Recommended Hitch for Towing Small Camper with 2013 Honda CR-V
Question:
I own a 2013 Honda CR-V with a towing capacity of 1500 lbs. I am looking at buying a small camping trailer between 1200-1400 lbs. would you recommend a Class 1 or Class 2 hitch? Technically a Class 1 is rated for 2000 lbs but I am wondering if there are advantages to going for a slightly heavier hitch rather than be close to the limit.
asked by: Rich
Expert Reply:
I'd rule out the Class I hitch right from the get-go. Even though the vehicle itself has a relatively low tongue weight capacity, I'd recommend you go for the stronger hitch that's offered with a Class II like the Draw-Tite Class II hitch, part # 36520. The higher tongue weight capacity of the Class II hitch (may be limited by tongue weight capacity of the vehicle, see owner's manual for confirmation) will also come in handy if you'd ever use the hitch for accessories like a hitch mounted bike rack or a cargo carrier like part # C18110.
To complete your towing set-up, you'd also need the following parts:
Ball mount, part # 36051
1-7/8 inch trailer ball, part # 19256 or 2 inch ball, part # 19258
Trailer wiring harness with 4-pole trailer connector, part # 118561
Keep in mind that towing right at or below the maximum capacity of your vehicle can be hard on the transmission. Installing a transmission cooler would provide inexpensive protection for your transmission.
The # D13502 would be an excellent choice for the transmission cooler. The cooler would install directly behind the grille, in front of the A/C condenser and radiator. The cooler would tap into the return line that sends the transmission fluid from the radiation back to the transmission.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 5/8" Rise, 1-1/4" Drop - 7" Long - 3.5K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 3/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 1 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 300 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
19x47 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 300 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Fixed Carrier
- 20 Inch Wide
- Standard Duty
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 48 Inch Long
- Class I
- Class II
- Class III
- Class IV
- Steel
- CURT
more information >
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 7-1/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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