Differences Between Trailer Hitch Options for 2014 Chevy Volt

Updated 07/24/2020 | Published 07/16/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(33)

$214.90

EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(14)

$481.99

EcoHitch Invisi Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(15)

$492.99

Curt Class II Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs

(2273)

$49.29

Question:

I am looking to haul a Genesis kayak trailer 300lbs. and kayak 100lbs. I see that Item # C11221 will only handle 100 lbs, so that will not be sufficient. 1. I am curious if Item # 306-X7180 or Code: 306-X7186 would be able satisfactorily to meet my needs? 2. Are there important differences between the latter two hitches?

asked by: Tom C

Expert Reply:

The 100 lb figure you mention for the Curt # C11221 is actually the tongue weight capacity of the hitch, which is the maximum amount of downward force that could safely be applied to the trailer ball.

Typically the tongue weight of a given trailer is between 10 and 15% of its fully loaded weight. Given that your trailer weighs a maximum of 400 lbs, the most tongue weight you'd likely see is 60 lbs, which is well within the capacity of the Curt # C11221.

The EcoHitch # 306-X7180 and # 306-X7186 do indeed have a higher tongue weight capacity at 300 lbs, but as long as 400 lbs total is the heaviest trailer you'll deal with, you really don't need to incur the extra expense of the EcoHitch models. They won't really do anything for you that the Curt hitch won't.

The EcoHitch # 306-X7180 and the # 306-X7186 have the same capacity, but the # 306-7180 installs up behind the bumper and features a removable receiver tube. Once the receiver tube is removed, the hitch is completely invisible. The # 306-X7186 will install completely behind the bumper, and the non-removable receiver tube will be located behind the vehicle's license plate. A hinged license plate holder is included so you'll be able to fold the plate downward to access the receiver tube.

You'll also need a ball mount, a trailer ball and a trailer wiring harness to tow your trailer. For a ball mount, use # C45521 and # 19261 for a 1-7/8 inch trailer ball. You'll need to see your dealer for a wiring harness.

expert reply by: Mike L

Ian A.

7/20/2020

Hello, I was trying to find a trailer hitch for 1-1/4 but I could only find ones in the 2’’ size. I was going to use this trailer hitch for a small boat that is 18ft long on my 2007 Toyota Highlander. Would you recommend I stay with the class 2 hitch or go up to the class 3 hitch with the 2 inch opening?

Chris R.

7/24/2020

For your Toyota Highlander only 2" hitch receivers are available - which is a good thing! A larger 2" hitch provides a higher capacity and more stability for your trailer connection. For your Highlander I specifically recommend the etrailer # e98857.