Best towing hitches according to redditors

http://smile.amazon.com/Bumper-Dumper-Original-Mountable-Portable/dp/B006IVN03O

Personally prefer the trailer hitch edition. How can you go wrong with one called "The Bumper Dumper"?

I believe there would be way too much slop in that collection of hardware. The correct way to do it would be to buy a receiver adapter that bolts on in place of the pintle hook.

Like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KSHXVC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_UudCzb8JC9WZA

I may be misunderstanding what you're trying to describe though. Maybe draw out a picture?

Or if it's long term, convert the trailer to a Lunette ring.

I bought a used volt right after my graduation this spring. 2013 with ~41k miles. Traded up from an 04 Jeep Wrangler and haven't had any regrets at all.

To address your concerns about space:
The volt fit way more stuff in it than I was expecting, especially if you are able to fold the rear seats down. I was able to fit a foldable 8ft table, a mini fridge, two large bags of clothes, microwave, TV and a few boxes of kitchen stuff and other knick knacks if that kinda gives you an idea of how much camping equipment you could pack.
I also installed a hitch (Curt Manufacturing CURT 11221... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0072UHJ8W?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf) for exclusive use with a bike rack. Did the install with my dad and with the right tools it wasn't bad at all.

As for my considerations buying used:
The general consensus I found online (largely from this sub, thanks y'all) was that Volts are well built and reliable, especially regarding the battery so I wasn't too concerned about range degradation and just and went with one I found within my budget and general location (was not a very wide selection). I maybe could have shopped around a little more, had one shipped to a dealer near me, etc. but I found one that fit most of what I was looking for and didn't really have time to be picky. One thing I do wish I would have payed more attention to was tire wear as I'm likely going to have to replace mine soon but live and learn I guess.
Having a 2013+ is nice because you get a slightly bigger battery over previous models I believe. You also get hold mode which is nice for road trips but by no means a necessity. Mine also has heated seats which I hear are great in the winter because they're much more efficient on the battery than blowing hot air. Haven't had had to test this yet and won't be a big issue for me in south Texas anyway but I think it would be worth considering for colder climates.
I don't have a backup camera. This was concerning to me at first. The volt is really pretty awful as far as rear visibility is concerned, at least compared to my jeep. After a about a month though it started feeling normal and isn't a big concern for me anymore. I thought about installing one aftermarket but getting it integrated into the original infotainment system was more complex/expensive than I deemed worth and I didn't want to mess with adding other screens or projecting to my phone or anything like that.

When it came to picking a volt in general. After factoring in the value of my Jeep + cost savings from way better fuel economy + the savings of using electricity vs gas I realized the volt would pay for itself in less than 5 years + I get nice things my jeep didn't have like Bluetooth audio, remote doors, and maybe most importantly for me reliable AC so it just made sense for me.
As a previous commenter alluded to, everyone's finances are different so it's totally up to you to decide if a volt is worth it for you.
I'm three months in and so far loving my decision. A PHEV is a perfect fit for me. I make regular trips ~400 miles to see family and friends so full electric wasn't viable. But during a typical week I get to drive on all electric all the time for ~ ½ the price of gas. As far as I could tell the Volt is the best PHEV at its price point for a used ~ 5 year old model.

Sorry for being a little long winded but I hope this helps your decision. And congrats on your upcoming graduation!

Just like the bumper dumper!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006IVN03O/

Bumper Dumper

Hijacking the top comment to post this:

NO HE DID NOT WELD THAT

https://www.amazon.com/MaxxHaul-70355-class-Hitch-Adapter/dp/B00ISLA1WA/ref=sr_1_5?gclid=CjwKCAiAqqTuBRBAEiwA7B66hb-zkBGwN2wxk1GauHSg0UFzgHUcNEZnpfOe2HNRXiKyRnyFWARjYRoCLhQQAvD_BwE&hvadid=323586739560&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9024248&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=b&hvrand=5833784479784469206&hvtargid=kwd-781164020063&hydadcr=18942_10719460&keywords=trailer+hitch+adapter+2+inch+to+1+1%2F4&qid=1573497460&sr=8-5

2 of those ^

https://www.amazon.com/CURT-45110-Class-Ball-Mount/dp/B0007M308A/ref=sr_1_28?keywords=trailer+hitch+drop&qid=1573497493&sr=8-28

1 of those ^

He bolted a bunch of premanufactured adapters together to make this monstrosity

I installed the CURT 11412 hitch on my MK7 and MK7.5. It was pretty easy to install, only about 30 minutes and a few bolts.

