Best Trailer Hitch Options For 2017 Honda CR-V

Updated 03/12/2025 | Published 03/07/2025

Question:

C13397 My CRV has the dealer installed tow package on it, however I want to put a class 3 on it for better bike carrier options. Do you know if I would need additional parts? I know some factory/dealer hitches replace the rear impact bar etc.

asked by: Joseph C

Expert Reply:

Hello Joseph, thanks for reaching out. We do have class 3 hitch options for your 2017 Honda CR-V. There are two options to consider. Both of there options bolt up to the frame, and would not require removal of the impact structure.

The first is the etrailer Class 3 Hitch # e98848. This hitch is designed so the crosstube is concealed behind the bumper. It has a 525 lb tongue weight rating which should be plenty for carrying a couple bikes.

The other option is the Draw Tite Class 3 Hitch # 76128. This hitch has a 675 lb tongue weight rating. The crosstube of this hitch will be visible underneath the bumper though.

So if you are more worried about the looks, get the # e98848.

If you are more worried about the higher capacity, do the Draw-Tite # 76128.

You will see examples of both hitches below. Leave a reply with any questions or comments and I will get back to you.

expert reply by: Jesse M

etrailer Class 3 Hitch e98848 Example
(click to enlarge)

Draw Tite Class 3 Hitch 76128
(click to enlarge)

Joseph

3/12/2025

Thanks mine has the factory receiver which is a 1.25, that receiver will need to come off I know but what I am not sure if is if the factory receiver option changes anything that would limit installation of the aftermarket receiver. From what I can tell the factory receiver bolts to the impact bar mounts but keeps the impact bar. I may just need to pull it apart first to see.

Jesse M.

3/12/2025

@Joseph I gotcha. So the factory hitch will definitely need to be removed, but once you have that done, adding the aftermarket hitch should be pretty straightforward. I am not aware of anything that would limit this installation once the factory hitch is gone. A lot of those impact structure hitches sandwich between the impact structure and the body of the vehicle. So you should be able to remove the hitch them reinstall the impact structure with the existing bolts. You will have to take the bumper off for this. Let me know if there is anything else I can help with.

Joseph

3/12/2025

@JesseM I think I would need to go with the etrailer option because mine also has the foot sensor to open the tailgate (though to be honest that causes more headache than it helps, it never opens when you need to, and it seems to always trigger when I am hooking up the chains on my trailer LOL) -- the factory tow package moves it to the side from the center do you know if either of these are known to work with the foot sensor to open the tailgate?

Jesse M.

3/12/2025

@Joseph So I am glad you brought that up. The etrailer Hitch # e98848 (and any other aftermarket hitch) has the potential to interfere with the center mounted lift gate sensor. In most cases the sensor will still work, but you will have to waive your foot on either side of the receiver to trigger the liftgate. The area right under the receiver will be blocked, but once you find that "sweet spot" the sensor will still function, it will just work a bit differently. A lot of people tell us they really don't use this feature anyway.