Last Updated on May 3, 2023 by Will Sabel
Honda Odyssey has been roaring in the market for twenty years or so. Recently, Forbes awarded it as the best minivan of 2022. I’ve always considered it one of the best family SUVs ever made.
One of the biggest reasons behind the vehicle’s lifelong success is its versatility. For instance, people can use it as their go-to ride or as something that accompanies their solo or family adventures.
A few years back, I needed a ride that held at least eight people, spacey and powerful simultaneously. Odyssey was the best option. I bought it without hesitation, and I don’t regret my decision.
But I couldn’t start my journey to the wilderness as soon as I bought it. There was a slight problem…
According to my dictionary, adventure means mountain bike riding, fishing with my junior, and so on. It’s common sense that I can’t put bikes or a fishing boat inside the SUV. The only option was to somehow trail these things. So, I needed something extra.
And that extra was TRAILER HITCH. It’s a device that connects a trailer with your vehicle so you can tow it to your destination. Hence, several years back, I started searching for a suitable trailer hitch.
Finding the best trailer hitch for Honda Odyssey was no joke back then. Limited information and paid reviews made everything so much harder.
However, I didn’t stop. I talked with my friends, called several dealers for an extra bit of information, and asked previous customers. After all of this, I finally got my hands on an OKAY trailer hitch.
When it comes to trailer hitches, being okay isn’t enough. Hence, I wasn’t happy with my piece. But… I learned a thing or two about these products. As a result, I knew what I needed and where precisely I needed to look for it. That’s why hitch world didn’t ditch me the second time and several times after that.
I guess you understand the hassle behind finding a quality trailer hitch. Don’t worry. I’ve got your back.
In this comprehensive article, I’ll give you a list of some hitches I found to be the most suitable for the Honda Odyssey. So let’s get to it.
Top 5 Trailer Hitches for Honda Odyssey – My Picks
There are too many good hitches for Odyssey. Since you’re searching for the best-of-the-best, I’ll give you a list of five. All of these hitches I’ve used before. So, anything good or bad is up to the device itself.
1. CURT 13068 Class 3 Trailer Hitch
Everybody with minimum knowledge about towing and hauling industry knows about CURT. It produces one of the if not the most quality hitches in the market. Hence, my first pick belongs to CURT 13068.
As the name suggests, it’s a Class 3 trailer hitch. That means the device has a 2-inch receiver hole. 2-inch receivers are suitable for most towing components such as bike racks and cargo carriers.
The hitch is made of carbon steel. The solid construction gives it adequate power and strength to pull heavy elements.
When I’m saying strength, it’s can-pull-almost-anything kind of strength. In case you’re looking for a number: it has a Gross Trailer Weight of 3500 lbs. and Tongue Weight of 350 lbs.
If carbon steel is the main ingredient, the two-layer coating is the icing. One gives the hitch power, and another one gives it durability. Like most other high-quality CURT products, A-coat makes the base layer, whereas a black powder coating finishes it.
Generally, the second layer is the reason why hitches look shiny all the time.
The carbon-steel build makes hitches super-light. As a result, 13068 weighs only 39 pounds. This means you can easily install the hitch all by yourself without any problem.
To make the job even more accessible, CURT features easy installation on the product. The manufacturer also gives an installation manual in the go-to box. For this reason, despite being just a newbie, I was able to install the hitch by just following it.
The installation was not that hard. I had to put five bolts on the pre-drilled holes, and that was pretty much all. I didn’t need any welding. Just 45 minutes of my time, one home wrench, one screw-driver, and one old brush were enough to do all of that.
You can always look up YouTube videos before installing a hitch. There’re a lot of videos out there on the internet that can help you with it. These videos will give you the necessary real-life experience.
The towing device is compatible with most of Odyssey’s old and new versions. You can use all the SUVs that came into anytime between 2011 to 2018.
To sum up, CURT 13068 is durable, long-lasting, and capable. The product is suitable for towing all the heavy elements with ease. If you’re looking for a good hitch with utmost strength, it’s the one to go after.
