Last Updated on May 3, 2023 by Will Sabel
Pop-up campers are fabulous for towing when you have the right hitch working for them. But just like most other specifically needed things, the best hitch for pop up camper can be a bit of a hassle to look for.
Bumper hitches are the general type of hitch that one needs to pull a pop-up camper. Because of how well-suitable bumper hitches are with higher vehicles. However, weight distribution hitches are also great for several reasons to go with a pop-up camper pulling a certain load.
Other hitch styles work with a pop-up camper. And being suitable for a lightweight vehicle is not exactly the only dynamic of confirming a perfect hitch for a pop-up camper.
I took the challenge and did my research. And guess what? It ended up with 3 fantastic hitches that will work excellently with a pop-up camper. Keep On Reading…
Factors That Make The Hitch Best For Pop Up Camper
There are several things you need to pay attention to. But the most important ones are what I’m going to talk about in this segment.
Right Size Pop-Up Camper Hitch
Take into consideration the weight of your pop-up camper to determine the class and size of the hitch that you’ll need.
- Camper towing weight between 1000 to 2000 lbs. will need Class I hitch with 100-200 lbs. Tongue/Hitch weight.
- Camper towing weight between 2000 to 3500 lbs. will need Class II hitch with 250-350 lbs. Tongue/Hitch weight.
- Camper towing weight between 3500 to 5000 lbs. will need Class III hitch with 350-500 lbs. Tongue/Hitch weight.
Right Type Pop Up Camper Hitch
Choosing between the common types of hitches of campers is also essential. These are called fixed hitches and removable hitches.
The fixed style is quite cheap. However, there are tools required for assembly and disassembling of this style as the hitch stays fixed with the vehicle. This type will fit anyone who requires intensive use of a camper.
Then there’s the detachable or removable type of hitches that can be taken out whenever required. However, constant dissembling and assembly might not be great for frequent usage.
Sway Control & Weight Distribution
The hitch should give a great level for both the trailer and pop-up camper. However, sway could be an issue that can make things difficult later.
And for that to not happen, you should consider hitches with active sway control. Another factor that helps is even weight distribution. So, try finding a system that keeps the weight distribution almost precise.
Easy To Install
A pop-up trailer tow hitch that takes too much time to set up and disassemble could be a headache later on.
Go for options that are simple to install. Also, if you are planning to do the installation yourself, clear instructions or directions provided will be really helpful.
Not to mention checking if there’s a need for any hard-to-access type of tool for the installation that the makers don’t provide. That’s also something you want to know beforehand about.
Top Rated Pop Up Camper Hitches for Safe & Secure Towing
1. CURT 17500 TruTrack Weight Distribution Hitch
I want to start the review with CURT 17500 one of the finest weight distribution hitches that’s also however quite pricey but for reasons of course.
There’s sway control, almost accurate distribution of weight and simple enough setup flexibility that catches attention instantly about this hitch.
The provided hex castle nuts are helpful for quick adjustments. And it hardly needs you to disassemble completely if there’s a requirement. For example during tricky maneuvering.
If you have been suffering from swaying issues, then the hitch can be a lot of help. As its sway control is fabulous at reducing the problem.
Of course, it also requires regular lubing to keep it working that awesome always.
Those who are pretty much used to installations like this will find it simple and doable within an hour on average. You don’t have to scrap the groundway as the hitch is quite easy to get in/out.
However, keep in mind crazy maneuvering is not a good idea with the system on. Stay away from 90-degree turns the most.
The hitch is more light-duty work-friendly, which is absolutely the case with pop-up campers. So, CURT 17500 seems to be a win for the case.
Pros:
- The active sway control helps to stabilize the hauling.
- Weight distribution is almost accurate and helps on certain occasions.
- A high-duty friendly hitch that will go well with pop-up campers.
- Simple enough to set up for DIY used to people.
- Adjustments are easy and fast without needing complete disassembly.
Cons:
- The price is a bit on the higher end.
2. Husky 32218 Center Line TS with Spring Bars
The Husky 32218 is by far the best value option, fairly because this one comes with sway control, max 12K lbs. GTW and a fabulous alloy steel construction combined with powder coating. All the things that make it a great weight distribution hitch, even for pop-up campers.
Apart from the hitch being a great value option, it’s also overall a great hitch. There’s a smooth equalizing weight effect as well as leveling of the truck that helps for hauling.
While traveling at freeway speeds, somewhat swaying in the setup can be visible but not to the point that it becomes a complaint.
The most amazing thing about Husky 32218 is that it’s not overly pricey like most of the other above 600 dollar options but still includes a sway control as an organic system part.
However, to torque two bolts to 380 pounds-feet, a special tool called an extra-large torque wrench is necessary. And in some areas the tool is not accessible, so that’s a bit of shame.
Husky 32218 hitch’s entire feature set seems to be more than just great for the price point, and perhaps that’s why it stands the most chance of being the best hitch for pop-up campers.
Pros:
- Provides great stability while driving.
- Instructions are easy to follow and so the setup is also simple to do.
- The price point is a legit reason for the features provided.
- Less swaying issues with pop-up campers.
- Construction quality is top-notch.
Cons:
- The torque tool needed for an installation could be hard to access in certain areas.
Husky Center Line TS Hitch Installation Video
3. Reese Towpower 37042 Class III Multi-Fit Receiver Hitch
And the last one, Reese Towpower 37042 is a class II hitch as well as the cheapest one on this list. But like its price, the performance and quality are not low.
The hitch is made of metal and also uses power coating for keeping it going well for a long time. But definitely, this would need some good maintenance habits. It’s welded nicely to hold weights pretty well.
The installation is kept simple and should not take more than 50-60 minutes. If you try to set up alone, then a jack can help in holding the hitch up. And then drilling should not be a problem.
However, the bolts and nuts don’t have a very high tolerance. And that means even if you try with an impact driver or drill, some nuts may fail in going onto bolts. It’s usually related to not putting matching bolts to nuts.
Overall, Reese Towpower 37042 is an inexpensive option that works with pop-up campers pretty decently. And I wanted to keep it included for those who need a hitch immediately but cannot afford a very priced option.
Pros:
- For the price, it gives great value.
- The construction quality is decent.
- Installation is simple with easy drilling and mounting requirements mostly.
- Provided instructions are helpful.
- Holds up nice for a pop-up camper usage.
Cons:
- The tolerance of bolts and nuts is not that good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you pull a pop up camper with a car?
Yes, you can pull a pop-up camper with a car and in fact any other similar vehicle. People even try small SUVs as well as minivans that have hitch as well as suitable tow ratings for pulling popup campers.
Do I need a weight-distribution hitch for my pop-up camper?
Typically, you do not need a weight-distribution hitch for a popup camper. However, if there’s a purpose for stabilizing and distributing the load in the camper, then a weight-distribution hitch might be necessary.
Can a 4 cylinder pull a pop-up camper?
Yes, a 4 cylinder can pull a pop-up camper. And this is because of the relatively lightweight that most popup campers come with.
Do pop-up campers leak when it rains?
Pop-up campers sometimes leak in the rain. However, that is usually because of it not being waterproof. But also due to pop up camper mistakes of usage or even for damages that went unchecked.
Wrapping Up
If I have to choose one among these three hitches, I’ll go with the Husky 32218 Center Line TS for its excellent value for money sway control, premium built-in, and overall functionality.
The other two are also great, so anyone eyeing those can go ahead without worrying. It’s also about personal preference you see.
That’s all for today, I will catch you soon again, take care!
