Saris Bike Rack

What is the difference between a class 1 class 2 Trailer Hitches?

I have a 2005 Chrylser Sebring Convertible (yes, I know) Anyway, I know it will fit a Class 1, 1.25" Trailer Hitch. However is it any different for a Cargo Carrier? If not, would it matter if I just bought a Cargo Carrier that says it is only for a Class 2, but still fits a size 1.25"? I'm having a Suer Hard time finding anything that I Need to use for the car, lus I have a bike I want to take with me and it is really hard to find a Class 1 anything size 1 1/4" that will fit a Adult Size bicycle and a Cargo carrier for my car. Can you use a class two, 1-1/4" Cargo Carrier in my case? Or? I should add, I am looking for a a BACK CARGO CARRIER, Not for my roftop, since I do have a Convertible. (Soft Top Car)

Public Comments

1. Class one is for smaller units such as a motor cycle would pull. The receiver hitch is put on your car and then a unit goes into it where the ball goes. If I were putting a hitch on a car I would put the class 2 on even if I was only going to carry bicycle's. If you have a convertible you can't put a cargo carrier on it as they go on top. Use the heaver class two hitch and be safe. A good garage or welding shop can put the hitch on for you.
2. Class 1 (Class I) hitch Trailer hitch with capacity of up to 2,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 200 lbs tongue weight. Class 2 (Class II) hitch Trailer hitch with weight-carrying rating of up to 3,500 lbs gross trailer weight and 300/350 lbs tongue weight. Class 3 (Class III) hitch Trailer hitch with weight carrying rating of up to 5,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 500 lbs tongue weight. Also sometimes used to refer to a hitch with any 2" receiver, regardless of rating. Class 4 (Class IV) hitch Trailer hitch with weight carrying rating of up to 10,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 1,000 - 1,200 lbs tongue weight. Although many times any hitch with a capacity greater than 5,000 lbs gross weight is referred to as a Class 4