Trailer Hitch Suggestions for 2008 Honda Odyssey, Class II or Class III
Question:
Hello- I am looking to tow hitch to connect bike racks. There are class 2 and class 3 for the hitch assembly weight, Is a class 3 generally heavier than a class 2? I am only going to use it to mount a bike rack to carry bike... so I would like to keep the weight of the hitch to be minimal.... For example, Item # e98862 class 3 vs, Item # 36417 class 2 Is the class 2 lighter? what are their weight numbers? I am referring to the hitch assembly weight, not capacity. Please advise. Thank you. -Tony
asked by: Tony W
Expert Reply:
Great question, the short direct answer is primarily receiver size, 1-1/4" versus 2". The physical weight of a Class II hitch for a passenger vehicle versus the physical weight of a Class III hitch is going to be negligible, as in single digit pounds if any difference at all.
A Class III hitch for passenger vehicles will have a 2" opening, this receiver size is what I always recommend first as it provides greater options for the future. The exact weight of each of the hitches you identified are not listed but the shipping weight is, there is a three pound difference. The # e98862 class III has a shipping weight of 36lbs while the Draw-Tite # 36417 Class II has a shipping weight of 39 lbs. If purchasing a hitch for a new vehicle where both Class II and Class III options are available, some may select the Class II to support accessories they already have. Even then, if the Class III is available I would still suggest it and then add an adaptor to the accessory to have the 1-1/4" bike rack fit the new 2".
For your 2008 Honda Odyssey, the hitch I recommend is the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98862. This is a confirmed fit to your a 2008 Honda Odyssey. a Class III hitch with very positive customer feedback. It has plenty of capacity to work well with a bike rack. I've attached installation instructions and a video link for you.
For bike racks we a wide selection available. Please let me know what type you are looking for and for how many bikes. I always prefer the platform type bike rack when available and prefer racks with the tilt out feature so as to still have access to the cargo area. Something such as the Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes # S64650.
I have attached links below to etrailer published help articles if you are interested.
Products Referenced in This Question
Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Video: Installation Guide for the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2014 Honda Odyssey
- Video: Installation Guide for the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2016 Honda Odyssey
- Shop: Curt 4 Bike Platform Rack - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting
- Q&A: Is Fascia Trimming Required To Install Draw-Tite Hitch On 2014 Honda Odyssey
- Q&A: Recommended 4 Bike Rack for 2015 Honda Odyssey
- Q&A: Recommended Bike Carrier For a 2006 Honda Odyssey Carrying A RadWagon 4 Electric Bike
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver for 2004 Honda Odyssey With 7-Bike Bike Rack
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver And 4 Bike Rack For 2012 Honda Odyssey
- Q&A: Choosing Correct Hitch Tongue Weight Capacity for Using a 4-Bike Platform Bike Rack on Honda CR-V
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Search Results: hitch
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Video: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter Installation - 2023 Kia Telluride
on Trailer Hitch