Class 1 Trailer Hitch with Ball Mount, 1-1/4-Inch Receiver Black 1-1/4" for for Select Volkswagen Golf, GTI https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0133WU3K8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VwEWCb4BGXSG0

A Saris Bones is an OK trunk rack. That's as good as a trunk rack gets. It can rub on your paint, and I don't like the way it holds the bikes by the top tube.

In general, trunk racks are garbage though. If you're going to use it regularly, do yourself a favor and invest in a towing receiver and proper hitch mounted rack. You can get a Curt hitch with free shipping from Amazon for around $130. I installed it myself with one friend and a socket wrench. It's super no-brainer 100% easy. Then get a wheels-on hitch rack like a Kuat Transfer or something similar. They contact the bike only on the tires/wheels and don't touch the frame at all. The bikes don't sway, the wheels don't turn. The rack doesn't contact your paint at all, and can be tipped out of the way so that the hatch can open even with 2 bikes loaded.

​

But if you're rarely going to move bikes around, the Saris Bones is fine. Roof racks are a pain in the ass.

I'm going to assume this will be a generic mall crawler and not leave the pavement very often. If you plan to take it wheeling, reply back and I will add a few more suggestions.

Things to think about

1. The hardtop takes up a lot of room. Either plan on putting in some sort of hoist to store it up high or giving up a lot of garage space.
   
   
2. Until you have the previously mentioned hoist in place, the hardtop is a pain in the ass to put on and take off without help. Not because its heavy, but because its awkward. It also means that you can't just drop the top if the day is nicer than expected. On my old jeep, I eventually sold the hardtop and went soft top only. On my new Jeep, I skipped the hard top entirely.
   
   If you plan on storing instruments in the vehicle and need the secure storage, great. If not, then the soft top is the way to go in my opinion.
   
   
3. For long haul trips, the back seats suck. The angle of the backrest on the rear seats is a bit steep and becomes uncomfortable after awhile. Also, there is no support under the center of the back seat. If the person in the middle is heavy, the seat could sag and become even more uncomfortable. There are a few aftermarket products to address both seat sagging and the recline issue but I've never tested them.
   
   
   Options to consider:
   
   
4. 3.73 gears will cost you ~$600 or so. If you ever plan on putting on bigger tires or towing, you want the 3.73 gears. The 3.21 gears will give you an extra mile or so per gallon but at the expense of quite a bit of power.
   
   
5. Don't buy either of the tow packages. The basic tow package costs around $350 and is just a hitch and wiring harness. You can buy the same receiver hitch on its own for $75. The wiring harness just clips in and its a quick and easy 4 bolt install.
   
   The Max tow package is almost as bad a deal. That's $900 and gives you the $3.73 gears ($600 above) and the hitch in one package. Still better to buy the gears on their own and use your own hitch.
   
   
   
6. Spiderweb Shade This is a must have if you plan on going topless very often. The best part is that once its installed, you never have to remove it. It fits right under the factory tops.
   
   
7. Unless you plan on putting in an aftermarket sound system, spend the money for the alpine upgrade. Without it you can't hear the music over the sound of the wind if you have the top down.
   
   
8. Hood latches - There are several options, both with and without keys. If you live in a zero crime area, great...but for the rest of us, a set of keyed hood latches will help keep your battery from getting stolen. Also, the hood flutters at high speed with the stock latches. That makes me nervous.
   
   
9. Door hinge locks are also a good idea. Jeep doors are easy to take off, expensive to replace, and are stolen more often than you would think. While not foolproof, they are better than nothing...especially if you don't keep the key to them in the jeep itself.
   
   
   
   

I went with 2" since it's easier to go down than it is to go up.

Got this for my 2017 cx5, not certain it fits the newer ones

Curt 13315 Black 2" Class 3 Trailer Hitch Receiver for 2013-2018 Mazda CX-5 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071S18BY2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_lHZBCbCFCV8R5

Here's what you need for a DIY install using a Curt hitch/harness:

• $108 Curt Class 3 2" trailer hitch -- (YouTube install video)
  
• $26 Curt wiring harness -- (YouTube install video) -- (Alternate install video)
  
  Double check at the Curt website to see if these are compatible with your Forester trim.

