Hitch classes
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From: Panama City, Fl
Hitch classes
I am driving a '01 F150 Lariat 4X4 Off Road. It currently has a class III hitch. What is the physical difference in the class III and a class IV or V? I am looking into having about 650 lbs of tounge weight with no towed weight. I am looking at different ways to transport an ATV.
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From: Oak Harbor WA
Hitch classes
I have never heard of hanging an ATV off the end of the truck. I really don't know about that one - Anybody got some ideas?
Personally, I would buy a small 5 by 8 trailer to transport the ATV, unless the back of the truck is full also.
Class III, IV, and V hitches are quite different. Each one has its own weight ratings. If I am correct, Class III hitches support up to 5,000lb trailer weight, with no weight dist. hitch. Class IV adds more weight, and a V goes up to 10,000lb. A Class III is more than enough for a F150.
Personally, I would buy a small 5 by 8 trailer to transport the ATV, unless the back of the truck is full also.
Class III, IV, and V hitches are quite different. Each one has its own weight ratings. If I am correct, Class III hitches support up to 5,000lb trailer weight, with no weight dist. hitch. Class IV adds more weight, and a V goes up to 10,000lb. A Class III is more than enough for a F150.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Memphis, TN
Hitch classes
I built my own rear bumper and a giant hitch-hauler to carry a riding lawn mower cross-country (that was how I justified building it 
) and I've used it to carry all kinds of crap. Check my sig link and you'll see it with nearly 1/2 ton on it, NOT including the weight of the hauler. It folds up to expose another hitch receiver so I can carry it between me & a trailer, and I've done that plenty of times.
) and I've used it to carry all kinds of crap. Check my sig link and you'll see it with nearly 1/2 ton on it, NOT including the weight of the hauler. It folds up to expose another hitch receiver so I can carry it between me & a trailer, and I've done that plenty of times.
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From: Oak Harbor WA
Hitch classes
Now that sounds cool. You said you could haul up to half-ton with it? What kind of truck do you have? My question is that the F150 with a Class III will only support up to 750lbs (I think). Is that going to be enough to haul an ATV? or will he have to upgrade to the Class V? I still think a trailer is easier though - more expensive but more versatile and practical. I am a landscaper and I have hauled all size lawn mowers extensively, my concern is for the truck and the safety of others and I wouldn't put that much tongue weight even on my 1-ton dually. But thats just my opinion. Good luck on your project!
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Denton,TX
Hitch classes
The hitch classes are very skewed anymore and really don't mean that much. Technically I have a Class III hitch that is rated for 600/6000 or 1200/1000 with a WDH. See what I mean? The classes don't really mean that much because different manufacturers have different standards.
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From: Oak Harbor WA
Hitch classes
You're right. I am just give ya an idea of what you can load. All ratings things I have ever checked into are the same way. I wonder if there is a way to REALLY tell what capacity a vehicle can haul/carry/tow. As far as hitches, I wouldn't go with a bolt-on. I guess I just don't trust these newfangled parts. Both of ours are custom welded hitches rated at Class V+.
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From: Panama City, Fl
Hitch classes
I know what the different ratings are for the different classes by the numbers. I also know what the truck is rated at. My original question was what was the PHYSICAL difference in the different classes of hitches. From what I have seen it is just the gauge of steel used in construction and how large the bolt on surface is. Guess I will have to wait until I drive 120 miles to look at some.
ATV's are carried that way all the time in this area, (Arizona) and it is real easy to buy or build the type of rack needed. Just depends on you abilities/money. I already have two trailers that I use but at times, they are not what I need for every application. A Honda dealer in Tucson sells the rack for about $700.00 and it folds up also.
There is always the option of just driving the ATV since it is licensed (not an RV plate) and I do drive it on the street.
ATV's are carried that way all the time in this area, (Arizona) and it is real easy to buy or build the type of rack needed. Just depends on you abilities/money. I already have two trailers that I use but at times, they are not what I need for every application. A Honda dealer in Tucson sells the rack for about $700.00 and it folds up also.
There is always the option of just driving the ATV since it is licensed (not an RV plate) and I do drive it on the street.
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From: Oak Harbor WA
Hitch classes
You're right. The only difference in hitch classes is the steel used. I have never really seen hitch racks in use up here in Washingtion, most people use the bed, a trailer, or as you said, just drive them, although that is a good idea. It would be like having a trailer, but without the licensing fees. Do you happen to have any info on those racks?
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From: Panama City, Fl
Hitch classes
Here is one web site for some carriers. http://www.discountramps.com/atv_carrier.htm There are others if I can locate them. Found the one I was looking for. Look at the bottom of this page. http://www.bikerackking.com/tiltarack.htm This is the one the dealer carries. I will be at my dealers on Monday and try to get info on the one they carry. It is a top line unit with an expanded metal floor, lights, ramps, and it folds up to the tail gate when not in use.
Last edited by AzPete; May 18, 2003 at 10:07 AM.
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