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Trailer Classes And RV Trailer Types

Make sure your trailer is fit for your towing needs. Whether you’re camping or hauling, you don’t want to carry weight without the right hook-up.
Following are four trailer classes and three RV trailer types available to fit your specific needs. Once you know which trailer type you're using, check to make sure that both your vehicle and your vehicle hitch can handle the load.
Class I – Light-Duty

  • 2,000-lb. maximum weight (trailer and cargo combined)
  • Folding camping trailers and trailers for small boats, motorcycles and snowmobiles
  • Many Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles can handle easily
  • Conventional weight-carrying hitch

Class II – Medium-Duty

  • 2,001 – 3,500-lb. gross trailer weight
  • Single-axle, small- to medium-length (up to 18 ft.) trailers
  • Trucks and some compact SUVs can be equipped to tow these trailers
  • Conventional weight-distributing hitch not required unless specified for a particular vehicle

Class III – Heavy-Duty

  • 3,501 – 5,000-lb. gross trailer weight
  • Dual-axle or large single-axle travel trailers
  • Most properly equipped trucks and SUVs can tow them
  • Conventional weight-distributing hitch not required unless specified for a particular vehicle

Class IV – Extra-Heavy-Duty

  • Over 5,000-lb. gross trailer weight
  • Largest travel and fifth-wheel trailers made for recreation
  • Most trucks and SUVs can be equipped to handle trailers in this class
  • Most applications require a conventional weight-distributing or fifth-wheel hitch

Folding Camping Trailer

These relatively inexpensive units provide campers with a comfortable, dry mobile shelter, plus these added benefits:

  • Light weight for easy towing (usually between 300 and 2,000 lbs.)
  • Simple conventional weight-carrying hitch, usually sufficient for towing
  • Compact, low-profile traveling package
  • Easily maneuverable size – generally between eight and 16 feet long

Conventional Travel Trailer

Generally larger, rigid-construction units offer more of the conveniences of home, including:

  • Comfort features, such as a kitchen sink, dinette, shower, refrigerator and flush toilet
  • Various levels of roominess, comfort and luxury (depending on the towing capacity of your vehicle and your budget)
These trailers are usually between 12 and 35 feet long and towed with a conventional weight-distributing hitch (depending on the weight).

Fifth-Wheel Trailer

Provides the same types of accommodations as a conventional travel trailer, but with these unique characteristics:

  • The forward-raised portion is designed to extend over the box of a pickup truck
  • Attaches to the truck via a fifth-wheel hitch mounted in the pickup bed
  • Improved weight distribution and towing dynamics, since some trailer weight is directly over the towing vehicle

Towing & Hauling

Need more help?

If you have further questions, please visit AskFord.com.
$39.95 or less The Works Fuel Saver Package
$39.95 or less The Works Fuel Saver Package
• Motorcraft® Premium Synthetic Blend Oil and filter change • Rotate and inspect four tires • Check air and cabin air filters • Inspect brake system • Test battery • Check belts and hoses • Top off all fluids
Expires 10/3/2010
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