I've always thought one of these would be great for vanlife.

https://www.amazon.com/Bumper-Dumper-Original-Mountable-Portable/dp/B006IVN03O

I have the EZ Lift 1000. With the sway control. It’s very adjustable. I have about 10000 miles on it. Still working great.

EAZ LIFT 48058 1000 lbs Elite Kit, Includes Distribution, Sway Control and 2-5/16" Hitch Ball-1,000 lbs Tongue Weight Capacity (48058-A) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SB6S3Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rn6rDbDJK4ZFA

I this hitch and this rack for our CX-5

Yeah is a class III and overkill but you never know if you need to tow something.

Get a weight distributing hitch. I had sag like that when towing my flatbed trailer with my ATVs on it. I installed one of these badboys and now I tow completely level.

Pic after install

Hitches are the way to go! Im currently using the Curt 11412 hitch on my '19 gti. I had a curt hitch on my veloster and it served me well. Amazon will state this will not fit on the '19 gti's but i confirmed on curt's site that i will in fact fit. Installed without any issues!

​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0133WU3K8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

In my opinion, $800 for a roof rack isn't a great investment for a college student; at least for me it wasn't. I'd just check craigslist/ebay regularly for a nice used one. I agree those things are way too expensive. I wanted one for my bike when I had my Focus, but ended up installing a hitch for about $100 from Amazon and a nice used Yakima hitch bike rack. They make some decent cargo racks that can be used on a hitch as well. I'd say if you're handy with a wrench and you have the time, pick up a nice Curt hitch and a decent cargo rack for a fraction of the cost. Just keep in mind there are 2 standard size hitches and the Focus hitch is the smaller size.

Two orders of these: http://amzn.com/B004ND86EM

One order of this: http://amzn.com/B004B61B34

One order of these: http://amzn.com/B0013935FY

As far as your hitch is concerned, I bought this one for my mom for her 2016 Forester. It took all of 30 min to put on, and then another 15 min to hook the wiring up. There are youtube videos on how to do it. The dealership wanted $500 to do this, vs the 45 min and $110 to buy it on Amazon, so it was a no brainer.

This one by CURT
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075XSZ9SM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_32lWCbR50WX05

The Bumper Dumper
http://www.amazon.com/Bumper-Dumper-The-Original-Mountable/dp/B006IVN03O

This is what I own

​

Curt Hitch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007D5480S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Curt Wire Harness

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BFMVDT4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Curt Cargo Carrier

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JF53ZEE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Lowes Utility Trailer

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Carry-On-Trailer-3-5-ft-x-5-ft-Wire-Mesh-Utility-Trailer/3680952

​

Tractor Supply Poly Cargo Box

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/tractor-supply-co-heavy-duty-poly-utility-storage-box-44-in?cm_vc=-10005

Double check this one. It should fit all 14-15

Curt 13144 Black Class-3 Trailer Hitch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CLMBE5A/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_K6Sdvb13XW5B8

I got this one it takes about an hour to install by yourself. Requires light reaming of holes with a hand file, but is solid. I recommend a second person to help line things up. curt trailer hitch

> you shitbuckets!

Relevant.

a) smarties!!!! we both have them on our lists!!!

now that im looking we have a lot in common on our lists same protein powder, sour patch kids. creatine. and now im going to add the bumper dumper


b) since we have a lot of the same items, im gonna try to pull things off my wishlist that you might like:

You seem to do a lot of outdoors type stuff, how about a waterproof iphone case. a recovery strap incase you ever get suck or need to pull someone out.

You must workout since you have protein powder and the like: i hear this is a great workout book.

and last but not least, a camping cot

It does seem strange they don't exist. You could sleeve one of the 1.25->2 down with one of these https://www.amazon.com/Class-Hitch-Adapter-Insert-Sleeve/dp/B009NUY4PU

or just have someone weld you one up.

Wow, that looks like a very well taken-care-of Bronco. How many miles are on it the the rear diff needed to be rebuilt (essentially)?

I think the best way to carry a spare, if there is something wrong with the swing out carrier (this is my opinion), would be to have the faulty spare tire carrier removed entirely, and have your local welding shop fabricate you a spare tire carrier that slides into your hitch receiver. Don't buy one off of Amazon, you'll get cheap Chinese crap.

If you want to be able to tow and not have said hitch receiver tire carrier be in the way, then you just put this Gen-Y Hitch Receiver Adapter in your 2" hitch receiver, put your ball hitch in the bottom receiver, and put that tire carrier in the top one.

