Difference Between Square and Round Tube Trailer Hitches for 2018 Honda CR-V

Question:

Hello. I'm looking for a hitch for my 2018 Honda CRV, Class III. I see they look pretty similar but noticed that some have a square tube and another has a rounded tube. Why the difference? Does it matter?

asked by: Ted

Expert Reply:

That is a great question.

There are three Class III trailer hitches available that are confirmed to fit your 2018 Honda CR-V. As you mentioned, the etrailer.com # e98848 and the Curt # C13397 both feature a square crosstube while the Draw-Tite # 76128 has a round crosstube.

In addition to the difference in aesthetics between the two styles a square-tube design will generally be a bit stronger than a round-tube, however all of our hitches are tested (and over-tested) by the manufacturer at their listed capacities. This simply means that if you are looking at a round-tube and square-tube hitch that both feature the same capacities you can be assured that both will work without issue up to their stated limits.

This can be a bit confusing at times because there are definitely cases, such as with your Honda CR-V, where the round-tube option actually has the highest capacity. This simply means that this is where Draw-Tite decided to test and rate the hitch at. Other design factors (such as how the receiver extends directly from the crosstube instead of dropping below it like the square-tube models for your CR-V) can also contribute to its higher capacity.

With all of this in mind I do recommend going with the Draw-Tite Round Tube Receiver Hitch # 76128 because of its sleek round-tube design and higher weight capacities.

I have attached an installation video on the 2018 Honda CR-V that you can also use for reference.