What's the difference between these two receivers

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Loudram

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My new truck didn't come with a receiver so I need to add one. I'd like to know what they difference is between these two. Both can be bought in class 3 and class 4 in different brands. The ones pictured are just examples of the two styles I'm talking about. Thanks.

Screenshot_20200110-082754.png
 

lpennock

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Depends if your truck included the frame cross bar that has the holes for the bottom one. If the holes aren't there or you prefer welded over bolt on, you have to get the full crossmember. Personally if you're doing a full cross member I wouldn't do either. I would (and did on my 06) us a Reese Titan class V 2.5" hitch. Rated at 1800 lb tongue weight.

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IRSmart

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In that specific pic, the top one is a class 5 hitch (2.5” receiver) and the bottom one is a class 4 (2” receiver, more common). Typically the bottom one is a class 3 tho, when the entire crossmember isn’t being replaced. The top one will be stronger.
 
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Loudram

Loudram

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I've decided to get a class 4 since that's what would have come with the truck. With a wd hitch a class 3 would be enough but I like to have extra room. I just have to pick which one and what style.
 

Potatomafia

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The top one ties into the frame rails and the bottom one just mounts to the last frame crossmember. The top one is usually a Class IV/V and the bottom style is usually rated as a Class 3.
 
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Loudram

Loudram

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The confusing part is that I've seen the smaller one listed as a class IV as well as a class III with the same tow rating. 6000 lb tow and 600lb tongue w/o a WD hitch and 10k tow with 1k tongue with one.
 

GsRAM

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You want the most heavy duty receiver you can buy, regardless of your present plans. One that mounts to the truck frame is what I'd suggest. Better to have and not need than need and not have.
 
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Loudram

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I go back and forth between a class IV and V. I do feel that the larger hitch style with cross tubes is the way to go. They seem to be rated higher.
 

lpennock

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The confusing part is that I've seen the smaller one listed as a class IV as well as a class III with the same tow rating. 6000 lb tow and 600lb tongue w/o a WD hitch and 10k tow with 1k tongue with one.
The bolt on is the same as the welded, it is just a retrofit for trucks that came from the factory without the welded one. Same cross member is used for both.

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Nickx86

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A class v hitch will also weight more than a class III/IV. Due to the larger 2.5” receiver and also more likely to take more abuse, most 3/4 and 1 ton use the class v receiver.
 

oe542bob

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Class IV is a good choice for a 1/2 ton
 

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