Recommended Trailer Hitch for Carrying 4 Bike Rack with 2008 Honda Odyssey
Question:
Hi, I have a 2008 Honda Odyssey and I need some guidance on which hitch to purchase. I will be attaching a 4 bike Thule rack to this hitch. Thanks so much for your recommendation.
asked by: Nicola G
Expert Reply:
There are Class II and Class III hitches available for your Odyssey. When the choice is available, I recommend going with the Class III, because there's a much better selection of hitch accessories like bike racks and cargo carriers available. There's not much in the way of a price differential between the two, so you might as well get the Class III.
I'd recommend the Draw-Tite Class III, part # 75270. This hitch will be an excellent choice for a Thule 4-bike rack. I'll link you to the installation instructions as well as to an install video that you'll likely find helpful. Curt makes a great hitch, but the Class II model you looked at would have a more limited selection of accessories available, plus Curt's warranty requirements require that a stabilizing strap like part # 18050 be used. The strap doesn't work very well on the Odyssey, due to the spoiler at the top of the cargo hatch.
If you don't already have a bike rack, I can highly recommend the Thule Hitching Post Pro, part # TH934XTR. The Hitching Post Pro is a nicely priced rack the provides features like anti-sway cradles and an anti-rattle hitch pin to keep the rack from moving around in the receiver.
If you'll be transporting women's bikes or bikes with sharply-angled top tubes, you might also consider a frame adapter bar like part # 64005. The bar spans the distance between the handlebar gooseneck and the seat post, which provides a secondary attachment point for the bike rack. This allows the bike to be carried level, which maximizes ground clearance.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Tie Down Straps
- CURT
more information >
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 675 lbs TW
- 4500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 675 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: How to Clean Weld Nuts for the Installation of a Trailer Hitch | etrailer.com
- Q&A: Comparing The etrailer And Curt Trailer Hitches For A 2023 Toyota Sienna
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt and etrailer Hitches for a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek
- Article: Frequently Asked Questions About Transmission Coolers
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Anti-Rattle Devices
- Q&A: Can I Use a 4 Way Vehicle Connector with 7 Way Adapter and the Curt Echo Brake Controller?
- Q&A: Comparing the Universal Installation Kit # ETBC7 and the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit # ETBC7L
- Q&A: How To Install a 7-Way Trailer Connector On a 2016 Honda Odyssey
- Q&A: Can 2009 Honda Odyssey Tow 2,000 Pound Loaded Camper