Best Trailer Hitch Review Guide For 2023-2024
Best Trailer Hitch Review Guide For 2023-2024 – A trailer hitch comes in handy when you least expect it. It can be used to haul trailers, but you can also attach other useful accessories, such as bike racks. The best trailer hitch needs to fulfill your needs. It also needs to be versatile enough to provide you with the best value for your money. Let’s check out the best trailer hitches and what they can do in our Best Trailer Hitch Review Guide For 2023-2024!
Best Trailer Hitch Buyers Guide For 2023-2024
What is a Trailer Hitch?
A trailer hitch is a unit that helps you attach trailers or other accessories to your vehicle. Therefore, a trailer hitch is defined as the connector between the vehicle and the trailer. It provides a coupling point where you can hook up your trailer or other accessories.
You might also find it called a tow hitch, which is simply another term for a trailer hitch. All types of trailer hitches are designed for special purposes, and they have ratings for specific weight capacities. Because there are different types of trailer hitches, they can be made of different components.
What Class Trailer Hitch Do I Need?
The class refers to the size of the trailer hitch. There are 5 classes, ranging from I to V, and they range from the lowest capacity to the highest capacity. Therefore, it is important to decide what kind of weight you need to support in order to decide which one is the best for you.
They are classified as follows:
- Class I has a receiver tube of 1.25”. This class has a gross trailer weight of 2,000 lbs. and tongue weight capacity of 200 lbs.
- Class II has a receiver tube of 1.25”. This class has a gross trailer weight of 3,500 lbs. and tongue weight capacity of 350 lbs.
- Class III has a receiver tube of 2”. This class has a gross trailer weight of 3,500-6,000 lbs. and tongue weight capacity of 350-600 lbs.
- Class IV has a receiver tube of 2”. This class has a gross trailer weight of 6,000-10,000 lbs. and tongue weight capacity of 600-1,000 lbs.
- Class V has a receiver tube of 2.5”. This class has a gross trailer weight of over 10,000 lbs. and tongue weight capacity of 1,000-1,200 lbs.
How to Choose a Trailer Hitch:
Here is how you should choose the best trailer hitch for your needs:
Class:
According to the classification above, make sure you choose the one that suits your needs. For instance, class I is often used with compact cars, while class V can handle full-sized cars, SUVs, and pick-ups. Choose the right class according to the vehicle size and load weights.
Weight:
Apart from claCURT 45056ss, the weight feature regards the amount of weight the trailer hitch can carry. The tow receiver has its weight covered by the class. You need to ensure that the maximum weight of the ball mount is higher than the gross towing weight of the hitch.
Ball-Type:
There are three main types of ball sizes, so keep in mind that it needs to match the size of the trailer receiver arm. If you tow only one accessory, measure it and get the right size. If you tow different items, go for a ball mount with two or three different ball sizes.
Protective Coatings:
Lastly, protective coatings make sense when you live in a humid climate with a lot of rain, humidity, and snow. Consider purchasing a trailer hitch with protective powder coatings.
Advantages of Investing in a Quality Trailer Hitch:
Here is a short summary of the main advantages of investing in a quality trailer hitch:
No Surprises!
First of all, a quality trailer hitch will not unpleasantly surprise you by breaking after a few miles or a few uses. This is absolutely crucial for the protection of your assets and, more importantly, your and others’ safety. Detached trailers or bike racks and other accessories can have pretty harsh consequences. A high-quality trailer hitch is paramount for your safety.
Durability:
On a similar note, a quality trailer hitch will definitely be durable. Although they will not break the bank, a quality hitch might cost a bit extra. These models also come with protective coatings, which make them more resistant to rust so they have a longer service life. Don’t forget to clean the hitch and maintain it to prolong its life!
Versatility:
Lastly, a high-quality trailer hitch comes with a high degree of versatility. You may use it for different vehicles and with different loads, which means more value for your money.
