Best Wiring Harness for Towing With 2017 CR-V

Published 06/26/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(2634)

$11.68

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

(1229)

$168.93

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(722)

$49.23

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 4" Rise, 6" Drop - 14-1/4" Long - 6,000 lbs

(3881)

$41.40

Question:

You recommend both the Curt #C56370 and the T-One Tekonsha #118741 wiring harnesses for 2017-2020 Honda CR-Vs towing trailers. In your “Ask the Experts” QandA’s, you seem to favor the T-One over the Curt. Am I perceiving this preference accurately, or are they so close as to be a coin-flip? With a 1500-lb towing max, it’s not likely I’ll be towing anything in the future that comes with electric brakes. Is the Curt’s SMT construction within its module better than the T-One’s Modulite module? The T-One module powers directly off the battery/fuse – is that different/better from the Curt? Is the T-One’s higher max light amperages a real benefit or too close to make an actual difference? Is the T-One’s 16-ga “bonded” wire better than the Curt’s wire quality? Does the Curt also come with a flat connector dust cap but its just not listed? Please clarify which you see as better for the CR-Vs and why. Thanks!

asked by: Dave G

Helpful Expert Reply:

Other than the higher amperage rating offered by the Tekonsha # 118741, there isn't much in the way of differences between it and the Curt # C56370. Both use solid state construction, the Curt uses the SMT which doesn't use through-holes in the circuit boards, while the Tekonsha uses a fully potted converter box which completely seals the circuit board from moisture and dirt intrusion which would make it more reliable in the long run, in my opinion. Both harnesses include the dust cap for the trailer connector, and both units are set up to receive power directly from the battery, but don't need an independent power connection like other powered taillight converters. Both units use a 16GA wire.

Given the higher amperage rating, the similarity in price and the more reliable construction, I'd choose the # 118741 over the Curt model.

The Curt # C13397 Class III hitch would be an excellent choice that I'd highly recommend. You'll also need a ball mount like part # D-28, a hitch pin like # PC3 and a trailer ball like # 19260 for a 1-7/8 or # 63845 for a 2 inch ball.

I've linked to installation instructions for the parts mentioned above.