I have one and they are worth every penny. Made in the USA and rated for 10,000lbs. No Bronco was ever rated for more than about 7000 as far as I know.

Best (expensive) or affordable and works great?

I can only say what I did, similar to others here: [Curt hitch (self-install, under $100 shipped from Amazon)] (https://smile.amazon.com/CURT-11276-Class-Trailer-Hitch/dp/B007D5480S) and a Swagman XC Cross-country 2 bike rack for $130 on Amazon. This rack is easier than most because you can just load the wheels of the bikes into the rack itself.

A cheaper rack where the wheels just hang get the Pro-Series Eclipse for $73. This is what I have, works great!

If installing the rack yourself get a torque wrench to make sure it won't be falling off. Otherwise take it to a U-Haul where they'll install it for less than $100.

Also have this for the back.

RHINO USA Shackle Hitch Receiver, Best Towing Accessories for Trucks & Jeeps, Connect Your Rhino Tow Strap for Vehicle Recovery to This 31,418 lbs Capacity Reciever, Mounts to 2” Receivers! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WLMF23C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NMaCCbZT4J9PZ

I think it all depends on what your goal for the vehicle is? Do you plan on tracking it? or just to make it a bit faster around town? Do you want it to look a little modified or stock?

Anyways, I'll link a bunch of stuff I personally prefer and in the order I would install them...

Accessories:

• Ford ST Heavy Duty Floor Mats (I live in a snowy climate)
  
• Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12in Subwoofer (600w RMS) w/ Rockford Fosgate Prime Amplifier(Class-D 1200w) + Speaker to RCA converter
  
• no-pistons Dead Pedal, Battery Tie Down and Gas Pedal Spacer (not sure if still available but I have access to a water jet and a machine shop so I might make my own)
  
• Rally Armour Mud Flaps (helps with the salt and grit from plow trucks in the winter)
  
• Tow Hitch + Cobb Exhaust Hanger Kit
  
  Step 1:
  
  
• Cobb AP with Stratified tune
  
• Green drop-in filter
  
  Step 2:
  
  
• Cp-e RMM
  
• Boomba Transmission Adapter Plate (short-shift)
  
• Boomba Transmission Cable Bracket Bushings
  
  Step 3:
  
  
• Cp-e Front Mount Intercooler w/ Stratified tune
  
• Bilstein B14 PSS Coilovers
  
  Step 4: (all maybes)
  
  
• Turbo-back Exhast (not sure which yet)
  
• Cp-e Ram Air Box
  
• Velossatech Ram Air Intake
  

People rant and rave about Blue Ox WDH. However, I use this one, and I am pleased with it so far.

To go along with another poster, this is the type of tow hitch I put on my wifes’ car. Research before buying, but hers was just bolts into factory threaded holes in the frame. Only thing I had to do was run a tap in the threads as the car was a few years old and they had some surface rust. They’ve got these for pretty much any make and model. Then you can get any hitch style rack and not worry about the frame. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00537G3CY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1-C4CbT8T6CE5

Does your vehicle have a reese hitch? I use a rotating t post reese canoe loader to load a 16' OT Penobscot canoe on my Honda Element. It's super slick and easy. You just pick up one end of the upside down boat and put it on the t post. Bungee it in place and then walk to the back of the boat and pick it up while swiveling the whole thing around the vehicle to secure the front end to the front tow hooks under the front bumper. Add a belly band and some rear tie downs, (wlready attached to the boat and go.

I have a Mazda 3 as well! it is a different generation than yours though. i just remembered the key to what makes my system work. I have a hitch on the back for a bike rack. so I would also use a canoe loader bar like this one. It worked for me because i already had the canoe loader bar thing from using it with a previous truck, and the hitch was there for the bike rack. so that wasn't an up front cost to me. but really, i suggest it. the hitch is useful to have and easy to install yourself. and this bar is cheap. Look at the pictures of cars using it on the amazon link.

I sure do!
Rack: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001VO1YY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

lock & cable: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SLHU2W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

trailer hitch: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004C6S0SC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

looks like this one will fit.

This is the hitch I have installed on my 2018 GTI https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0133WU3K8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These are quite literally the two items...

http://www.evnut.com/images/prius/yakima_roc4/roc_4011.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009NUY4PU/ref=sxts1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481589434&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65

I just bought this the other day and installed it last night. Takes about an hour and is straight forward. You will be all set on the Jeep side of towing.