How to Install a Trailer Hitch:
Here are some guidelines on how to install your new trailer hitch. You might need the help of another person to put the trailer hitch into the right position.
Ensure that emergency brakes are activated.
- Wedge your car’s wheels and jack it up. Jacking the car up is not necessary, but it will help you with some extra working space and you can see better where you are supposed to place the hitch.
- Find the ideal place to attach your torch or working lights, maximizing the brightness in the working area.
- Assess all the nuts, screws, bolts, and all the other components of your vehicle.
- If your car has a spare tire beneath the back, remove it before proceeding with the installation.
- Consult the instructions manual the hitch came with and remove all the screws, bolts, plugs, or nuts that might hinder installation.
- Put the hitch into the right position and align it.
- Once the position is right, install the other hardware the hitch came with.
- Secure the hitch tightly into the position by screwing the nuts.
- Use a torque to tighten the nuts.
Conclusion:
Overall, a trailer hitch can be useful in a myriad of ways. It is good if you want to add some extra accessories or make up for the lack of space inside your own vehicles. It is always a wise choice to have a hitch on hand. Whatever your plan is, a high-quality trailer hitch will make it easier.
People Also Ask:
Here is a short FAQ section regarding trailer hitches. These questions include how weight distribution hitches work, why trailers sway, and whether too much tongue weight leads to increased trailer sway. Let’s dive in!
Do Weight Distribution Hitches Work?
Yes, the weight distribution hitches do work. They alter the point where the load of the trailer is shifted onto the vehicle. This means that the entire tow ball weight of the trailer is placed onto the tow ball.
Why Do Trailers Sway?
Trailer sway is a serious, major concern for most drivers. You are in danger of losing control of your vehicle when this happens. This is especially relevant if you drive with your trailer on a frequent basis for long periods. Trailer sway can be caused by strong wind or passing big rigs, but there are also many other factors that you could fix.
Can Too Much Tongue Weight Cause Trailer Sway?
When the trailer tongue does not have enough weight on it, the trailer might sway from side to side. On the other hand, if there is too much weight on the hitch ball, the force might overload the rear tires of the tow vehicle. This could make the rear end of the vehicle turn around.
CURT 13206 Class 3 Trailer Hitch
This is a class III hitch that provides your vehicle with a 2” x 2” hitch receiver. This permits a wide range of towing alternatives. It is suitable for use with a ball mount, bike rack, tow hook, cargo carrier, and many more. It includes all the necessary hardware for a clean and quick installation.
Product Details:
- Dependable Strength: This trailer hitch is rated for 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 600 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- Versatile Design: This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- Fully Tested: Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- Rust, Chip, UV-Resistant: This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid Bonderite and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- Easy To Install: This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Subaru Outback
Why it Stands Out to Us:
This CURT Class III trailer hitch offers the strength you need for serious towing, particularly for a Subaru Outback. It is versatile enough to go along with a large spectrum of trailers. You can customize your hitch so that it is a perfect fit for your vehicle.
Who Will Use This Most:
This trailer hitch is usually used in towing utility trailers, campers, boat trailers, ATV haulers, snowmobiles, and many others. Because they have a wide height range, you will also find them on full-size cars, minivans, and crossovers. They are constructed with highly precise welding so that they have what it takes for heavy-duty trailering.
Pros:
- High-quality construction
- Easy to install according to instructions
- Thoroughly tested for quality and durability
- Weight capacity between 2,000 and 20,000 lbs.
- Rated for 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 600 lbs.
- Highly durable double coatings for rust, chip, and UV
Cons:
- Some products are sold without instructions
- You need to drill into the frame to fit an anchor in for the actual hitch
Bottom Line:
Overall, this is a high-quality product with a hard, double coating and clean welds. It can be used in all types of environments and temperatures. Plus, it is easy to use once you set it up, and it can be used with a wide range of vehicles for all towing purposes.
