Understanding Vehicle Hitch Types for Mobility Lifts

When purchasing a vehicle lift for your mobility scooter or power wheelchair, one of the most important (and often overlooked) factors is your vehicle’s hitch type. Choosing the right hitch ensures safe transport, prevents damage to your vehicle or mobility device, and guarantees a smoother installation process.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the different hitch types and why it matters when buying a vehicle lift.

---

What Is a Vehicle Hitch?

A hitch is the connector mounted to the rear of your car, SUV, or van that allows towing or mounting accessories like a mobility lift. Mobility lifts attach directly to this hitch, so understanding what kind your vehicle has (or needs) is crucial.

---

The 3 Main Hitch Classes (and Which One You Need)

Class I Hitch

• Towing Capacity: Up to 2,000 lbs

• Tongue Weight Capacity: Up to 200 lbs

• Common on: Small sedans and compact cars

• Compatible with: Some lightweight scooters and manual chairs only

⚠️ Most vehicle lifts require a stronger hitch than this. 

---

Class II Hitch

• Towing Capacity: Up to 3,500 lbs

• Tongue Weight Capacity: Up to 350 lbs

• Common on: Larger sedans, crossovers, and small SUVs

• Compatible with: Lifts for lighter power chairs and travel scooters

🟡 This may work for you — but always double-check weight limits.

---

Class III Hitch (Most Recommended)

• Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs

• Tongue Weight Capacity: Up to 500 lbs

• Common on: Full-size SUVs, trucks, and minivans

• Compatible with: Most standard vehicle lifts and full-size mobility devices

✅ Best choice for most mobility lift installations.

---

Why the Right Hitch Matters

1. Weight Safety
   Every hitch has a tongue weight limit. If your lift and device exceed it, you risk damaging your vehicle, the lift, or both.

2. Device Compatibility
   Heavy-duty scooters or power wheelchairs usually require a lift that needs a Class III hitch. Using the wrong hitch can void warranties or make transport unsafe.

3. Smooth Installation
   Knowing your hitch class helps our team or installer recommend the right lift and avoid delays or return issues.
   
   

---

What If Your Vehicle Doesn’t Have the Right Hitch?

No problem. A professional can install or upgrade your hitch to a higher class — usually a straightforward process at a local trailer, U-Haul, or auto service center. Be sure to request a hitch with the right weight capacity for your mobility device and lift.

---

Still Not Sure Which Hitch You Have?

Call us at 888-413-8994 — our product experts can guide you through checking your hitch or help you find a compatible vehicle lift based on your car and device model.