2. Draw-Tite 75270 Max-Frame Trailer Hitch
Previously, I’ve talked about a CURT. Now, it’s time to give you a Draw-Tite. Some say CURTs are incomplete without the presence of Draw-Tites. Hence, I bring its 75270 Class 3 hitch for you.
Let’s break down the product up and down and understand why I believe it’s one of the best trailer hitches for Honda Odyssey.
In front, this one looks similar to the previous CURT. You can only notice the difference by seeing it closely. The hitch frame of this product is less tilted than the other one.
Unlike CURT products, it’s completely made with industry steel. This material makes the hitch stronger than carbon steel.
Not just any strong, it can tow up to 4500 lbs. of Trailer Weight and can manage 675 lbs. of Tongue Weight. It’s a pretty massive upgrade from the previous product. So, carbon-steel zero and steel one.
Alloy steel makes the product heavy. That’s why this product weighs 42 pounds, which is more than the previous one. However, it makes things even: carbon zero, steel zero.
In terms of finishing, both companies use the same thing: A-coat for the base and black powder gloss for the last touch. However, despite using the same thing, DT’s finishing lasts longer than CURTs. I don’t know the reason behind it. Maybe the primary material has something to do with it.
However, this doesn’t mean your hitch will remain shiny year after year. Some would say, “It goes under the bumper. Who cares!”
Those people are correct because the moment you set a hitch on your vehicle, it’ll get frequently hit by stones and debris. Thus, HOPE is a good thing, but not in this case.
Moving on, the manufacturer says that 75270 is easy to install. I respectfully don’t agree with them. I’ve always found DTs are a bit harder to install. So yes, from time to time, it becomes easier. But it wasn’t EASY the first couple of times.
There’s an installation guide in the go-to box. It was supposed to be there to make things less complicated. Guess what, it didn’t. DT’s installation guide is more on the “Fuzzy” side.
That’s why I had to do what I do best: LOOKING AT THE YOUTUBE. There were too many videos. I picked one of them’ and installed the hitch perfectly. If you know what to do, things become PAINLESS suddenly. Then you realize that just wrenching a few bolts is enough to get all done.
Other than a bad phase with installation, it’s a pretty solid piece. It was my towing tool for more than a year and didn’t fail me a single time. I used it to tow my fishing boats and bike racks on the family or solo adventures.
Probably the best thing about this item is that it’s compatible with Honda Odysseys from 1999 to 2018. Generally, we don’t see a hitch with this much car compatibility. So, if you own an Odyssey from this period, you can buy this product. Pretty sure it won’t disappoint you.
3. Draw-Tite 76170 Class 3 Trailer Hitch
The third product on my list is Draw-Tite 76170. Yes, another Draw-Tite because it’s hard to put a piece, that is reasonable, long-lasting, powerful, and stylish at the same time. Hence, Draw-Tites and CURTs are the favorites here.
76170 is a Class 3 trailer hitch with a 2-inch receiver size. Since most of the towing components come with a 2” x 2” shank, it’s the PERFECT receiver size. However, if the shank size doesn’t match the receiver, buying a hitch adapter will be enough to make everything right.
Before saying about its design, I ask you to look at the above three pictures first. What do you see? The last one is a bit different, isn’t it?
The first two hitches have upward bolt panels. On the other hand, this one has horizontal panels. Some people prefer this kind of panel over others. I don’t have any preferences. I like everything that lasts long and is powerful at the same time.
Still, I think the horizontal panels are a bit easier to install. Since it sits flat, it’s easy to bolt on with a regular home wrench. You need to remove your bumper and set the hitch. Like previous models, no welding or modifications are necessary.
I’ve seen a lot of people complaining that the hitch is a little bend and didn’t sit flat like how it should be. In this case, it’s not a manufacturing fault, it’s FAULTY DELIVERY. Otherwise, it should sit perfectly under your bumper.
In terms of strength, 76170 has enough power to impress you. It has a Gross Trailer Weight of 3500 lbs. and 525 lbs. of Tongue Weight. Yeah, I know it’s a degrade from the previous DT, but the GTW and TW are more than adequate to tow your trailers.
The power comes from its high-quality all-around steel construction. Like the previous DT model, this one also features a 2-layer coating. These two finishes are responsible for their longevity and adverse weather resistance ability.
