Top 10 Best Trailer Hitches of 2024: The Ultimate Guide

What is the most utilitarian part of your vehicle? You might not know it yet, but let us give you an option that will provide you with the best service. For us, having a trailer hitch in your car is the way to go.

Why do you need a trailer hitch? In simple words, it is the most convenient tool attached to your car. Trailer hitches are used to haul trailers on the rear end of your vehicle. A super useful addition to your car if you have the task to tow your camper van, trailer or boats.

Towing an external vehicle is made easier with a trailer hitch. It increases the carry and load capacity of your, also allows you to accommodate other useful devices such as bike racks and more.

Trailer hitches come in different shapes, sizes and designs. They have contrasting capacities and can be used to transport varying motor vehicles on the back. You should always pick the best trailer hitches for your automobile. Today we will be discussing some of the finest and the best trailer hitches in the market.

The Best Trailer Hitches of 2024

Best Value

• TOWEVER 84173 inches Class III/IV Trailer Hitch
• Reese Towpower 21536RAK 2″ Class III Starter Kit

Best Premium

• CURT 13333 Class 3 Trailer Hitch
• CURT 13146 Class 3 Trailer Hitch

Best Heavy Duty

• Weigh Safe 180 Hitch LTB6-2.5 6″ Drop Hitch
• BulletProof 2.5″ Heavy Duty Drop/Rise Trailer Hitch

1. Bullet Proof Hitches-Adjustable Heavy Duty Trailer Hitch

If you are looking for a hardwearing trailer hitch that can be mounted in both drop-down and rise positions, then look no further. The BulletProof 2.5’’ adjustable heavy-duty drop/rise trailer hitch is one of a kind attachment for your vehicle. This item is made with premium military-grade components; thus it will last for a longer time without being damaged.

The texture black powder coat on the surface makes it wear-proof and corrosion-resistant. This sturdy piece of hitch is made in the USA. It is a very flexible instrument in terms of fixing the height. You can do it by adjusting it to four different ride heights. The functionality is pretty simple. You can shift the positions by unscrewing the pins. Then move the slider in varying positions and then screw it back to your desired height.

The dual balls are made of top-grade materials, so there is zero chance of weakening with time. That being said, this can hold extreme weight capacity. The maximum tongue weight is 3000 lbs and the maximum towing capacity is about 22,000 lbs. The pins on this hitch are made with heat-treated anti-rust materials, which compliments the strength as well as the appearance of this item.

Moreover, It is easy to mount and the overall process of shifting position is also easy. You can select a range of towing positions and it has a substantial carrying weight limit. It will last longer than any other hitch in the market, plus you will get a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. It is one of the best heavy-duty trailer hitches on the market.

2. Weigh Safe 180 Hitch LTB6-2.5 6″ Drop Hitch

This particular hitch from Weight Safe has a heavy-duty towing capacity and an eye-catching finish that will complement your vehicle in every way. This rugged piece of instrument is a crowd-pleaser due to its workability. The two ball mount is completely adjustable and can be done in a flash with few simple tweaks.

It is a 6-inch drop hitch that is capable of towing trailers of different heights. The adjustable positions that can be shifted in 1-inch increments give you the upper hand to accommodate an external trailer in any way you like. To hold everything into place it comes with dual pin locks that affix the trailer to the drawbar. It can accommodate 2.5-inch receivers at will. The locks are custom-fitted with dust covers that assures longevity.

The construction of this hitch is super strong, made of aircraft-grade aluminium and steel. The durability of this item is second to none. With the strength it bears, there is a 2200 lbs max tongue weight. Adding to its strength, the ball supports 18500 lbs of maximum weight and the lower 2’’ ball can accommodate 8000 pounds.

Its 6-inch drop-bar functions in two different positions. You can use it in drop or rise positions. The heavy-duty billet adjustable slider, stainless steel balls, dual-pin lock with dust cover and quality ball retaining pins are all there to make your ride safer.

You better pick this item for its rugged functionality. It is one of the best adjustable trailer hitches you will find. The adjustable drop and rise positions add to the positives. It can bear a substantial weight limit without budging. Made of top-quality components, this is one heavy duty industrial grade trailer hitch you must have in the rear of your car.

