Comparing OEM/Factory and Aftermarket Trailer Hitches for 2019 Honda Odyssey

Question:

Looking at a 2019 Honda Odyssey and wondering how the factory hitch would compare to an aftermarket model like what you have. Is there a difference? Any issue or drop-off with doing aftermarket?

asked by: Wyatt

Expert Reply:

Typically (at least up until now) the biggest benefit of a factory trailer hitch was that they tended to have a more hidden design, thus providing an overall cleaner appearance at the rear of the vehicle for a "from-the-factory" look.

The good news though is that aftermarket trailer hitch manufacturers are catching up to this and you can now get this same design on most vehicles. For your 2019 Honda Odyssey the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch # 76170 is a great example of this. This hitch has a hidden crosstube so that only the 2" receiver is visible at the rear (see attached images) and it will line right up to existing holes in the frame rails for a simple bolt-on (no drilling) installation.

There isn't a drop-off at all when choosing to go with an aftermarket unit like this one over a factory model, in fact it's often much easier on the wallet and generally the capacity/strength on an aftermarket hitch is higher. I have included a full installation video below that you can also use for reference.

expert reply by: Chris R