This product mostly fits the new Honda Odyssey models. It’s compatible with all the Odysseys from 2018 and 2022. If you own any of these, you can buy them with zero hesitation.
To be honest, 76170 has a few limitations compared to the previous model. But it surely has everything that I would look for on a 200 bucks trailer hitch. Not a deal breaker, but worthy enough to be my companion.
4. CURT 13370 Class 3 Trailer Hitch
Since I’ve put two Draw-Tite products, it would be a shame if I didn’t put two CURTs. So that’s why the fourth one on my list belongs to CURT. But, first, let’s talk about its 13370 Class 3 trailer hitch.
As the name suggests, the product belongs to Class 3, meaning it has a 2-inch receiver. So, if you’re planning to buy this, you can only hook it up with all the components with a 2-inch shank tube.
Compatibility doesn’t ensure if it’s gonna carry your trailer; power does. And power comes from hitch’s construction.
Our product packs an all-around carbon-steel construction that allows it to pull more than 3500 lbs. of weight. It also has a Tongue Weight capacity of 525 lbs., which is more than the previous CURT.
The black powder finish protects it from UV rays, rust, chipping, and adverse weather conditions. Also, it gives the product a shiny glossy look that stays with it for a long time.
Unlike Draw-Tite, CURT hitches are made and assembled in the USA. As a result, the build quality is top-notch. It guarantees a longer-lasting period than most other hitches on the market. With the SAE J684 rating, you can easily trust it with your trailer.
Like the previous hitches, this one also features easy installation. A simple home or tube wrench is enough to complete your installation process in an hour or so. Then, after bolting the hitch panel with six bolts, you’re ready to go.
All the necessary bolts and set-up manual is given in the go-to box. So, you don’t have to buy them separately. However, hitch pin and ball mounts aren’t included with the product. So, you have to buy these separately if you want.
In my case, I was a bit unlucky. I got the product with a beaten pain job here and there. It was bad, and I seriously couldn’t do anything. So, I fixed the finish by myself, which cost me another 50 bucks.
Since trailer hitch is a vehicle-specific product, it only supports a certain number of vehicles. So, for example, the previous CURT is compatible with Odysseys before 2018. But this one is compatible with the newer models from 2018 to 2022.
Hence, if you own an Odyssey that belongs before 2018, previous CURT can be your option. But, on the other hand, it’s your option.
In conclusion, 13370 may have lesser vehicle compatibility. Still, it has more tongue weight to safely get your trailer to its destination.
5. Reese Tow-Power 44174 Custom-Fit Hitch
It’s time give to you something that isn’t Draw-Tite or CURT. I bring you another well-known company, Reese. The best thing about Reese Products is that it promises the same power at a very reasonable price. Let’s get to know REESE Tow-Power 44174 more.
To begin with, it has adequate strength to pull trailers over 4500 lbs. Not just that, it can handle more than 675 lbs. of tongue weight. Which, by the way, is the highest on my list. So, it’s the one if you’re looking for a hitch with impressive towing capability.
Let’s talk about design now. The product has a tubular shape similar to the Draw-Tite hitches. But DTs are made of steel, whereas Reese hitches are made of high-quality alloy steel. Hence, probably, the reason why it can pull such a big weight.
Like all the previous hitches on our list, this one also has a two-layer coating. The first or base layer is done with an A-coat glance. And the second one contains black powder. As a result, it not only gives the hitch a premium glossy look but protects it from rust, UV rays, and adverse weather conditions.
Installing Reese hitches is a bit tricky. First, you need to have complete preparation to install it perfectly. Generally, dust and rust build up on the pre-drilled holes in your vehicle. The build-up depends on your vehicle’s age and the last time you’ve installed a hitch.
If your vehicle is old and you haven’t installed a single hitch, the build-up will be more and vice-versa. So, cleaning the holes properly before putting on a hitch is a must. To do that, pick an unused toothbrush and push it back and forth on the holes.
