Recommended Trailer Hitch for 2018 Trailer Equipped with Rear Stabilizers

Updated 04/30/2018 | Published 04/28/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 22" to 72" Wide

(582)

$484.15

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

(673)

$17.77

Curt RV Bumper 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver

(824)

$137.24

Question:

I have a 2018 Friendship by Golf Stream and the stabilizers take up all the room on the underside of the Iframe. The stabilizer starts right at the bumper where it attaches to frame members and takes up every bit of 8 to 9 inches of space. However there is room on the topside of the Iframe from the back of the camper shell to the bumper. Which is right at 4 inches. Is there a solution for this or will this hitch work just fine for a bike rack with being mounted on back behind the bumper behind the stabilizers?

asked by: Craig H

Expert Reply:

The Curt Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13703 referenced in your question can be adjusted to fit frame widths of 22 inches to 72 inches. The main hitch body tube can be trimmed so that the ends are flush with the frame brackets. I am not sure of the exact location of your stabilizing jacks at the rear of the trailer, but depending on where they line up, they may need to be relocated to allow fitment of this hitch. It may be possible to install the hitch a bit further back from the rear bumper, but this also might make attaching a bike rack a bit more difficult as well.

If you only plan to use the hitch with a bike rack or other hitch-mounted accessory (and not for towing a trailer), then a better option might be with Curt RV Bumper Trailer Hitch Receiver # E-100. This receiver is designed for use on 4 inch square channel bumpers that are on many RVs and trailers. The entire assembly measures only 7-1/2 inches wide, so you would not need to worry about interference between it and the rear stabilizers. This will provide you with a 2 inch receiver opening and a tongue weight capacity of 350 pounds.

Please note that Curt does require the use of a stabilizing strap # 18050 when using the hitch with any hitch-mounted accessory like a bike rack.

I have attached the installation instructions for this hitch, along with an installation video that you can take a look at.

expert reply by: Chris R