Recommended Trailer Hitch for 2005 Honda Pilot

Question:

Hello eTrailer CS: Im looking into purchasing a trailer hitch for my 2005 Honda Pilot and reviewed two model Brands you carry: Curt and Draw Tite Hitch. I have also read all the reviews for each. Here are my questions: 1. Is one a better quality than the other? 2. The Curt has a vertical rise piece above the receiver part whereas the DT does not. Will this interfer with the spare tire on the Curt? 3. The Curt has 2 more bolts in addition to the standard 6 bolts that mount to the frame in existing holes. The DT does not. Is there a significance to these extra bolts? 4. If I install whichever brand I choose to purchase, can a wiring harness be added at a later date without any hassle? I dont think I need one at this time b/c I will be using the hitch for a platform rack and a bike rack. Just dont want to have to do a lot of extra work to add a harness and also dont want to make it look like an afterthought add-on. 5. Do both hitch ends stay well behind the bumper, i.e., dont stick-out where legs can get banged up? Your response to my questions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

asked by: Joe C

Expert Reply:

Both Curt class III trailer hitch, part # 13328 and the Draw-Tite Hitch class III trailer hitch, part # 75599, are quality hitches. But the most popular hitch for your vehicle is the Curt hitch, part # 13328.

Installation is relatively easy, even for a beginner. The Curt receiver simply bolts on to the inside of each frame rail. Both hitches require about 40 minutes of installation time.

The Curt hitch does use two extra screws to attach the center bumper bracket above the receiver behind the bumper beam. This is a decision by the manufacturers of the Curt hitch who decided to give their hitch some extra support, while the Draw-Tite Hitch manufacturers did not. The bracket will not interfere with your spare tire. Not having the bracket does not reduce the capacity of the Draw-Tite Hitch model.

I have included a video of the Curt hitch being installed on a 2005 Honda Pilot for you to check out.

I have also included a photograph showing both hitch receivers on a Honda Pilot. Only the receiver is visible and will be the lowest point of the hitch. The exhaust is lower than the receiver so it will not present a ground clearance problem.

You can purchase the wiring at a later date. If you go with the Curt, I recommend the custom Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector, part # C55336. (See the attached installation instructions.) For a ball mount and hitch balls, I recommend the ball mount kit for 2 inch hitches, part # 989900.

If you go with the Draw-Tite Hitch, you will want custom wiring harness # 118336. I have included a video showing the installation of this harness on a 2006 Pilot. You can use the same ball mount kit, # 989900, for the Draw-Tite Hitch.