Recommended Trailer Hitch for a 2005 Toyota Matrix XR

Published 04/30/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(52)

$208.68

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(672)

$17.20

Question:

Im trying to compare the various hitch options for my 2005 Toyota Matrix XR and I have a few questions: 1 One product is significantly less expensive than the other. Is that an inferior product? Im interested in it because of the cost, but if its going to be flimsy, Ill spend the extra $ 2 Do all of the hitch options sit in approximately the same place? In other words, will the receiver be located below the fascia, or will some sit higher and require trimming of the fascia? Thanks.

asked by: John G

Expert Reply:

Currently, there are 2 trailer hitches that will fit your 2005 Toyota Matrix XR. One Class-I # 24812 (Draw-Tite) and one Class-II # C12013 (Curt).

With that said, they are all good products but I would most certainly go with the Class-II Curt hitch # C12013 because it will provide a higher tongue weight capacity of 250 pounds and Class-II will work with Class-1 and Class-2 accessories. As a result, giving you more options to choose from. With the Curt trailer hitch, if you plan on adding any non trailer loads, it's required to use a stabilizing strap like # 18050. Failure to properly support these loads will void your hitch warranty from Curt. I added a short video about the stabilization strap for you.

Note that if you plan on getting a hitch mount bike rack, Class-I hitch receivers limit you to carrying a maximum of 2 bikes.

All of the hitches will mount using the pre-existing bolts on your Matrix, but the designs of trailer hitches can be different. The Draw-Tite # 24812 require the center fascia to be removed on XR and XRS models.

I included a few great articles and installation video for you to view as well.