3. CURT 13333 Class 3 Trailer Hitch

Curt equipment never disappoint. If you are looking for an exceptional towing tool, then the Curt 13333 class 3 trailer hitch is a wise pick. You can carry a range of vehicles with it. From towing accessories, trailers, ATVs, boats and much more. The class 3 fitting suffices most car models. Simply increase your vehicle carrying weight by installing this unit.

The compatibility is flexible and the installation process is very easy. Talking about its strength, it has 6000 lbs gross trailer weight, 600 lbs tongue weight, 10000 lbs weight distribution capacity is something you don’t want to miss out on. Its versatile design is what makes it work with different equipment.

The 13333 model is fully tested by the manufacturer and meets SAE standards. You and your vehicles are completely safe once you install this unit. Curt made sure they put all top-notch components to craft this beauty. You simply cannot complain about its durability and safety. The extra coating of liquid Bonderite makes this product completely rust-free, Uv resistant and withstands chipping as well.

Why should you purchase this model? Simply because it has a universal fit with RAM 1500, 2500, Dodge RAM 1500, 2500 or 3500. That’s not all. This hitch can also be fitted on numerous car models. The ease of use and the towing capacity, its dependable strength is what shines out. The ability to fit a range of accessories is something you don’t want to miss out on. This is one of the best trailer hitch systems you will get.

4. CURT 13432 Class 3 Trailer Hitch

For all kinds of towing needs, the CURT 13432 is one of the best trailer hitches in the market. With help of this tool, you can tow a wide array of accessories, from low to high weight limits. Although this hitch fits best with Jeep Wranglers, it can be fitted with other compatible large vehicles.

No doubt this unit will increase your vehicle’s carrying ability, which is increased weight capacity so that you can tow trailers, boats, other vehicles and much more. The best part is that it can accommodate bike racks, cargo carriers, tow hooks, etc. So if you plan to carry your bike along with you, worry no more. This hitch from Curt has your back.

The construction is top-notch from the manufacturer. High-quality metal welding and black powder coat on the top makes it UV resistant, chip and rust-resistant as well. The safety of this item is tested in a Detroit facility and meets SAE J64 standards.

It has a gross trailer weight of 3500 lbs, TW of 350 lbs which will aid your convenience. It will easily hold a weight of 2000 to 20000 lbs without any problem. As an automobile enthusiast, you should give this product a chance to showcase its capability. We assure you that you will be satisfied with the service it offers. It is easy to install, has a versatile design for multipurpose use. These items are fully tested for safety and boast a strong carrying capacity.

5. CURT 13146 Class 3 Trailer Hitch

You can purchase a dependable unit right out of the box with this CURT 13146 class 3 trailer hitch. For pickup trucks and SUVs, this is one excellent choice. It can also fit minivans, full-sized cars and crossovers. It has a weight carrying capacity of 6000 lbs and 900 lbs Tongue weight. It befits your car with a 2 inch by 2-inch receiver. This hitch can accommodate a ball mount, trailer, cargo carrier, bike rack, etc.

You can already guess how versatile this product is. Like all CURT tools, this is also tested for the utmost safety of the customer. They undergo severe testing to ensure the hitch can withstand pressure and remain in a working condition for years. The liquid A coat and black powder coat is used to make the hitch more resistant to dust, UV and rust.

You can certainly assemble this unit and go for rough use, it is made to withstand all unnecessary hazards. The strength is what stands out, Curt hitches are made to carry heavyweight and are extremely versatile to adjust low weights and different instruments.

Why should you get this item? It is because you can depend on the brand. It is a bit expensive, but good things come at a price. This product is very easy to install. It offers a factory fit for vehicles like Acura MDX and Honda Pilot. Other carriers like SUVs, Trucks and smaller passenger cars can bolt this hitch as well.

6. TOWEVER 84173 inches Class III/IV Trailer Hitch Tri-Ball Mount

For an affordable trailer hitch, we would like to recommend the TOWEVER 84173 trailer hitch. This product is made in China and you can certainly extract all the goods from this tool. What makes this hitch special? Well, simply it is one of the best ball mount hitches. It is extremely easy to install, you can use it on the go.

Not just that, this particular item has a 3 ball towing mechanism. That is, it has a 3-way carrying option. You can switch from one to another ball according to your usage. The hitch ball dimensions are – 1-⅞ inches, 2 inches and 2-5/16 inches. These spheres are made of chromium and have enough strength to drag heavy trailers and other vehicles.

