Is A 1.25 or 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver Best For My Honda Odyssey

Question:

Hello, I’m looking to buy my first hitch for our 2011 Honda Odyssey. I’ve found a few in a similar ones on your site, but don’t know if I should get 2” vs 1.25”, Class II vs Class III, etc. I’ll be using it for cargo/bike rack, maybe some yard equipment, and maybe an occasional utility trailer for mulch, moving, etc. I won’t be trailing a boat or a camper. Can you offer some advice on what do look for? Here’s what I found: Draw Tite 2” Class III, #75270 Curt 1.25” Class II, #C12031 Curt 2” Class III, #C13068

asked by: Brian C

Helpful Expert Reply:

When choosing a trailer hitch for your 2011 Honda Odyssey, picking a hitch that is 2" will allow you to utilize the maximum towing capacity allowed by your Odyssey. A Class III hitch like Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75270 is more studier than a Class II hitch # C12031. When it comes to choosing products to carry, such as a cargo, bike rack or trailer accessories there are more products to choose from that fit a Class III trailer hitch with a 2" receiver rather than a Class II with a 1-1/4" hitch receiver.

I recommend Draw Tite 2” Class III, # 75270 over the Curt 2” Class III, # C13068 because # 75270 does not require a support strap for non-trailer loads like bike racks and cargo racks. When installing Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75270, there is no drilling required for installation.

The Thule Hitching Post Pro Folding Tilting 4 Bike Rack w Anti-Sway # TH934XTR has dual arms to provide your bikes with excellent support during transport. The arms provide plenty of space for you to slide and rotate the anti-sway cradles for perfect bike positioning, and they conveniently fold down for storage when not in use with the simple pull of a pin. Also for easy access to your vehicle's rear cargo area, the Hitching Post Pro mast tilts forward away from your vehicle. Simply pull a pin at the base to release the mast. This rack fits a total of 4 bikes with a weight capacity of 35 lbs per bike.

If you'll be transporting women's bikes or bikes with sharply-angled top tubes, you might also consider a frame adapter bar like part # 64005.

The 24x60 Curt Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches # C18151 has the ability to fold up or tilt up closer towards to the rear of the vehicle. This allows for a compact storage and also reduces the length added to the vehicle, so if you wanted to keep the cargo basket installed onto your vehicle and pull right into your garage, it's just going to prevent you from having to take it on and off to pull into your garage.

If towing a trailer you will need 4-way Flat Trailer Connector # # HM11143114. The purpose of this item is to control and allow the basic hookup of the three lighting functions (running, turn, and brake lights) plus one pin is provided for a ground wire. Most standard light duty trailers will use a 4-pole flat connector.

Check your owners manual, in my experience when using a Honda Odyssey to tow, the manual requires using a supplemental cooler. One of our most popular transmission coolers is the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets, # D13502. This fan measures 11" Wide x 7-1/4" tall x 7/8" deep. if you have enough room to mount this cooler, this would be a great option for you.

The ideal location for a transmission cooler is where it can get the maximum airflow in front of the AC condenser. If there isn't room there the next best location is between the condenser and the radiator and the last place is behind the radiator. The cooler installs on the transmission return line.

The etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches 7,500 lbs # 989900 is an excellent product to consider. It includes two ball mounts, two hitch balls and pin & clips. If your hitch or trailer has a different towing capacity, if you contact me back, I can make tailored recommendations according to those specifications.