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Last updated: September 2026
A trailer hitch is the receiver that bolts to your vehicle’s frame so you can tow a trailer or carry a hitch bike rack or cargo carrier. Almost every hitch is made for specific vehicles, so the “best” one is the one built for your make, model and year, with a class rating that matches what you want to tow. This guide explains hitch classes and shows six picks from established brands (B&W, Reese, Husky Towing and CURT), including a ball mount and a hitch lock.
How we chose: this is a comparison based on Amazon listing titles, brand and stated fitment, not hands-on testing. Towing is safety-critical. Your safe limit is set by several ratings (the hitch, the ball mount and ball, your vehicle’s towing capacity and tongue weight, and your trailer), so stay within every one of them.
Quick Picks: Trailer Hitches and Accessories
- Honda CR-V (2017-2024): B&W Class 3 hitch, 2″ receiver (RH610117BW)
- Tesla Model Y (2021-2022): Reese 84430 Class 3 hitch, 2″ receiver
- Toyota Grand Highlander (2024-2026): Husky Towing 69669C Class 3 hitch
- Chevy Trailblazer / Buick Encore GX: CURT 13584 Class 3 hitch
- Ball mount: CURT 45036 loaded ball mount (2″ drop)
- Security: CURT 23021-KA keyed-alike hitch lock
Trailer Hitch Classes Explained
| Class | Typical receiver | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 1-1/4″ | Light loads, bike racks and small cargo carriers on cars and small crossovers |
| Class 2 | 1-1/4″ | Small trailers and heavier accessories |
| Class 3 | 2″ | The most common SUV and pickup hitch: utility, boat and camper trailers |
| Class 4 | 2″ | Heavier towing on trucks and large SUVs |
| Class 5 | 2″ or 2-1/2″ | Heavy-duty trucks |
Class ranges vary by manufacturer. What counts is the exact rating on your hitch’s label and in its listing, plus your vehicle’s towing capacity in the owner’s manual.
Trailer Hitch Comparison
| Product | Type | Fit (per listing) |
|---|---|---|
| B&W RH610117BW | Class 3 hitch, 2″ receiver | 2017-2024 Honda CR-V |
| Reese 84430 | Class 3 hitch, 2″ receiver | 2021-2022 Tesla Model Y |
| Husky Towing 69669C | Class 3 hitch, 2″ receiver | 2024-2026 Toyota Grand Highlander |
| CURT 13584 | Class 3 hitch, 2″ receiver | Select Trailblazer, Encore GX |
| CURT 45036 | Loaded ball mount | 2″ drop (check shank size) |
| CURT 23021-KA | Hitch lock | 5/8″ pin, 2″, 2-1/2″ or 3″ receiver |
Best Trailer Hitches by Vehicle
1. B&W Class 3 Trailer Hitch (Honda CR-V, 2017-2024)
- Easy Install & Custom Fit: Designed just for your 2017-2024 Honda CR-V, this kit comes with everything you need—hitch be…
- Strong & Versatile: Ready to tow up to 4,500 lbs. of gross trailer weight and 675 lbs. of tongue weight, this hitch is r…
- Built to Last: Made from heavy-duty steel with a precision welded construction, this hitch is engineered and tested to S…
Bottom line: A Class 3 hitch with a 2″ receiver, listed for 2017-2024 Honda CR-V models. B&W is a well-known American towing brand.
What to know: A 2″ receiver fits most hitch bike racks and cargo carriers, but the CR-V’s own towing capacity is what limits the trailer you can pull. Check your owner’s manual.
2. Reese 84430 Class 3 Trailer Hitch (Tesla Model Y, 2021-2022)
- 2 in. Square Receiver Tube Opening
- Rated Up To 3,500 lbs. Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) And Up To 525 lbs. Tongue Weight (TW)
- All Hitches Are Designed For Customers With Trucks, Vans, And Sport Utility Vehicles
Bottom line: A black Class 3 hitch with a 2″ receiver, listed for 2021-2022 Tesla Model Y. Reese is one of the longest-established hitch brands.
What to know: Some Model Ys already have a factory tow hitch. Check yours before ordering, and confirm the model year range on the listing.
3. Husky Towing 69669C Class 3 Trailer Hitch (Toyota Grand Highlander, 2024-2026)
- VEHICLE SPECIFIC DESIGN: Manufactured With A Vehicle-Specific Design For A Custom Fit
- PRECISION WELDED: Precisely-Welded For Superior Strength And Fit
- SPECIALLY TREATED FOR RUST PROTECTION: Co-Cured In A Rust-Resistant Liquid Bonderite Coating
Bottom line: A Class 3 hitch with a 2″ receiver, listed for 2024-2026 Toyota Grand Highlander with a 5,000 lb weight carrying capacity and 500 lb tongue weight.