Since it’s a class 3 trailer hitch, it has a 2-inch receiver hole. So, any towing component with a 2″ x 2″ shank is good. If you’re looking to hook a bike rack, you should always find a hitch with a 2-inch receiver hole because most bike racks have this size of shank.
From an economic perspective, this hitch comes at less than 200 bucks. Ask yourselves, “Am I on a tight budget!?” If the answer is yes, No problem, Reese has got your back.
About compatibility, it fits all the models from 1999 to 2004. Unfortunately, you’re not in luck if you own a newer version of Odyssey.
In conclusion, Reese 44174 has adequate strength, durability, longevity, and, importantly, a reasonable price. So, if you’re running with a tight pocket and still looking for a good hitch, this is the one you should go after.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Trailer Hitch for Honda Odyssey
As I said earlier, finding the right hitch isn’t that easy. You need to put the proper time and effort into doing that. However, this hitch-finding HECTIC task becomes easier if you know what to look for.
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t know any sort of witch’s spell or something to help you out here. All I can do is help you with your research procedure. In other words, I’m gonna give you the gist of the “Ways” I always follow before buying a trailer hitch. So let’s get to it.
Know What You Want First
Before going out on your quest for the best trailer hitch, decide what you want first. “What I Want” should scramble something on your mind like “Why Do I Want It?” Then, if it pops up in your mind, you’re on the right path, my friend.
Honda Odyssey has a towing capacity of 3500 lbs. So, your hitch must have the same or higher towing capability than your vehicle. Buying a product with 10000 lbs. of maximum towing capacity is a bit overkill. For this reason, Class 3 hitches are perfect. They can tow anything from 3500 to 8000 lbs.
Other than that, you need to find a towing device that suits your purpose. In simpler words, you don’t need a heavy-duty hitch to tow your bike racks. Or, you can’t trail a fishing boat with a Class I or II hitch. You should always go for a hitch that perfectly goes with your plan.
In terms of strength, it’s better to remain on the safe side. To do that, double the highest weight you’re gonna carry and select a hitch that can tow it. Getting a device more than double or triple your vehicle’s power will be an over-optimization.
Quality is Everything
If you know what you want, it’s time to build an imaginary blueprint of your hitch. Since it’s all in your head, you can put anything you like. But whatever you put inside or outside your ideal product, ensure it has QUALITY.
Remember, quality is everything. So if you buy a good-quality trailer hitch, it’ll stick with you for a more extended period. And you will be able to tow all components safely.
To ensure I have a good product in my hand, I generally see two basic things on a hitch: material and finishing.
Industry alloy steel or carbon-steel construction has always been my favorite. These materials make a hitch powerful and give it a rigid build. As a result, the vehicle can tow anything in the range.
About the finish, I always prefer a 2-layer coating over 1-layer. Yes, the single-layer finish is also enough to be rust-resistant. But regarding durability, a 2-layer coating would be my first choice. Generally, most manufacturers use A-coat for a base and black powder for the second layer.
In short, the better materials are in hitch construction and finish, the better quality it possesses.
It’s Better to Find Something That Suits Your Pocket
Having a budget in mind makes everything a lot easier. Because without it, you’re just another surfer on the net who can be manipulated easily. I’ve seen a lot of people facing this problem. They come to the internet without any budget and leave confused.
When you have a budget in mind, you know exactly where you need to look. As a result, you’ll never look beyond or down a certain point. This will save a lot of time and energy. If there are a thousand hitches available for your vehicle, it’ll decrease down to a hundred.
However, if you can find a good product that’ll need you to stretch the budget a bit, there’s no harm in doing that. All you have to do is ensure that you’re not stretching it so far.
Another thing, I always encourage people to search for a reasonable option. No, don’t get me wrong. Of course, you should avoid cheap products, but if you’re getting the same piece at a much lower price, why not!? It also helps you when you’re running on a tight pocket.
For example, on the above list, the Reese hitch is kind of similar to Draw-Tites and CURTs in terms of power and quality. But the other four shine when it comes to brand value and longevity. If you can manage a few drawbacks, going for a reasonable hitch is always a deal breaker.
See What People Are Saying About it
There’s nothing better than real-life experience. And there’s no big reviewer that is an original user of a product. Hence, talking with previous users about their experience can be a great way of knowing what the hitch offers.
