3622.3 TRAILER HITCHES AND COUPLINGS
(REVISED 1/88)
All trailer hitches and couplings that are installed on towing vehicles and trailers shall comply with Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) Specification J 684f. Standard hitches will be Class 2, 3, or Class 4. The following rules also apply:
- Minimum equipment for vehicles used to tow trailers with a Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) up to 3,500 lbs. shall be an SAE Class 2 hitch (2" ball on a 1" shank).
- Minimum equipment for vehicles used to tow trailers with a GTW 3,500 lbs. to 5,000 lbs. shall be an SAE Class 3 hitch (2" ball on a 1" shank).
- Minimum equipment for vehicles used to tow trailers with a GTW over 5,000 lbs. shall be either (a) a SAE Class 4 hitch (2–5/16" ball on a 1–1/4" shank), or (b) a pintle and eye hook type hitch provided and attached in accordance with SAE J 847 standards.
- All hitches shall be frame attached (no bumper hitches permitted). "Barden" or similar type bumpers shall be attached to the frame and installed or be attached to and/or reinforced to constitute a suitable Class 3 hitch.
- All installations shall be in compliance with the specifications and recommendations of the Society of Automotive Engineers, the manufacturer of the towing vehicle and the manufacturer of the towed vehicle.