Talking about its capacity to mount heavier weights. Three different balls have a varying weight capacity to accommodate your external vehicles with ease. Starting from 2000 to 10000 lbs of weight capacity you can tow carries without any hurdle. Unlike other trailer hitches, this model is not adjustable for instance you cannot slide the balls in different positions. To make things easier for you, the manufacturer has kept things simple.

You can mount carries on the compatible balls without having them moved from one position to another. This product suits a 2’’x2’’ receiver hitch opening. The best thing about it is that this unit is safe and meets all SAE safety standards. You should get this product because it is one of the best affordable trailer hitches in the market and has decent serviceability. The installation is fast and secure. It can carry hefty weights and draw them successfully. What else do you need?

7. Reese Towpower Drop Standard Class III Starter Kit

Reese Towpower is a brand that you can rely on. They have a wide array of towing hitches and we are here to talk about the 21536RAK model. In the pack, you will get a clip, pin, hitch ball and ball mount. The simplified design comes in handy. It is smaller compared to other trailer hitches. Don’t undermine the size of it. This item packs a punch when it comes to carrying weight.

The metal shield and powder coating on the outer body makes this product last for ages. With a longer life cycle, it continuously withstands rust, UV, specks of dust, throughout the year. It is constructed with solid steel and boasts unparalleled strength compared to similar trailer hitches within the price range. The ball is 2 inches in diameter, it has a 2-inch drop and a ¾ inch rise and comes with a ⅝ inch pin and clip.

The tongue weight of 600 and overall weight capacity of 6000 lbs makes it a decent product. It can be used to drag trailers, campers, etc. If you plan to put in extra large carriers on the back, this might not be suitable to carry it with ease. That being said, does accommodate conventional trailers and towing accessories without any problem.

You should pick this item because you are going to get solid performance and the brand itself backs up the quality. It is also affordable, thus not on the expensive side. If you are on a budget and looking for a piece of first-class equipment, this is it.

What Are Trailer Hitches and When Do You Need One?

A trailer hitch is one piece of equipment that you attach to your car’s rear bottom frame. The main purpose of this tool is to help you tow other vehicles or accessories. When fixed properly, on the chassis of your vehicle, you will be allowed to haul a trailer or similar thing safely and securely. As you drive your four-wheeler, it will also drag along the attached items.

Trailer hitches are not only for larger trucks or SUVs, it can be affixed to smaller passenger cars and crossovers. Nowadays car manufacturers, particularly trucks and SUVs include built-in hitches right from the factory. If you don’t get one, you can always go for an external trailer hitch. We have named some of the best trailer hitches for you already.

So do you need trailer hitches? We say, yes! only if you have to tow trailers, RVs, motorcycles, dirtbikes, ATVs or stack bike racks, cargo baskets on the go. If this is the case, then trailer hitches are the most important parts to have in a car.

Different Types of Trailer Hitches

Some vehicles will come arranged with a factory-installed hitch on the back. In most of the larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs, you will find a hitch attached to them. They are custom made for the brand you are driving.

If a hitch is not present in your car, you will have to go for the aftermarket system. You will find several manufacturers that offer trailer hitches. These mounting gears can be installed on several car models. The towing capacity along with the compatibility is mentioned on the body of the tool. You will simply find an instruction manual that will help you further. Make sure to oblige by the towing capacity, otherwise, you will be damaging the external unit.

Trailer hitches are broken down into classes. For example, from class 1 to class 5. Class ratings are very important in terms of weight capacity. For example, class 1 is rated as a 2000lbs max weight limit. That means it can tow small items but nothing more than 2000 pounds. Class 3 hitch can handle up to 5000 lbs and class 4 can handle 10000 lbs. Class 5 units can manage 12000 pounds or 17000 pounds weight distribution accordingly.

How To Select The Best Trailer Hitch?(Buying Guide)

When you are going to buy the best trailer hitches, you must know about some important aspects. Without knowing the basics you will end up in trouble. So what are the factors that you need to take into consideration? Let’s discuss some of the important ones.

Vehicle Model

You should always know about the model of your vehicle as you look for the hitch. Most hitches are designed to be compatible with varying vehicle models, but not all. You don’t want to end up buying something that is not well-matched with your four-wheeler chassis. Your carrier might have a hitch already, if not, your car model has the perfect fit in the market. All you need to do is know about the compatibility.

