Comparing Curt and Draw-Tite Trailer Hitches for a 2015 Honda Odyssey

Updated 06/15/2020 | Published 02/16/2018

Question:

DT 75270 versus Curt C13068 Mounting Hardware I have been debating between the two subject hitches for my 2015 Honda Odyssey. I actually was about to purchase the Curt option, but started watching your installation videos and looking closely under the Odyssey at the threaded hole locations. The DT comes with 6 spacers Ive already read about and am OK with the Curt even though it lacks using the last 2 OEM holes in the front and 6 washers where the Curt just has 6 washers. Looking at the Odyssey frame, immediately next to where the hole locations are for bolting the hitch is two brackets coming down and are welded to the frame rails - very close proximity. The spacer plates with the DT option I think are allowing the hitch to be above the thickness of those brackets so it can clamp up flat. If either hitch were perfectly sized it might clear the brackets on the outer portion of the frame rail - but considering the manufacturing method of both - Im guessing it would be a decent chance either one will end up over the top of that bracket hence the spacer on the DT. Why isnt Curt also shipping their hitch with those spacers??? Ive read some of the reviews where customers are told to bolt the Curt hitch over that bracket...no way that is a good idea. Im guessin the washer is not thick enough and the washer hole too centered - likely the washer will get caught up on the edge of that bracket. I really like the Curt lower profile/more ground clearance and better overall appearance - however I trust the DT mounting and like the additional robust of the 6 bolt mounting matching OEM. Can you provide any additional explanation to the Curt mounting? Besides saying the Curt will just clamping and mash down the bracket material when torqued down - that seems very risky of bolts loosening over time. I need to order one of the two hitches from you and am struggling with this decision as you can see...thanks for any help you can provide -

asked by: Erik L

Helpful Expert Reply:

Curt decided not to design hitch # C13068 to account for those welded on pieces you referenced in order to maximize the size of the side hitch brackets. As to why they chose to go with a 5 bolt design I can't say. The Draw-Tite hitch # 75270 sounds like it is what you would like more since it accounts for those welded on pieces and attaches in 6 places.

If it were me I would go with Draw-Tite hitch # 76025 for the 2015 Honda Odyssey because with it only the receiver is visible. Installation takes a little longer than the other options but it isn't any more difficult. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

And for a trailer wiring harness you can use # 118521 to add a 4-Way flat connector to the rear of the vehicle. I have linked a video showing how it installs as well.

expert reply by: Michael H

Phani D.

6/11/2020

How much a mechanic might charge for installing the Draw-Tite hitch # 75270 on 2015 Honda Odyssey. I will be using only to carry 4 bikes. Do I need any other accessories to install the hitch?

Chris R.

6/15/2020

Unfortunately I can't really provide an estimate because it's all based on local shop rates. What I can tell you is that Draw-Tite gives a rough install time of around 80 minutes for part # 76025. You should be able to use this and the attached install instructions to get a pretty good estimate from the shop before you hand over your keys. All the necessary hardware is included.