Trailer Hitch and Folding Cargo Carrier Recommendation for a 2012 Honda Odyssey

Question:

I am interested in purchasing a hitch and carrier, and need help on what else will I need to complete the install. I am interested in a carrier that can be folded up when not in use. What do you recommend?

asked by: Seng N

Expert Reply:

Based on your vehicle information, it looks like you are looking for a trailer hitch and cargo carrier for a 2012 Honda Odyssey. If you have a different vehicle let me know.

The trailer hitch I recommend for a 2012 Odyssey is the Draw-Tite Class III Trailer Hitch, # 75270. This is one of our most popular trailer hitches for your vehicle. I attached the installation instructions and an installation video just in case you plan on installing the hitch yourself.

The cargo carrier that I recommend is the Curt 20x59 Cargo Carrier, # C18151. I have attached a video review of this cargo carrier for you to check out. This carrier will not hit your bumper or rear hatch in the folded position and the shank has a 2 inch rise for increased ground clearance. If you will be backing out of or pulling into steep driveways, I strongly recommend folding the carrier before doing so. I have driven an Odyssey with a cargo carrier and due to the vehicle's low ground clearance, you will probably scrape the carrier when it is folded down.

Keep in mind, this carrier around 60 lbs and that weight should be subtracted from the tongue weight rating of your Odyssey when hauling cargo. Honda states that the tongue weight capacity of the Odyssey starts at 350 lbs, but that will decrease as more occupants are added to the vehicle. You can determine your exact tongue weight capacity by following the towing capacity chart in your owners manual under the section titled Towing a Trailer.

If you are interested in another cargo carrier, you will want to keep in mind that the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the rear edge of your bumper is 6 inches with the Hidden Hitch trailer hitch. The carrier must measure more than 6 inches from the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the carrier when folded up to fit without hitting the bumper. This spec is listed on the product page for all of our cargo carriers. I have attached a link to all of our hitch mounted cargo carriers for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H