Curt Manufacturing 11681 Class 1 Trailer Hitch

easy to install. nicely finished

Solid construction. Based on the picture and description, this looked like a simple bolt on hitch. I previously bought a Draw-Tite hitch for an older similar model car. The design, bolt on feature, and similar car were my basic purchase decision criteria. A few things are noteworthy: use the car model compatibility app on the Curt website or follow the link (if one appears) on the Amazon site. If you're certain the hitch will fit your car, download the installation guide. I might have chosen another design (brand) if I'd read the installation guide carefully. First, if you're mounting this model on a 2014 Honda Accord be prepared to use tin snips to modify an aluminum heat shield by the muffler(s). Easy enough except I had one muffler on the right side and the photo in the installation guide depicted a left hand muffler. If you face the same issue, you'll have to orient the heat shield correctly in order to cut away excess metal where the hitch bolts to the underside of the vehicle. Finally, Curt provides two fish wires. Installation of each mount bolt requires feeding the fish wire from the rear bolt hole toward a cutout opening in the forward end of a blind channel. At the cutout you slide a rectangular plate over the fish wire end. Then, carefully thread the carriage bolt on to the spring-shaped end of the fish wire. By pulling slowly on the fish wire, the plate and bolt will move 18 inches or so toward the bolt hole. Some things must happen in sequence: the rectangular plate has a square hole (locks into carriage bolt head) that is positioned over the bolt hole. Pulling the fish wire further will draw the bolt threads through the bolt hole. It's necessary to carefully turn and pull the bolt until the carriage bolt head aligns with the square cutout in the plate. Otherwise insufficient thread will be exposed through the hitch mounting plate. The bolt hole is only slightly larger than the bolt. One fish wire end is wrapped exactly to the shape of the bolt threads and will just fit into the gap between threads. Don't damage the shape or stretch the preformed wrap. If the fish wire is distorted it will not pass through the bolt hole. Read the instructions as many times as needed before and during installation. They are accurate but oversimplify the task. If you have one muffler, do the opposite side first to get a feel for the difficulty. Once both bolts are in place, leave the fish wires threaded to the bolt until the hitch is raised into position and the nut is ready to thread on the bolt. An extra pair of hands is helpful when making the final alignment to attach the nuts. The hitch is not light. I'm pleased with hitch performance. Price was reasonable.

I could not decide between this and the Draw-tite. So happy I purchased this over the Draw-tite for a few reasons. 1. It is better fit, finish and quality control over the Draw-tite. Some draw tite units suffer from crooked welds etc. 2. It is made in the USA the draw tite is made in Mexico. 3. It has a round collar welded around the receiver that adds strength and prevents splitting. Therefore it is stronger than competitors. 4. It is very easy to install. Literally 2 bolts and a ubolt. Hardest part is removing the rubber exhaust hangers and the heat shield. Overrall, this is a great quality hitch. Some people complain that it is recommended that you use a support strap for bicycle racks. I think Curt is being overly cautious. It is a good idea however to use a support strap as it is extra insurance that your bikes won't bounce around and damage anything. Buy this hitch it looks great and works fantastic.

It showed up on time with all of the advertised parts. Took 25 min to install. Works perfect! I highly recommend this hitch!

Put this hitch on the back of a 2015 Honda Accord so I could tow a log splitter. Works excellent. Did have it professionally installed and has lasted me many years, but only gets used 1-2 times per year.