Comparing Ground Clearance of Class III Trailer Hitches on a 2012 Honda Odyssey

Question:

Hi. Im looking into purchasing either the Draw-Tite 75270, Hidden Hitch 87479 or the Curt 13068 hitch for my 2012 Odyssey. I have a steep driveway so I need ground clearance to avoid scraping the street or my driveway skirt. I saw that you answered another ground clearance question see question posted by Gary B titled: Recommended Hitch with Best Ground Clearance for 2013 Honda Odyssey for a 2013 Odyssey which is the same design as the 2012 where the Curt came in at 12 1/2inch of ground clearance and the other two Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch came in at 12. Question #1 - Correct me if Im wrong, but Im going on the assumption the ground clearance will be the about the same on the 2012 since the 2011-2013 Odysseys are all the same design. Question #2 - After looking at your website pictures of all three hitches installed, it appears the receiving box on the Curt is angled slightly upward. Is this true or is it just the way your pictures were taken? If it is angled slightly upward, does that cause any problems with the installation of a bike rack or cause a bike rack to noticeably lean back toward the tailgate? Just wondering...

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

Your assumption is true; the ground clearances given for the 2013 Honda Odyssey will be the same for your 2012. But if you look at trailer hitch # 75270 the measurement from the ground up to the top of the receiver opening is 11-1/2 inches. I have linked a video that shows this. The Curt hitch # C13068 does measure 13 inches to the top of the receiver, see video.

The Curt hitch does angle up some but it will not have a negative effect on any hitch mounted accessories used or cause any clearance concerns between a bike rack and the rear of the vehicle. I have included a customer-submitted photo showing a bike rack in the Curt hitch and you can see that the rack is level.

If you need a bike rack then one of the most popular options for owner's of the 2012 Honda Odyssey is the Swagman Original # S64400 4-bike rack. This is a good entry-level, basic bike rack. I have linked a video review for you.

expert reply by: Michael H