Comparing etrailer And Blue Ox Trailer Hitches For A 2024 Honda Odyssey

Updated 10/22/2026 | Published 10/21/2026

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(540)

$185.21

Blue Ox Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(6)

$305.06

Question:

Can you please explain why the e-trailer hitch is not compatible with bike racks? I think you are referring to vertical only, but what is the difference between the Blue ox and this one? Does it stick out another inch so it doesnt rub the bumper and theres more clearance? Or what is the major difference? Could an extension bar just be used to solve this?

asked by: Jon

Expert Reply:

Hey Jon, thanks for reaching out. The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98855 for the Honda Odyssey is absolutely compatible with bike racks. As long as the bike rack fits a 2" receiver, and as long as the weight of the rack and bikes does not exceed 525 lbs, you will be good to go. That includes both vertical hanging racks and platform racks.

As far as the difference between the etrailer hitch and the Blue Ox # BLU72UR hitch, both will fit your 2024 Odyssey. There are a few minor structural differences, but the biggest difference is the higher weight rating the Blue Ox Hitch carries. The etrailer hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs towing and 525 lbs of tongue weight, while the Blue Ox hitch is rated for 4,500 lbs towing and 675 lbs of tongue weight. Bumper clearance really won't be an issue with either hitch.

What will you be using the hitch for? And just out of curiosity, what made you think the hitch was not compatible with bike racks?

expert reply by: Jesse M

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
(click to enlarge)

Jon

10/21/2026

The install video mentioned that it wouldn't be good for vertical bike racks explicitly, which raised the question. Maybe it was a slightly different model, none of the videos in the link you provided mention that. I can't seem to find it again. The van was on drive up ramps in the video, not a lift, and in the clearance was measured from the 2" hitch to the ground. It was around that point when the vertical bike rack was mentioned. Great to hear it won't be an issue though. More serious pulling will be with the truck ;). I'll be using bike rack, small trailer, maybe storage rack with the van. Thanks.

Jesse M.

10/22/2026

@Jon So ground clearance is a factor for really any hitch mounted rack. You always want to be aware of the rack hanging off the back of the car. Especially on certain vans where the hitch rides a bit lower than usual. I used to have a Toyota Sienna with a hitch, and it did ride pretty low but even with the rack and bikes on there I never had any issues with anything hitting the ground. We are here is Missouri though, and most of our roads are pretty flat. So, you really just need to be careful going over any super steep inclines.

Paul E.

10/22/2026

I have not tried to attach a bike rack and so cannot comment but hitch that I bought a year or so ago for my 2020 Odyssey fit perfectly and has towed everything without incident.