The best Towing Hitch Receivers: Reddit reviews

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

Just a tip for anyone who plans to attempt this. Do not use a tow ball to pull anything like this the way he showed in the video. Those trailer balls aren't designed to work like that and they can suddenly snap off, and become a projectile. There is an actual towing clevis you can install into your receiver that allows you to attach a strap that is way safer.

Smittybilt 29312B Receiver Hitch D-Ring with 3/4-Inch Shackle for 2-Inch Receivers https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001CF1A7O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_gxnlCbRVE17JK

Same product but sold in freedom units: ~~https://amazon.com/dp/B001CF1A7O/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_5171374337?_encoding=UTF8&%2AVersion%2A=1&%2Aentries%2A=0&ie=UTF8~~

/Edit thanks to u/watada below. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CF1A7O

I kind of love one * reviews on that screen: "the minute you get on the highway it blows away" , lol. No shit.

It's still not as funny as Q&As on another inventive product: "does it come with a seatbelt? No. I don't think you're supposed to use it while in transit."

Well for some of us the trade-off of not having the gear tunnel is that we'll gain a third row.

Also if you really want the built-in seat you could get as R1S and one of these. /s

Increasing hitch classes doesn't increase anything on that vehicle other than the size of the mount, so I'd recommend you stick with the OE hitch if you're comfortable with it and use a hitch adapter on it.

An additional benefit is the OE 1.25" hitch doesn't protrude down below the rear valance panel as much as a 2" will.

This Curt from Amazon. I bought it because it just holds up bikes, it doesn't have to be fancy. I got it with Prime shipping in 2 days. I installed it with a friend in 15 minutes. You have to drop the exhaust temporarily, but there's no cutting or other BS required.

The Kuat Transfer doesn't block the rear camera much, even when folded up. With 2 bikes on it, you can't see much, but it's still better than no backup camera. I just used my Mk7 as the SAG vehicle at my bike team training camp, and it did great.

I have a Curt class 3 trailer hitch with 2” receiver. I ordered it on Amazon and installed myself.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075XSZ9SM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_C1G7HYTRGX5YPT18G1YW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Bitch route? LOL...

This is the one I got, but I have a 2016.5. You'd need to check the Curt PNs to see which one you need. The chassis changed in 2017, so if you have a newer model, you probably need a different one than what I got.

I just installed the CURT hitch ($180 on amazon) myself last weekend. You don't need to cut into your bumper, it goes below it. So, you do loose 203" on clearance, but I don't mind that. Cutting the bumper seemed like too much hassle for me.

Lessons I learned.

• You will want three people, two to hold the hitch in place, and third to guide, bend the plastic bumper, and insert the screws.
• You will also want relatively long >18" wrench 19mm size to tighten the screws properly. It requires quite high torque 86 ft-lbs. I would recommend renting a torque wrench
• Careful with sockets, they don't fit on the passenger side screws. You will want a Tight clearance offset socket (McMaster). If you do go with this one, you'll need 3/8" square socket driver wrench.

I also bought the Kuat Transfer V2, 2-bike hitch mount platform rack for my mountain bikes :) Were you thinking of any specific bike rack?

You really don't want to use this kind of adapter, if that's what you are thinking of. These move the rack hitch quite a ways from the hitch, seriously increasing the force on the hitch itself and your car's suspension.

The 1Up racks, where the 1-1/4" to 2" adapter makes the normal rack part wider -- without moving the rack out -- is a much better choice.

Hitches are the way to go! Im currently using the Curt 11412 hitch on my '19 gti. I had a curt hitch on my veloster and it served me well. Amazon will state this will not fit on the '19 gti's but i confirmed on curt's site that i will in fact fit. Installed without any issues!

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0133WU3K8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here is a picture. I went with a hitch by Curt. Here is the link to the hitch on Amazon.

It's same part number -- 13315.. UHaul shows on their site manufacturer's part number (13315) as well as UHaul part number (CMF13315).. so it's a Curt :) it's this one:

https://www.amazon.com/CURT-13315-Trailer-2-Inch-Receiver/dp/B071S18BY2

PS. Last time I did a DIY, so I understand what's involved.. was happy to pay $60 to watch LOL

CURT 13315 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Fits Select Mazda CX-5 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071S18BY2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4CE8CQRVX9804NA6H1NP

Its the Curt 13315 price went up to $155 but still cheaper than e trailer which has it for $172 I think.

I tow a 4x6' utility trailer occasionally for home improvement store runs and moving large items around.

Here is exactly what I bought last year for mine, and I installed it myself with the help of my dad in around 45 minutes.

