Hitch, Wiring & Related Towing Parts for 2017 Honda CR-V AWD Touring

Question:

Good morning! Im purchasing a hitch for a 2017 CR-V AWD Touring with hands-free auto tailgate. Im considering the Draw-Tite Class III Hitch 76128 and T-One Harness 118741. I know the CR-V is tow rated at only 1500 lbs but consider the Class III hitch added insurance.inch My questions are: 1. Which drawbar and ball do you recommend? 2. Do you know if this hitch interferes with the hands-free tailgate sensor located at the center and slightly forward of the rear bumper the Honda OE hitch requires relocation of the sensor. 3. Are there any issues due to current draw differences between the CR-V LED tail lamps and conventional incandescent trailer lamps. Thank you for your help!

asked by: John D

Expert Reply:

When a vehicle like your 2017 Honda CR-V AWD Touring has both `1-1/4-inch Class II and 2-inch Class III hitches available I always recommend the 2-inch option. The larger hitch does NOT give your car more capacity to tow but the 2-inch hitch size is much more common and you will be able to find more products that fit this hitch size. As you say, it also gives you safety margin or a bit of "insurance". I recommend Draw-Tite hitch # 76128.

The hitch will likely block the center-positioned lift gate sensor so using this feature just means you will want to use the other sensors placed to the sides. Many vehicles have multiple sensors but I have heard of some late model CR-Vs having only one. In this case you may lose the functionality.

For a 4-pole wiring harness you can use Tekonsha kit # 118741 which offers plug-in installation. Since this harness does not connect at your taillights there is no concern about power draw for LED versus incandescent lights.

A popular ball mount for the CR-V is part # 2753 which offers either 2-3/4-inches of rise or 4-inches of drop. If you need different rise or drop to keep the trailer level when hitched you can refer to the linked article. Choose a hitch ball that matches the coupler size on your trailer and that has the shank diameter and length required for your chosen ball mount.

expert reply by: Adam R