Recommended Hitch for Towing Small Camper with 2013 Honda CR-V

Updated 08/17/2015 | Published 08/15/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(813)

$159.94

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2634)

$16.89

Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 5/8" Rise, 1-1/4" Drop - 7" Long - 3.5K

(2336)

$36.63

19x47 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 300 lbs

(1115)

$196.34

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient

(874)

$103.94

Question:

I own a 2013 Honda CR-V with a towing capacity of 1500 lbs. I am looking at buying a small camping trailer between 1200-1400 lbs. would you recommend a Class 1 or Class 2 hitch? Technically a Class 1 is rated for 2000 lbs but I am wondering if there are advantages to going for a slightly heavier hitch rather than be close to the limit.

asked by: Rich

Expert Reply:

I'd rule out the Class I hitch right from the get-go. Even though the vehicle itself has a relatively low tongue weight capacity, I'd recommend you go for the stronger hitch that's offered with a Class II like the Draw-Tite Class II hitch, part # 36520. The higher tongue weight capacity of the Class II hitch (may be limited by tongue weight capacity of the vehicle, see owner's manual for confirmation) will also come in handy if you'd ever use the hitch for accessories like a hitch mounted bike rack or a cargo carrier like part # C18110.

To complete your towing set-up, you'd also need the following parts:

Ball mount, part # 36051
1-7/8 inch trailer ball, part # 19256 or 2 inch ball, part # 19258
Trailer wiring harness with 4-pole trailer connector, part # 118561

Keep in mind that towing right at or below the maximum capacity of your vehicle can be hard on the transmission. Installing a transmission cooler would provide inexpensive protection for your transmission.

The # D13502 would be an excellent choice for the transmission cooler. The cooler would install directly behind the grille, in front of the A/C condenser and radiator. The cooler would tap into the return line that sends the transmission fluid from the radiation back to the transmission.