Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2004 Toyota Camry for 3-Bike Rack and Towing

Question:

Hi, I plan to order and install a hitch on a 2004 Camry SE myself. The choices on your site are Draw-Tite Class 1 #24715, Draw-Tite Class 2 #36336, and Curt Class 2 #C12339. The main use will be for a hitch bike rack with 3 bicycles, which I estimate to weigh 150-175 lbs. in total. It may also pull a canoe trailer in the future and I estimate that to be well under 1000 lbs. in total. My first question is, can the weight limits be handled safely by the Class 1 2000 lbs./200 lbs. hitch or is the safe weight limit of the hitch half the stated amounts? My second question is, how likely are the Class 2 hitches to drag on the ground as you go over speed bumps or steep inclines? Im unable to tell from the pictures if any part of the Class 2 hitch sits lower than the muffler. So far, Ive not had any part of the car touch ground going over speed bumps or steep inclines. Thank you for your time and would appreciate any advice you can give me.

asked by: Adam W

Helpful Expert Reply:

Thank you for all of the details, it sounds like you've really been doing your research!

I recommend going with the Class II Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C12339 2004 Toyota Camry for a few reasons; the Curt hitches tend to have a thicker powder coat so the metal is better protected against the elements, and it has the Class II rating which is needed for any bike rack carrying more than 2 bikes. Class I hitches are weaker so adding more weight further away from the receiver (like with a 3 bike rack) can cause damage.

From what I'm seeing it looks like the bracket part of the hitch that has the dip in it to fit around your exhaust will hang a little lower than your exhaust but the crosstube shouldn't be lower than the exhaust so you should be fine on clearance. I recommend using a hanging-style bike rack like the Yakima BackRoad 4 Bike Rack # YA44FR.

To tow your trailer you'll also need a wiring kit like the Curt T-Connector # C55308 and a Ball Mount # C45014, Pin and Clip # F-4, and hitch ball like the 1-7/8" # A-80 or 2" # C40018.

Attached are some videos for you to check out.