Thank you!

Here is a list of all the items I purchased to do this:
Front Reciever
Drop Hitch
Plow

Just make sure that anything you order is for your year & model, as those links (the receiver specifically) is for my year.

Or you could buy one that isnt a riser like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CE09N4?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

Another thing to consider is to make sure to match the coupler with the hitch ball but NOT BY USING A HITCH ADAPTER!!! Most hitch adapter drops the maximum safe tongue weight significantly, usually by half. Your hitch is probably a class I or II receiver hitch. The ball mount size will be limited for those two and will probably be a 1 7/8" ball. Your trailer, given the size, probably has a coupler for 2" or 2 5/16" ball. What I'm saying is, do not use an adapter like [this] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CE09N4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) to use a larger shank and ball. Instead, swap out the coupler to fit the smaller ball.

I use the above adapter for my CT200h but only to attach a cargo basket and I'm extra mindful of the reduced weight capacity.

I installed my own ... it took about 1 hour and really wasn't all that tough.

I installed this hitch receiver https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071S18BY2

And this wiring harness https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Tekonsha/118563.html

You do have to disconnect the exhaust from its hangers (which is easy) and support the exhaust during the install. I did this with a ratcheting tie down.

You might be better off just doing this yourself.

I disagree.

I got a drawtite hitch from etrailer and highly recommend(https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Mazda/CX-5/2018/76138.html).

I actually bought a curt hitch and didn't like how you had to basically leave a plug zip-tied somewhere(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071S18BY2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). Also don't recommend buying a hitch from Amazon because of shady packaging. The packaging was exposing the hitch. I had to use my etrailer packaging to return the hitch because UPS wouldn't accept the packaging that Amazon shipped it in.

I'm a pretty dedicated biker, so having something easy to put the bike in and out was well worth the investment for me.
https://www.amazon.com/Kuat-Racks-Bike-Rack-Metallic/dp/B01G7PTMQ4/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1537223600&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=kuat+bike+rack&psc=1&smid=AY1YC2BWA3QO7
Highly recommended the Kuat racks.

I bought this from Amazon. Mounts right to the frame. 3 bolts.

I used Curt Hitches for both the front and back of my XJ. I tried a Reese hitch but it was a huge piece of shit (and I dont use that term often). It was multiple pieces and after it was installed it was a few inches off the ground. Total piece of crap.

Anyway back to the Curt hitches. I ordered both off of amazon so shipping was free. The came packaged well and were both one piece hitches. They did a good job on the finish and had really nice welds all around. They also came with all bolts and a tool to fish the bolts through the frame. Both of them when installed had the receiver just below the bumper.

Here's the back

[Here's the front] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ES21EE/ref=oh_details_o00_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

The Curt hitches are hard to beat for the price...

ex: https://www.amazon.com/CURT-13144-Class-Trailer-Hitch/dp/B00CLMBE5A

This reminds me a little bit of a thing I got for loading my kayak. I keep it assembled, but it is two pieces held together by a cotter pin. Depending on how far this would stick out when driving, you might be able to do something similar so you can separate it into two pieces you can put in the back of your jeep. Just a thought.

We must be talking about different things. A wdh doesn’t need to be installed. You attach/remove it every time you use it (the one I have anyways). I’m on my phone, I’ll post a link later...

Edit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SB6S3Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_jZG7BbXRWE73F

The []() link thing isn’t working 🤔

Yeah, that one is a little expensive, but it seems like it's one of the best. This one is half the price, but it's a little short, so it might rub agains your bumper. I haven't installed my hitch yet, so I can't say for sure

edit: they do say "not for towing", so use it at your own risk haha

It does stick out, obviously you don’t have to keep it if you don’t need it.

RHINO USA Shackle Hitch Receiver, Best Towing Accessories for Trucks & Jeeps, Connect Your Rhino Tow Strap for Vehicle Recovery to This 31,418 lbs Capacity Reciever, Mounts to 2” Receivers! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WLMF23C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ohT3Cb8RX8XF8

no. the Golf/GTI is limited to a class 1 hitch.

BUT they make 1.25 > 2" adapters. super common.

https://www.amazon.com/MaxxHaul-70032-inches-Hitch-Adaptor/dp/B008CE09N4/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1IKIE59PW6YY1&keywords=hitch+adapter+1+1%2F4+to+2+inch&qid=1574189278&s=automotive&sprefix=hitch+adapter+1%2Cautomotive%2C223&sr=1-5

you WOULD NOT want to do this if you were actually towing. you dont want to exceed the class I hitch ratings. but since this is just for a bike rack you'r well safe of that fact. just know, if you ever actually tow something, use the class I 1.25" hitch

This guy knows his stuff.

