We researched the top receiver hitches designed for mounting on the back of a travel trailer. These hitches allow you to carry bikes, cargo, or even tow a small trailer behind your RV. Our evaluation is based on manufacturer specifications, published industry and safety standards, and aggregated owner feedback. We compared weight capacities, shank sizes, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation to help you choose the right hitch for your setup.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
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CURT 13701 Class 3 Trailer Hitch Best Overall Class 3, 2-inch receiver, 5,000 lb GTW, 500 lb TW |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Buyers Products 52113 Class 4 Receiver Hitch Heavy Duty Pick Class 4, 2-inch receiver, 10,000 lb GTW, 1,000 lb TW |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Reese Towpower 7008400 Class 3 Hitch Best Value Class 3, 2-inch receiver, 5,000 lb GTW, 500 lb TW |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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CURT 13501 Class 2 Receiver Hitch Compact & Lightweight Class 2, 1.25-inch receiver, 3,500 lb GTW, 350 lb TW |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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MaxxHaul 70130 Adjustable Hitch Receiver Adjustable Option Class 3, 2-inch receiver, 5,000 lb GTW, 500 lb TW, adjustable height |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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CURT 13401 Class 3 Hitch with 2-5/16 Ball Integrated Ball Option Class 3, 2-inch receiver, 5,000 lb GTW, 500 lb TW, includes 2-5/16 ball |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Draw-Tite 41885 Class 3 Receiver Hitch Premium Finish Class 3, 2-inch receiver, 5,000 lb GTW, 500 lb TW, weather-resistant finish |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. CURT 13701 Class 3 Trailer Hitch: Best Overall
The CURT 13701 is a Class 3 receiver hitch designed for travel trailers. It offers a 5,000 lb gross trailer weight (GTW) and 500 lb tongue weight (TW), making it suitable for most bike racks, cargo carriers, and even small utility trailers. The hitch features a 2-inch receiver tube and a corrosion-resistant dual-coat finish that stands up to road salt and weather. Owner feedback highlights a straightforward installation process for most standard trailer frames, though some users noted that custom brackets or drilling may be needed for non-standard frames.
In our evaluation, the hitch’s strength and finish are excellent, but we caution that it is not designed for heavy towing beyond its rating. Those who need to tow a larger trailer or carry a heavy load should consider a higher class hitch. Additionally, the hitch adds some length to the trailer, which can affect departure angles in tight spots. If you have a lightweight trailer and need a reliable hitch for accessories, this is an excellent choice.
- Fits most travel trailers with a 2-inch receiver tube.
- Corrosion-resistant dual-coat protection with gloss black finish.
- Includes all necessary mounting hardware and installation instructions.
Pros: Excellent build quality and fitment.; High weight capacity suitable for most cargo carriers and bike racks.
Cons: May require drilling or welding on some trailer frames.
2. Buyers Products 52113 Class 4 Receiver Hitch: Heavy Duty Pick
The Buyers Products 52113 is a Class 4 receiver hitch that offers a substantial 10,000 lb GTW and 1,000 lb TW rating. It is built from heavy-duty steel with a powder coat finish that provides decent corrosion protection. This hitch is ideal for those who need to carry heavy cargo or tow a small trailer behind their RV. Owner feedback indicates that the hitch is very sturdy and fits well on many travel trailer frames, though installation can be more involved due to its weight and size.
However, this hitch adds significant weight and length to the rear of the trailer, which can reduce ground clearance and affect departure angles. It is also overkill for lighter loads, and the extra weight may reduce payload capacity. If you have a large travel trailer and need to tow or carry heavy items, this is a solid choice. But for lighter applications, a Class 3 hitch would be more practical and easier to handle.
- Heavy-duty steel construction with a powder coat finish.
- Rated for up to 10,000 lb GTW and 1,000 lb TW.
- Designed for use with travel trailers and fifth wheels.
