Recommended Class III Hitch and 5-Bike Hanging Rack for 2012 Honda Odyssey

Question:

I am trying to choose between the Class III Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch and the Curt for my 2012 Odyssey. The descriptions all say the capacity for towing and tongue is 3,500 and 350 respectively, however the specs for the Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch are greater, while the Curt matches these numbers. I will mainly use it for a bike rack and 5 bicycles. Im leaning toward the Curt but I dont want to regret it if it does not have the same capacity. Does the Curt have the same capacity, even though it uses less bolts? Thanks

asked by: Todd

Expert Reply:

Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch brands are sister companies and their Class III hitches that fit your 2012 Honda Odyssey, parts # 75270 and 87479, are essentially identical apart from branding. Both of these 2-inches hitches offer a substantial tongue weight (TW) rating of 675-lbs, nearly double that of the Curt # C13068 which is rated for 350-lbs of TW. These ratings are based on not just the number of mounting holes. By the way, Curt # C13068 has 5 mounting holes while Hidden Hitch 87479 uses 6.

When you factor in the lower prices of the Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch options, that definitely makes 87479 the preferred choice for use with a 5-bike hitch-mount rack. A video and a helpful article are linked to help you with your hitch install.

To transport 5 bikes you'll need a 5-bike hanging style carrier like the Thule Apex XT 5 Bike Rack # TH9026XT. I recommend this rack because it provides plenty of clearance at the back of the Odyssey and its long arms mean easier bike loading. The Apex XT includes locks for both the rack itself and for your 5 loaded bikes. The linked video illustrates.

If you have any bikes that do not have a horizontal top frame tube, such as alternate-design types and some women's and kids' bikes, you can use adapter bar # UB01 to enable loading on the carrier.

All 5-bike hitch racks are linked for reference.