I have a 2013 Volt. I used this hitch:

https://smile.amazon.com/CURT-11221-Class-Trailer-Hitch/dp/B0072UHJ8W

Then mount a motorcycle carrying rack on that. That should work just fine as long as it isn't over the weight limit for the hitch.

You add it.

They make it very simple. I don't know about volts, but mine used pre-existing holes. Just make sure to follow the directions.

I just got this one cause its cheap.

https://smile.amazon.com/Curt-Manufacturing-13382-Trailer-Hitch/dp/B075XSZ9SM/ref=sr_1_11?crid=2I2N0MXX8DUET&keywords=curt+hitch&qid=1556217815&s=gateway&sprefix=curt+%2Caps%2C391&sr=8-11

but you do lose a LITTLE rear ground clearance, but so far I've never found an issue. there's another one where its hidden and you don't lose any ground clearance and its called eco hitch I think? but ehhhh for more $$$

I did get this hitch rack that swing opens so you can still open the hatch while the bikes are still on it. Very convenient. try to find one used!

https://www.rei.com/product/875383/yakima-swingdaddy-4-bike-hitch-rack

For sway control, absolutely. These things aren't like pa's tandem axle car hauler. They are built to be light weight and light on the tongue, 10% of the camper weight, so they blow around everywhere. If you want to go the cheap route just buy the sway control and have the metal tab welded (picture 2) welded to an extended ball mount so it looks something like this but gives you more clearance. It's worth the 100 bucks in safety.

The other option is buy The whole set and install it yourself. It's not difficult and there's youtube videos all over the place. If you do buy a WDH bigger is not better. The leverage involved can do a lot of damage to the tow vehicle or trailer so don't just buy a 12000lb set and hook it to your 3000lb tow light.

These numbers are straight out of my ass because I don't know your cab, axle, 4wd, but here goes. Generic v8 full-size truck payload 1500lb. GCVW 7000. Trailer Max- 7500ish

Single axle trailer up to 4500lb- sway control, no WDH
Tandem axle trailer up to 7500- sway control and WDH

What about this?

https://www.amazon.com/Buyers-Products-1804055-Bolt-Receiver/dp/B004KSHXVC

And then any drop hitch that can be flipped over.

Curt Manufacturing CURT 13127 Class 3 Trailer Hitch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009GLDSTO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KhpNBbSMHBVK5

You need two people for the install but it’s super easy. There’s videos on YouTube for how to install it.

Well I got it today, took it to the guy that mounts radio and other things to see what lights to get and we went though amazon shopping and found this AutoTime 2 Pack 25W LED Work Light Flood Spot Combo Beam 3000K Yellow Amber Led Pods Light Small Offroad Driving Fog Light for Motorcycle Jeep SUV Truck Wrangler Boat Tractor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07919XWT8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_nYajDbWA0DQFM

And I also found this hitch for foresters
CURT 13144 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver for Select Subaru Forester https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CLMBE5A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_0YajDb90P0A2T
And bought it

Kuat NV Base 2.0:

https://www.kuatracks.com/products/hitch/nv-base-2-0/

It's a 2" which works as-is on my wife's SUV. On the little car I have it attached to this 1 1/2" adapter:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ISLA1WA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And to reduce the wobble, this stabilizer:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AM7XVS8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

When using it with the 2" receiver, it has a built in stabilizer and needs nothiing extra.

You should be fine towing with a cx5.

You can get a (class 3 hitch)[https://www.amazon.com/CURT-13127-Class-Trailer-Hitch/dp/B009GLDSTO] for $120.

That hitch has a 525lb tongue weight capacity, and a gross tow weight of 3,500lbs.

Your car has a max tow capacity of 2,000lbs.


Assuming you have two heavy supersports at 450lbs each on a 400lb trailer, you're still only at 1,300 lbs. Your car can handle that easily (though you might have to downshift a bit for hills).

Edit: Holy shit uhaul trailers are heavy as FUCK. Apparently they weigh 1200lbs.


Just remember that when towing, your maximum speed is 55mph, and you can only use the right two lanes on freeways - keep it slow and safe.