Trailer Hitch, class I or class II?

[lmei007]

Hi,

We are planning to install a trailer hitch on my old 96 Toyota Camry. I don't know which type I should install, class I or class II? Is my car able to tow class II?

thanks,

James

[curtis73]

Class 2 is typically up to 3500 lbs. You're probably OK with 1000-1500 lbs with the camry, but the big benefit to most class 2 hitches is the removable insert. Often times class 1 doesn't have that.

[lmei007]

Originally Posted by curtis73

Class 2 is typically up to 3500 lbs. You're probably OK with 1000-1500 lbs with the camry, but the big benefit to most class 2 hitches is the removable insert. Often times class 1 doesn't have that.

Can I install Class II hitch but only tow class I's load to take the advantage of Class II hitch?

[KiwiBacon]

Originally Posted by lmei007

Can I install Class II hitch but only tow class I's load to take the advantage of Class II hitch?

I'd go for the bigger 2" insert (maybe class II, I'm not sure) as there are many bike racks etc made for that size. I've seen slot in adaptors to fit smaller sizes.

[curtis73]

Many class 1s are fixed bar. Class 2 comes in either 3/4" removable flat bar, or 1-1/4" square insert. You have to go to class 3 to get the 2". Its also sometimes a pain with a class 3 on a smaller car. Mine drags like crazy so I switched to a flat 3/4" class 2

and, yes, lmei007, you can install whatever hitch you wish, just don't tow more than the factory says you can.

[lmei007]

I called uhaul and they gave me a quotation about $300 total.

I am wondering if I can install it by myself. I found a trailer hitch in autozone which can be installed without drilling but need temprorarily lower the exhaust.

The wiring may be more complicated but if there is instruction somewhere, I may can handle it also, I think.

What's your opinon, sir?

thanks,

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by lmei007

I called uhaul and they gave me a quotation about $300 total.

I am wondering if I can install it by myself. I found a trailer hitch in autozone which can be installed without drilling but need temprorarily lower the exhaust.

The wiring may be more complicated but if there is instruction somewhere, I may can handle it also, I think.

What's your opinon, sir?

thanks,

Installing a hitch is an easy job; just make sure the hitch comes with instructions on how to install it on your particular car.

As for type. IMO go for the removable receiver kind (class II).
It looks better than a class I and gives you the option in future of pulling a heavier load, or adding bicycle racks etc. It's a bit more money but well worth it. Just make sure to buy the receiver as well as the hitch. Usually they are sold seperatly.

Wiring is easy but perhaps not recommended if you have never done wiring jobs before. Are you planning to rent a trailer from U-Haul? In the past, they have done trailer wiring for me for free when I rented a trailer for the first time. I just had to buy the trailer wiring kit from them which was about $10 or so.