Best towing hitch receivers 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.

Just like the bumper dumper!

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

You need a hitch extender.
Like this one: Towever 84332 Trailer Hitch Extension Receiver Tube Extenders, 7" Length, 3,500 lbs. GTW https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071J12YFX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_v.5XCb88S7PKJ

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

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'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.
   
   
   
   

This Curt from Amazon. I bought it because it just holds up bikes, it doesn't have to be fancy. I got it with Prime shipping in 2 days. I installed it with a friend in 15 minutes. You have to drop the exhaust temporarily, but there's no cutting or other BS required.

The Kuat Transfer doesn't block the rear camera much, even when folded up. With 2 bikes on it, you can't see much, but it's still better than no backup camera. I just used my Mk7 as the SAG vehicle at my bike team training camp, and it did great.

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 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

So the hitch that I found sits comfortably behind the number and actually affects the exit angle very little if at all. I'll also be getting a 1 1/4 to 2 inch adapter that is technically only meant for class II hitches, but for only holding a spare tire, it will be fine. It's also fine for holding a bike rack or something. I'll edit this comment when I'm at my computer and show you what I'm getting

EDIT:

1. This is the hitch that I will be using. If you look at the pictures, it seems very discrete without much taken away from exit angle.
   
   
2. This is the best one that I can find for your car. There aren't any pictures form reviews, but it sounds like in the comments that it is also discrete, although there's no guarantee. If that one doesn't work, something custom is probably your only option.
   
   
3. This is the adapter that you can use. Just remember that as a general rule of thumb, your towing capacity is cut in half if you use one of these, just as a safety precaution. Towing with an adapter also depends on how strong the pin is that you're using to hold it into the base hitch.
   
   
4. This is the tire holder that I am probably going to get. It seems a little short, but I measured on my car and it should be alright. If it is way too short, you can get a hitch riser like this
   
   
5. THIS is the tire carrier that I want, because it is very very strong and the cheaper one folds to the side, which is really nice. I don't know if I'll be able to afford it, though, so I'll see
   If all this metal that's bolted to your car is rattling around way too much because of the couple millimeters of play in the hitches, pick yourself up a couple of these and it's problem solved.
   
   Hope this helps! If you want to know anything else, let me know
   
   
   Edit 2: formatting

You can install 3rd party hitches in North America that will do 2,000 lbs. They will not void your warranty. However, if your hitch causes a problem, obviously that would not be covered.

Curt hitch - Install instructions

Eco Hitch - Random install video

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

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

This is what I own

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Curt Hitch

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

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Curt Wire Harness

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

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Curt Cargo Carrier

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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 had a trunk mounted strap-on rack for my previous car - Chevy Malibu.
For the CX-5 I wanted something that didn’t contact with paintwork and could be removed when not in use.

I bought the hitch and the rack from Amazon...

Draw-Tite 76138 Class III... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073XQJG3Z?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Allen Sports Deluxe Locking Quick... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078YN9MXJ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Fitted the hitch with a friend in less than an hour with no issues.
The rack has a key lock to prevent removal which works well.

I’ve been really happy with the solution, particularly for the price point.

> 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

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 did not like using the sleeve so I bought a 2-1/2" drop shank. The Curt shank was cheaper than the Equal-i-zer shank and works great. There is a longer version as well if your truck sits really tall. I thought that I would need the taller shank with the taller truck and our low riding Airstream so I bought the 10". That was too tall, bottoming out on driveway apron. I use the bottom set of holes on the linked shank and everything lines up perfectly.


We have a lot of tongue weight and the bigger shank bumped us up from 1,000 lb max tongue rating to 1,500 lb max tongue rating. So, there is a little added peace of mind.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

I disagree.

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.

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

I just installed the curt hitch on my 2017. I chose the exposed one because I preferred expanding a hole in the frame rail and trimming 10 dollars worth of heat shielding to cutting a hunk out of the rear bumper plastic, but the hidden one mounts the same way as the OEM one with a higher tongue weight. There's a good instructional video for the install here

Edit:

Here is the one we went with and the install video if anyone is interested. I honestly thought the exposed one was the better-looking option.

What about this?

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

And then any drop hitch that can be flipped over.

This might be your best option.

Reese Towpower 7020500 1-1/4" to 2" Receiver Adapter - 6" Long https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001IH8Q0A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ZaLSBbV3T16H9

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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