CURT 45900 Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
This trailer hitch is great if you are looking for a 2-in-1 deal. It includes anti-rattle features, which is a great relief for many people who appreciate their noiseless trips. It is highly durable and strong, and it can pull between 10,000 and 14,000 lbs.
Product Details:
- Highly Versatile: Adapt your trailer hitch to any towing situation with the highly versatile and easily adjustable design of this adjustable ball mount. The channel-style shank can be flipped to provide up to a 6-inch drop or 5-1/4-inch rise
- Smooth Towing: For a smoother, quieter ride while towing your trailer, this adjustable drop hitch comes with a built-in anti-rattle feature, deterring vibrations, chucking and rattling at the coupling point
- Powerful Build: Constructed from high-strength steel, this adjustable hitch ball mount is ready to work. The 2-inch ball is rated for a capacity of 10,000 lbs., and the 2-5/16-inch ball for 14,000 lbs
- Precise Fit: This adjustable ball hitch comes with a standard shank to fit virtually any standard 2-inch x 2-inch trailer hitch receiver. It’s perfect for most class 3, class 4 and class 5 hitches
- Weather-Resistant: To protect it against rain, dirt, road grime and salt, this adjustable ball mount is shielded in a durable carbide black powder coat finish, and the dual ball attachment is protected with a corrosion-resistant zinc plating
Why it Stands Out to Us:
The Curt 45900 is a great, quality alternative to our top recommendations. It is extremely versatile, durable, and highly adjustable. You can raise the trailer hitch by 5.25” or drop it by 6”. You can also modify the ball mount to adapt to any towing scenario. It works best with class III, IV and V hitches.
Who Will Use This Most:
If you are frequently working with heavy loads in unfavorable weather conditions, this trailer hitch is all you need. Its protective coating remains intact and withstands all debris, dirt, humidity, rain, and sunshine. The high-quality finish on this hitch truly makes it stand out from the crowd.
Pros:
- Ideal for heavy loads
- Easy to use and install
- Covered in corrosion-resistant, black carbide powder
- Shank is adjustable, offering versatile height adjustments
- Adjustable ball sizes, suitable for different gross trailer weights
Cons:
- Quite heavy for small vehicles
Show Chrome Accessories 52-825 Vertical Receiver Hitch
This product works great according to its buyers. It becomes invisible when the receiver mount is removed because it is made of a vertical receiver and mounts to the frame. It offers great value for the money and works as expected.
Product Details:
- Fits Honda Goldwing 2001-2017
- Vertical Hitch is Essentially Invisible When Mount is Removed
- Chrome 1-7/8″ Ball Included
- All Mounting Hardware Included
- Anti-Chatter Bolt Included to Minimize Trailer Sway
Why it Stands Out to Us:
The Show Chrome Accessories 52-825 is our top recommendation for the owners of a Honda Goldwing made between 2001-2017. It comes with a 1-7/8” chrome ball and all the necessary hardware to get to work straight away. Additionally, it features an anti-chatter bolt that reduces trailer sway.
Who Will Use This Most:
This is our favorite option for possessors of a Honda Goldwing dated between 2001-2017. It comes with all the basic features of a trailer hitch and some extras, too. It becomes virtually invisible when the mount is removed, which retains the original aesthetics of your vehicle. It is easy to install and offers great value for your money.
Pros:
- All needed hardware included
- Comes with a chrome ball of 1-7/8”
- Best option for Honda Goldwing 2001-2017
- Essentially invisible when the mount is removed
- Includes anti-chatter bolt for reduced trailer sway
Cons:
- None
Bottom Line:
Overall, the Show Chrome Accessories hitch is the top choice for the Honda Goldwing. It is a perfect match, made of durable and resistant materials. It includes all the features you need and many more. All the hardware is included, and it suits most moderate budgets.
CURT 17063 MV Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch with Sway Control
This product is extremely durable, and you can easily see its quality from the first use. The heavy-duty construction is also quite bulky, so two people should perform the initial setup. Despite this, once you hit the road, it will exhibit peak performance!