What to know: Those are the hitch’s ratings. Your Grand Highlander’s own towing capacity may be lower, and it’s the lowest applicable limit that counts.
4. CURT 13584 Class 3 Trailer Hitch (Trailblazer, Encore GX)
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 525 lbs. tongue weight (limited…
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a …
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engi…
Bottom line: A CURT Class 3 hitch with a 2″ receiver, listed for select Chevy Trailblazer and Buick Encore GX models. CURT is one of the biggest names in aftermarket hitches.
What to know: “Select” means some trims or years may not fit. Check the listing’s fitment tool for your exact vehicle.
Hitch Accessories
5. CURT 45036 Loaded Ball Mount (2″ Drop)
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH – Rated to tow 7,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 750 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offer…
- VERSATILE USE – This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 2-inch x 2-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard …
- READY TO TOW – Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-att…
Bottom line: A loaded ball mount, listed at 7,500 lb with a 2″ drop. Check the listing’s shank size against your receiver. A “loaded” mount comes with a ball already installed.
What to know: Choose the drop (or rise) that keeps your trailer level, and make sure the ball size matches your trailer’s coupler. Our trailer hitch balls guide explains ball sizes.
6. CURT 23021-KA Keyed-Alike Hitch Lock
- DEPENDABLE SECURITY — To protect your trailer and trailer hitch ball mount from theft, this locking hitch pin is made wi…
- EASY TO OPERATE — This deadbolt-style locking hitch pin has a heavy-duty look to deter theft, and uses a simple 1/4-turn…
- VERSATILE — With a 5/8-inch diameter pin, this receiver hitch lock fits virtually any 2-inch, 2-1/2-inch or 3-inch hitch…
Bottom line: A 5/8″ locking hitch pin that fits 2″, 2-1/2″ or 3″ receivers, keyed alike. It helps stop someone from pulling out your ball mount, bike rack or cargo carrier.
What to know: Check that your receiver takes a 5/8″ pin. Class 1 and 2 hitches with 1-1/4″ receivers usually use a 1/2″ pin.
Who a Trailer Hitch Is NOT For
- Anyone planning to tow beyond their vehicle’s rating: a bigger hitch doesn’t raise your vehicle’s towing capacity.
- DIYers without the right tools or confidence: hitches bolt to the frame and need correct torque. A hitch shop can install one quickly.
How to Choose a Trailer Hitch
Match your vehicle
Use the listing’s fitment details for your make, model, year and trim. Some vehicles also need a bumper fascia trim or heat shield adjustment.
Pick the right class and receiver
For towing, match the hitch class to your trailer’s weight and your vehicle’s capacity. For bike racks and cargo carriers, a 2″ receiver gives you the most choice.
Plan the wiring
To tow a trailer you’ll need wiring for its lights. Some hitch listings include a custom wiring harness; others don’t.
Think beyond towing
A hitch also opens up hitch bike racks and hitch cargo carriers. For heavier trailers on a truck, see our weight distribution hitch and gooseneck hitch guides.
Hauling a dirt bike instead? See our best motorcycle carrier guide, including the tongue weight math.
Leaving gear in your hitch? Compare receiver and coupler locks in our best hitch lock guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size trailer hitch do I need?
For most SUVs and crossovers, a Class 3 hitch with a 2″ receiver is the most versatile. Always stay within your vehicle’s towing capacity.
Can I install a trailer hitch myself?
Many bolt on using existing frame holes, but they must be torqued correctly. If you’re unsure, have a hitch shop install it.
Does a trailer hitch increase towing capacity?
No. Your vehicle’s towing capacity is set by the manufacturer. The hitch rating is just one limit among several.
Do I need a hitch lock?
If you leave a ball mount, bike rack or cargo carrier in the receiver, a locking pin helps deter theft.
What’s the difference between a hitch receiver and a ball mount?
The receiver is the square tube bolted to your vehicle. The ball mount slides into it and holds the hitch ball.
Final Thoughts
Choose a trailer hitch made for your exact vehicle first. The B&W, Reese, Husky Towing and CURT hitches above cover the CR-V, Model Y, Grand Highlander and Trailblazer/Encore GX. Then add the right ball mount and a hitch lock, and always tow within the lowest rating that applies.
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