Hitch

Wiring Harness

The wiring harness plugs in to the left rear wall of the cargo area under the plastics. I just run the cord out the hatch door with some slack and close the hatch and have had no issues.

https://odditymall.com/portable-car-tire-toilet or Bumper Dumper The Original Hitch Mountable Portable Toilet (Made In USA) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006IVN03O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JVJCS5Q81XBQQJKE68X1

I don't know about all of them, but you can pretty much buy an adapter to go 1.25" -> 2" very cheap.

Here's an example from a big name in hitches.

I bought the Curt #13382 from Amazon and did the install myself. I was NOT able to finagle the hitch into place without very slightly jacking up the car an inch or so on both sides, and I needed a second hand to help position the it.

The dealer quoted $365 for the Subaru OEM hitch, plus $437 for labor (crazy expensive). If I brought in the Curt hitch myself, it would just be $437 for labor. My local trusted mechanic quoted install cost as one hour of labor, or $80.

I went with the Curt aftermarket hitch on my 2021 R4Prime. It was a pretty easy DIY. The bolt holes are already there. I just had to remove the factory tow hook (remove 2 13mm bolts, and it just falls off in your hand) unhook the rubber exhaust hangar to drop the exhaust a bit, remove a couple of stickers that cover the bolt holes, 4 bolts in and it all goes together easy peasy. You don't even have to jack the car up. It took me about 45 minutes, but 20 minutes of that was me wasting time trying to install it without unhooking the exhaust rubber hangar.

$162 on Amazon right now....

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R2YPVHN/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

2”

CURT 13315 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Compatible with Select Mazda CX-5 https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B071S18BY2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_8HZXDVCA2MSF8KCQVVM4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

They are available on etrailer too, but at the time, Amazon was a bit cheaper and faster shipping. CURT 13416 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Compatible with Select Toyota RAV4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R2YPVHN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_RGAN1J0DQJNNEQWZC2HT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I installed a hitch myself with help from my father in under 45 minutes. I got this Curt hitch for like $140 delivered:

Hitch

I got this bike rack and it holds both my SO and I's bike just fine and the price is very good for the quality. There is a significant jump after the $100 bike racks. We have about 2k invested in two bikes and I wasn't really willing to spend 4-500 to get a thule or yakama bike rack when the amazon one does everything the cheaper one does.

rack

This is what I use. I have a 12ft fiberglass canoe and I load it with this pretty easily. I am not that tall of a guy either and don't think a normal rack would work when I go out by myself. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0024FOTOW/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_PE8S9MAXCDHMSMX2PKB7

Yes Curt sells a hitch for the Mk7. That's what I've got and a hitch rack. It works great and was easy to install.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0133WU3K8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_243MEJ11WC7RA4R0M26Y

That's the one I got from Amazon. Plus a Prorack which I don't see listed anymore.

I installed a hitch myself with help from my father in under 45 minutes. I got this hitch for like $140 delivered:

Hitch

I got this bike rack and it holds both my SO and I's bike just fine and the price is very good for the quality.

rack

Autocorrect. I meant the Curt hitch. CURT 13315 Class 3 Trailer Hitch,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071S18BY2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It’s extremely well built and very simple to install. Can be a little finicky and might take an hour but all of the steps are very straightforward and simple. And it’s almost perfectly hidden when installed. The only part you can see is the end of the receiver so it looks factory!

That said the do make bike racks that use straps to attach to a hatch that could be a good cheaper option that wouldn’t require a hitch.

I just installed the CURT hitch ($180 on amazon) myself last weekend. I haven't done the wiring harness. I would say if you are able to get it all done for $300-$350 at uHaul, its definitely worth it.

Lessons I learned.

• You will want three people, two to hold the hitch in place, and third to guide, bend the plastic bumper, and insert the screws.
• You will also want relatively long >18" wrench 19mm size to tighten the screws properly. It requires quite high torque 86 ft-lbs. I would recommend renting a torque wrench
• Careful with sockets, they don't fit on the passenger side screws. You will want a Tight clearance offset socket (McMaster). If you do go with this one, you'll need 3/8" square socket driver wrench.

>2017 Subaru Crosstrek

It does seem like you need to file down one of the bolt holes but I don't think it requires any power tools and seems fairly straight forward:

https://www.amazon.com/CURT-13135-Trailer-Receiver-Crosstrek/dp/B00AN2L0TU/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3IVGJTDC0SPHK&dchild=1&keywords=2017+subaru+crosstrek+hitch&qid=1620061837&replacementKeywords=hitch&sprefix=2017+Subaru+Crosstrek+hitch%2Caps%2C215&sr=8-5&vehicle=2017-13-25151------------&vehicleName=2017+Subaru+Crosstrek

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They make a toilet that attaches to trailer hitch. A curtain is simple. Bumper Dumper The Original Hitch Mountable Portable Toilet (Made in USA) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006IVN03O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_S2200E1WKYQH9TQ4T04A