Talk with your car-enthusiast friends or neighbors and listen to what they say about a specific hitch. Ask them about their used hitches’ pros and cons.
It’s important because no manufacturer will ever say the negative side of their products. For this reason, you have to ask a genuine user and find out if something’s bad or not. What to do if you don’t have friends?
Well… you’ve got internet, right!? It can be handier than friends and neighbors. You’ll find plenty of internet reviews, forums, and Facebook groups gossiping about your targeted product. Yeah, I know the internet is filled with many fake reviews and stuff.
You can easily dodge fake reviews by seeing those with care. Fake reviews aren’t descriptive, and it contains forward-selling lines. You should avoid those and try to follow everything that has a gist of seriousness. Amazon reviews are a great place to learn about a product.
At the end of the day, REAL people are better than internet reviews or some anonymous character sailing on the deep ocean of the web.
Compatibility Should be a Concern
Your vehicle has pre-drilled holes under the bumper. Hence, a hitch’s bolt holes must match the vehicle’s. This makes the trailer hitches vehicle-specific products. As a result, one particular trailer hitch will and only will be compatible with one specific vehicle model(s).
No matter how great a hitch is, how great materials manufacturers used to make it, or how durable it is, if it doesn’t fit, aka compatible with your vehicle, you have no trailer hitch at the end of the day.
SUVs like Honda Odyssey comes a new one every year. In this case, the hitches match with the vehicle regarding release year. So before buying a trailer hitch, check the compatibility guide to ensure it matches your ride.
To be a cent percent sure, call the manufacturer and confirm that it’s completely compatible with your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you’re searching for the best trailer hitch for Honda Odyssey, it’s obvious some questions will rise. Let me answer some important questions in this matter for you.
Can I tow a fishing boat with my Honda Odyssey?
Yes, you can tow a fishing boat with your Honda Odyssey. The SUV can tow up to 3500 lbs. of weight. Most compact-size fishing boats weigh around 2000 to 2500 lbs. Which by the way is way below Odyssey’s towing capacity. So, it’s obvious, that your vehicle will be able to tow a fishing boat.
Which hitch class is perfect for Honda Odyssey?
Generally, the hitch class is categorized into five types: Class-I to Class V. Where Class-I can tow the least and Class-V the highest weight. Class-I and Class-II hitch can tow up to 3500 lbs. Class-IV and Class-V can do anything between 8000 to 12000 lbs.
On the other hand, Class-III hitches can pull anywhere between 3500 lbs. to 8000 lbs. Moreover, it matches with Honda Odyssey’s towing capacity (3500 lbs.). Hence, Class III is perfect for you.
How much do I need to pay to get a quality trailer hitch for Honda Odyssey?
You’ll get a quality trailer hitch, anything between $150 to $400 for Honda Odyssey. Draw-Trite and CURT Class-III hitches are available at $250 – $400. You can get Reese and others at 150 USD only.
In short, there are too many options available in the market. With 400 bucks in your hand, you should be able to find a good piece.
What to do if my hitch doesn’t match with my bike rack’s shank?
The shortest answer to this question should be: BUY A HITCH ADAPTER.
The bike rack’s shank goes into the receiver hole of a trailer hitch. That’s why these two must match with one another. However, if somehow one doesn’t fit, buying a hitch adapter would be the perfect option.
How much time do I need to put on a hitch on my Honda Odyssey?
Your expertise level will decide it. In general, the installation time swirls around 40 to 90 minutes. If you’re a proper newbie, it won’t even take more than 90 minutes. There’s an installation guide on the go-to box for help, along with hundred YT videos. Choose one of them, and you’ll be fine.
Finishing it Up
Finding the best trailer hitch for Honda Odyssey is a pretty tiring job. However, you won’t get a good product if you don’t walk with a plan. That’s why I’ve given a list of five products to help you.
I’ve also written a buying guide so that you won’t face any problems finding a trailer hitch. If you’ve gone through the whole article, I believe you have enough knowledge about the hitch world to make your decision.
Let me know which one you’ve picked and what you think about my picks. Happy riding!
