use a locking hitch pin?

A locking hitch pin can help secure a ball mount or accessory. It must fit the receiver and be rated for the intended towing or accessory use.

Do I need trailer wiring with a new receiver?

A receiver does not include trailer lighting. Add vehicle compatible wiring, a connector, and brake control equipment as required for the trailer.

What is a weight distribution hitch?

A weight distribution hitch transfers part of trailer tongue weight across the tow vehicle and trailer axles. Use one only when the vehicle and trailer manufacturers permit it.

How often should I inspect towing hardware?

Inspect the receiver, pin, ball mount, hitch ball, coupler, safety chains, and wiring before every tow and replace worn or damaged components.

Why Buy Hitch Receivers from Black Ops Auto Works

Black Ops Auto Works stocks 74 hitch receiver and towing component SKUs with real fitment data, competitive pricing, and support from staff who build and tow with these vehicles. Products are filterable by year, make, model, trim, engine, bed length, and drivetrain to confirm the correct application before ordering.

For focused shopping, browse our hitch accessories, hitch ball mounts, bumpers grilles and guards, truck bed accessories.