Pros: High weight capacity for heavy loads.; Rugged construction with good corrosion resistance.
Cons: Heavier and bulkier than Class 3 hitches.
3. Reese Towpower 7008400 Class 3 Hitch: Best Value
The Reese Towpower 7008400 is a Class 3 hitch that offers a 5,000 lb GTW and 500 lb TW rating at a competitive price point. It is designed to fit most travel trailers with a standard 2-inch receiver tube and comes with a hitch pin and clip for secure attachment. Owner feedback suggests that installation is straightforward and the hitch performs adequately for carrying bike racks or cargo carriers. The hitch is finished with a black powder coat that provides basic protection against rust.
In our evaluation, the hitch is a good value for budget-conscious buyers, but we found that the finish is less durable than premium options and may show wear over time. The weight capacity is sufficient for most accessories, but it is not suitable for heavy towing or extreme loads. If you need a hitch for occasional use and want to save money, this is a solid pick. However, if you plan to use it frequently or in harsh environments, consider investing in a more corrosion-resistant model.
- Affordable price without sacrificing essential features.
- Fits many travel trailers with standard 2-inch receivers.
- Includes a hitch pin and clip for added security.
Pros: Budget-friendly option.; Good enough for light to moderate use.
Cons: Not as corrosion-resistant as higher-end models.
4. CURT 13501 Class 2 Receiver Hitch: Compact & Lightweight
The CURT 13501 is a Class 2 receiver hitch with a 1.25-inch receiver tube, rated at 3,500 lb GTW and 350 lb TW. It is designed for smaller travel trailers that require a lightweight hitch for accessories like bike racks or small cargo carriers. The hitch features a corrosion-resistant black powder coat finish and includes all necessary mounting hardware. Owner feedback indicates that installation is simple and the hitch fits well on many small trailers.
However, this hitch has a lower weight capacity and a smaller receiver size, which limits compatibility with many standard accessories that require a 2-inch receiver. It is not suitable for heavy towing or large cargo carriers. If you have a small trailer and only need to carry lightweight items, this hitch is a good choice. But for most travel trailers, a Class 3 or higher hitch is recommended.
- Compact and lightweight design for smaller trailers.
- Easy to install with included hardware.
- Corrosion-resistant black powder coat finish.
Pros: Low profile and easy to handle.; Good for light-duty accessories like small bike racks.
Cons: Lower weight capacity limits use.
5. MaxxHaul 70130 Adjustable Hitch Receiver: Adjustable Option
The MaxxHaul 70130 is an adjustable receiver hitch that allows you to change the height of the receiver tube to match your trailer frame. It is rated as a Class 3 hitch with 5,000 lb GTW and 500 lb TW, and it comes with an adapter to fit both 2-inch and 1.25-inch receivers. This adjustability makes it a good choice for trailers with unusual frame heights or for those who want to use the same hitch on multiple trailers. Owner feedback mentions that the adjustment mechanism works well, but some users report that the hitch can feel less solid than a fixed hitch.
In our evaluation, the adjustable feature is convenient, but the overall build quality is not as high as dedicated fixed hitches. The moving parts may wear over time, and the hitch may not be as reliable for heavy loads. It is best suited for light to moderate use where adjustability is needed. If you have a standard trailer frame, a fixed hitch is likely a better investment.
- Adjustable height to fit different trailer frames.
- Fits 2-inch and 1.25-inch receivers with adapter.
- Includes a locking pin for added security.
Pros: Flexible with adjustable height.; Good for trailers with non-standard frame heights.
Cons: Build quality is not as strong as fixed hitches.
6. CURT 13401 Class 3 Hitch with 2-5/16 Ball: Integrated Ball Option
The CURT 13401 is a Class 3 receiver hitch that comes with a 2-5/16 inch trailer ball already installed. It is rated for 5,000 lb GTW and 500 lb TW, and it features a corrosion-resistant gloss black finish. This hitch is designed for those who need a quick and easy way to tow a trailer directly from the hitch without needing a separate ball mount. Owner feedback praises the convenience and solid construction.