Hitch Receiver

One of the most important parts to look out for is the hitch receiver. It is the segment where the hitch ball settles, plus several towable accessories can be attached. Like bike racks, cargo racks, etc. 1.5-inch receivers and 2-inch receivers are the most common examples. The 1.5-inch receiver goes in smaller cars, whereas the 2-inch receiver like the CURT 1316 model, is compatible with large vehicles like SUVs and trucks. Having a 2-inch receiver has an advantage, it can also mount 1.5-inch tubing with the help of an adapter.

Weight Capacity

The hitches are made to carry external weights such as trailers, ATVs, cargo racks, etc. Hitches have designed weight limits or you can say the maximum weight limit. If you exceed the number, your hitch will malfunction. Hitches have gross towing weight (GTW), it’s the collective max weight of the trailer and the item it is dragging. Then comes the tongue weight (TW), it is the weight of the trailer that is being pulled. You must look into both the criteria and abide by their maximum limit for a successful towing experience.

Ball Type/Size

The hitch ball must have a similar diameter to the coupler on the trailer. This needs to be taken care of so the trailer doesn’t get loose or starts moving in a disrupted manner. The diameter of the hitch ball is usually 1-7/8 inches, 2 inches or more. It depends on the model. You must be aware of the sizes to make the trailer fit properly.

Hitch Class

Like we already mentioned, hitches are divided into classes. The classes available are rated as 1 to 5. If you need a hitch to pull smaller objects, then class 1 units are for you. They can accommodate a max weight of 2000lbs. If you go for class 3 and 4 items, then they can be fitted on crossovers, hatchbacks, SUVs. Class 3 and 4 hitches can bear loads of up to 10000 lbs. Check out the Curt 13146 model, it is a class 3 rating. Class 5 hitches can handle higher loads. You must know the weight of what you are about to tow before you go on to purchase a hitch that is compatible with the weight limit.

Durability

You should always go for a durable product so that it can last for a longer period. Hitch like the Reece Towpower is made of solid metal and is extremely powerful as well. It can withstand impacts and resist corrosion due to the coated layer on the surface. The same goes for Curt products in the list above. The rust-resistant coating and high-quality metal give them extra life. So a heavy-duty hitch is a must for you.

Installation

Assembly of the hitch is super important because it depends on the overall performance of the hauling. If not installed correctly, the pulling of the trailer will be imbalanced and might go wrong. Welding hitches, such as factory-installed ones, are stronger and you don’t need to worry about it. Another option is the bolting process. Hitches that require bolting are fairly easy to install and you can do it without any drilling or welding. Check out the line of curt products we reviewed, you will get a clear idea of hitches that are easy to install.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Best Trailer Hitch Brand?

Curt is one of the best trailer hitch brands you will find in the market. They have been doing business for a long time and have been producing top-graded car equipment. You should also check BulletProof Hitches. They also make powerful units that you don’t want to miss out on.

Should I Put a Hitch on My Truck?

Most trucks are installed with tow hitches right out of the factory. If your truck or SUV has none, you can always opt for an external piece. We have several items in our review section that are compatible with trucks, do check them out.

How Much Drop Height Do I Need On My Trailer Hitch?

The rule is to have at least a clearance of 11 inches. Starting from the bottom of your ball mount to the ground when loaded. Having such a gap will keep your hitch from unnecessary hits and dips from the road.

How High Should a Trailer Hitch Ball Be?

According to experts, it’s better if you follow the 25-inch clearance. That being said, the distance from the ground to the centre of the hitch ball should be 25 inches.

How Much Does It Cost To Purchase a Trailer Hitch?

The pricing varies from brand to brand. You can find standard hitches ranging from $150 to $800. Fifth wheel hitches are expensive and you can get them for $500 to $2500.

Final thoughts

Tugging or heaving a vehicle is now made easier with trailer hitches. If you are lucky you will get pre-installed hitches in your vehicle. If not, you are reading the best article possible. We have talked about the best trailer hitches in this writeup to make your driving and carrying experience a smooth one.

Check out the BulletProof and the Weight Safe hitch in our top 3 rankings. They are made to tow trailers and any kind of independent units that can be hauled. It would be unfair if you don’t check out the rest of the items, Curt is one of the best brands for hitches and we have named a few wonderful choices for you to pick.

Compare the sizes and compatibility by physically checking the products. We assure you, the hitches mentioned above in the review section are designed to draw your trailer with precision and ease.