Does Curt Trailer Hitch For 2018 Acura RDX Require Spacer Blocks & Work With Yakima HoldUp Bike Rack

Question:

Hi- Why are there no spacers needed for the RDX 2013 and up models? The Draw Tite and OEM ones do require a spacer. And as you can seen in the photos, the chassis tube frame is slightly notched on the rear end side of the hitch bolt location, hence the spacer requirements in the Draw Tite and OEM. Also, will a Yakima HoldUp 2s tongue length fit in the this hitch opening such that it wont hit the muffler in other words, is this hitch opening deep enough for the Yakima HoldUp 2? Thanks

asked by: Rov S

Expert Reply:

Spacers are not needed in order to install the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13130 on your 2018 Acura RDX and the reason is Curt decided that the hitch would fit fine without them, even though it will push up against the underneath fascia a bit. This is in contrast to the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75784, which, like you pointed out, does require spacer blocks in order to ensure the hitch wasn't pushing up against that fascia.

Both will work though, and there hasn't been any issues at all with the Curt hitch being installed or used by our customers even though it doesn't require spacers. Additionally, both options do have the needed clearance to be used with the Yakima HoldUp 2-Bike Rack # Y02443.

Either option is going to provide your 2018 Acura RDX a really nice way to carry your bike rack, and if not having those spacers is okay with you then go with the Curt # C13130.

Otherwise, if you're more comfortable knowing the spacers provide that slight extra bit of clearance from the underneath fascia, you certainly won't lose functionality or quality by installing the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75784.