Product Details:
- Level Towing: This weight distribution hitch offers a smoother ride and improved control by distributing the tongue weight of the trailer across the vehicle-trailer combination and leveling the load. It also includes a trailer sway control bar
- Continuous Lubrication: This CURT weight distribution hitch with sway control is equipped with an integrated lubrication system for smooth, quiet towing. The hitch head has two easy-access grease zerk fittings for continuous lubrication
- Reliable Strength: This load-leveling hitch is constructed with a fabricated head and has 31-3/16-inch long forged steel spring bars. It is rated to tow 10,000 to 14,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 1,000 to 1,400 lbs. tongue weight
- Standard Fit: To ensure maximum versatility, this stabilizer hitch comes with a highly adjustable 2-inch shank that fits virtually any industry-standard 2-inch trailer hitch receiver. It also includes a pre-torqued 2-5/16-inch trailer ball
- Corrosion-Resistant: For long-lasting resilience to the elements, this weight distribution hitch with sway control is covered in a durable carbide black powder coat finish
Why it Stands Out to Us:
The CURT 17063 is a heavy-duty weight control hitch that will maintain an equal level between your trailer and your vehicle. It does so by using a portion of the tongue weight on the rest of the vehicle. This ensures that there is not too much pressure on the tongue.
Who Will Use This Most:
If you are looking for steady performance and durability, combined with convenience and long-life, the Curt 17063 is what you need. It is a self-lubricating trailer hitch that contains a grease zerk that continuously lubricates it. This reduces the need for frequent maintenance and prolongs its life.
Pros:
- Attractive price range
- Includes sway control
- Easy installation and use
- Self-lubricating for easier maintenance
- Ideal for multiple uses, heavy-duty construction
- Has sway control and spring bars which add extra strength
Cons:
- Does not have a washer
- Does not have any protective coatings
- Bar length is not suitable in all occasions
Bottom Line:
Overall, the CURT 17063 combines innovation with simplicity to offer one of the best trailer hitches on the market. It comes with all the required components, including a sway control system and a self-lubricating mechanism. The round spring bars are made from steel, which ensures steady performance throughout.
EAZ LIFT 48058 1,000 lbs Elite Kit
The installation of this model is easy since all the parts come already pre-assembled. It is a completely stress-free experience, and the company provides excellent customer service if you have any problems. You might want to adjust the tension before the first use. It is definitely a highly recommended, quality hitch!
Product Details:
- Different models are available
- Has a durable, sturdy construction
- Comes pre-installed and ready to use
- Adjustable hitch kit and sway control included
- Includes pre-installed U-bolts and chain package
- 1,000 lbs. tongue weight capacity and 10,000 lbs. gross trailer weight
Why it Stands Out to Us:
The EAZ LIFT 48058 has multiple features that are highly functional. It has an adjustable hitch ball height on the shank, with multiple holes that allow for maximum 6” vertical adjustments. The bars are made of 100% heavy-duty steel, making it a very solid unit.
Who Will Use This Most:
This product comes with different models, from 600 lbs. to 1,200 lbs. It is highly versatile, and you may choose whichever one suits your needs the best. This hitch is made of fewer parts than other alternatives. Also, it is easier to clean and maintain, especially if you do not have previous experience.
Pros:
- Different models are available
- Has a durable, sturdy construction
- Comes pre-installed and ready to use
- Adjustable hitch kit and sway control included
- Includes pre-installed U-bolts and chain package
- 1,000 lbs. tongue weight capacity and 10,000 lbs. gross trailer weight
Cons:
- Does not include ball
- Tension needs to be adjusted before first use
Bottom Line:
All in all, the EAZ lift trailer hitch is a strong competitor on the market. The company simply knows what ticks the boxes for its customers and offers the best quality products. It offers excellent customer service and a 5-year warranty with your hitch should anything unexpected happen.
Conclusion:
We hope you found our Best Trailer Hitch Review Guide For 2023-2024 helpful.