However, the fixed ball size may not be compatible with all trailer couplers, and the hitch does not allow for height adjustment. It also adds length to the trailer, which can affect clearance. This hitch is best for those who have a trailer with a 2-5/16 coupler and want a simple, integrated solution. If you need versatility or a different ball size, a standard receiver hitch with a separate ball mount is a better choice.
- Comes with a 2-5/16 inch trailer ball pre-installed.
- Rated for 5,000 lb GTW and 500 lb TW.
- Corrosion-resistant gloss black powder coat finish.
Pros: Convenient all-in-one design.; Good build quality from CURT.
Cons: Ball size may not fit all trailers.
7. Draw-Tite 41885 Class 3 Receiver Hitch: Premium Finish
The Draw-Tite 41885 is a Class 3 receiver hitch that offers a 5,000 lb GTW and 500 lb TW rating. It is known for its high-quality weather-resistant finish that holds up well against rust and corrosion. The hitch is designed for easy bolt-on installation and fits most travel trailers with a standard 2-inch receiver tube. Owner feedback consistently highlights the premium appearance and durability of the finish.
In our evaluation, this hitch stands out for its finish and build quality, but it comes at a higher price than many competitors. The weight capacity is standard for its class, so you are paying more for the finish and brand reputation. If you live in a region with harsh winters or frequent rain, the extra cost may be justified by the longer lifespan. However, if you are on a tight budget, there are more affordable options that perform similarly.
- Weather-resistant black powder coat with a durable finish.
- Designed for easy installation with no welding required.
- Fits most travel trailers with a 2-inch receiver tube.
Pros: Excellent corrosion resistance.; Smooth, clean appearance.
Cons: Higher price point than comparable models.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 receiver hitches?
Receiver hitches are classified by their weight capacity. Class 2 hitches typically have a 1.25-inch receiver and are rated up to 3,500 lb GTW and 350 lb TW. Class 3 hitches have a 2-inch receiver and are rated up to 5,000 lb GTW and 500 lb TW. Class 4 hitches also have a 2-inch receiver but can handle up to 10,000 lb GTW and 1,000 lb TW. Choose a class based on the weight of your accessories or trailer.
Can I install a receiver hitch on any travel trailer?
Most travel trailers have a frame that can accommodate a bolt-on receiver hitch, but some may require drilling or welding. It’s important to check your trailer’s owner manual or consult a professional to ensure the hitch is compatible with your specific frame design and weight ratings.
How much weight can I carry on a receiver hitch on the back of my travel trailer?
The weight capacity depends on the hitch class and the trailer’s own weight limitations. Always stay within the hitch’s GTW and TW ratings. Also, consider the trailer’s rear axle weight capacity and the effect on tongue weight. Overloading can cause handling issues or structural damage.
Do I need a special hitch for towing a trailer behind my travel trailer?
If you plan to tow a trailer (like a boat or utility trailer) behind your travel trailer, you need a receiver hitch that is rated for the towing weight. Most Class 3 or Class 4 hitches can handle this, but ensure the hitch and your trailer’s frame are rated for the combined weight. Also, check local laws regarding double towing.
Will a receiver hitch affect my travel trailer's ground clearance or departure angle?
Yes, adding a receiver hitch extends the rear of the trailer and can reduce ground clearance and departure angle. This may cause scraping on steep driveways or uneven terrain. Consider a hitch with a shorter shank or a removable design if clearance is a concern.
Our Verdict
After researching and comparing the top receiver hitches, our top pick is the CURT 13701 Class 3 Trailer Hitch for its excellent balance of strength, durability, and ease of installation. For those needing a higher weight capacity, the Buyers Products 52113 Class 4 Hitch is a strong runner-up. Always verify compatibility with your trailer and stay within weight limits.
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