Your Guide to Top Ranked Tow Hitches for Cars (2024)

Hitches are among the most useful accessories that you can attach to your vehicle. This device is something that nearly all car owners cannot do without, especially amongst off-roaders. Car hitches are capable of hauling campers, boats, and just about anything you can think of. This piece includes a review of the highest-rated Tow Hitch for Cars, as glorified by the most enthusiastic reviewers on Amazon.

What Is a Tow Hitch?

A tow hitch, also referred to as a trailer hitch, is a robust metallic device mounted to the frame of your vehicle. Tow hitches link your vehicle with attachments allowing you to tow a wide variety of items such as kayak racks, bike racks, trailers, and more.

A tow hitch is made up of several parts:

• A drawbar, which is also known as a gooseneck.
• The hitch ball, which is removable or fixed.
• The towing hook, which can replace the tow ball if needed.
• The coupling head, which connects to the trailer's drawbar.
• The electrical connector, which supplies power to the trailer's taillights.

A tow hitch should have the following features:

• Capability to easily adjust to the position of the trailer relative to the automobile.
• Mechanical tensile strength that exceeds the towing force to prevent mechanical failure.
• Rigidity to compensate for speed variations and prevent unwanted movement by the trailer that could cause collision with the car.

Types of Tow Hitches for Cars

Before undertaking any towing, it's important to know what kind of hitch is appropriate for your car. The following is a rundown of top-ranked tow hitches for cars:

Our Top Pick

This Maxxhaul Triple Ball Mount unit has three standard hitch sizes: 2 5/16 inches, 1 7/8 inches, and 2 inches. The square base is easily detachable from the receiver, rotated 90 degrees, and re-inserted to change sizes. Weight ratings differ dependent on the current size, with the 2 5/16-inch ball capable of pulling 7,500 pounds, 5,000 pounds for the 2-inch ball, and 2,000 pounds for 1 7/8-inch ball.

Premium Option

The EAZ LIFT Elite Kit is one of the highest-rated hitches on the market. It features interchangeable bars that provide positive latching action to keep your towing running along smoothly. It also boasts a maximum tongue weight capacity of 1,000 pounds and a maximum gross weight rating of 10,000 pounds. The chain package and U-bolts are pre-installed on the spring bars for ease of installation. And not only does this unit come with an anti-sway feature that is easy to turn on and off, but it also comes with a five-year warranty.

Highest Rated for Durability and Strength

When it comes to unbeatable durability and strength, the CURT Pintle Hook Hitch is the most trusted. The simple loop and hook design and heavy metal construction provide for secure coupling. The pintle hook does rattle and clank more than the typical ball hitch, but when teamed with a heavy-duty receiver, the combo is unstoppable. The pintle hitch is built of solid forged steel and can manage up to 20,000 pounds. Curt protected this hitch with a long-lasting powder coat finish to prevent chipping, rust, and other damage from the elements.

Honorable Mention

One of the top kits when it comes to towing is the Reese Towpower Class III Starter Kit. This Class III starter kit consists of a clip, pin, hitch ball, and ball mount. Intended for unparalleled strength, the kit is specially made with a coating that provides years of protection from corrosion, chipping, rust, and other elements. These chrome hitch balls have been engineered to hold up to a maximum 6,000-pound capacity and meets all safety requirements. This kit is 8 inches long and fits 2-inch hitch box openings, and the ball itself has a 2-inch diameter. The included clip and pin are 5/8 inch, and there's a 3/4-inch rise and a 2-inch drop on this kit.

How To Choose the Right Tow Hitch for Cars

Go for a Class I hitch if you have a heavy-duty truck, light-duty truck, minivan, or car. The Class I tow hitches are perfect for light duty, such as hauling a cargo box, bike rack, motorcycle, or jet ski.

Choose a Class II hitch if you've got a heavy-duty truck, light-duty truck, minivan, or car. These can haul everything a Class I tow hitch can but also heavier items, such as two utility vehicles, a small boat, or a small trailer.

Pick a Class III tow hitch if you've got a heavy-duty truck, light-duty truck, SUV, or a minivan. These can haul heavier loads than both Class I and II tow hitches can, such as a fishing boat or a medium trailer.

Class V or IV tow hitches can generally be used only with a heavy-duty truck or light-duty truck. These types of tow hitches are required to tow the heaviest loads, such as large camper trailers.

How To Install a Tow Hitch for Cars

Disclaimer: The guidelines in this piece are general and not meant to replace instructions for your specific vehicle. Please consult your owner's manual or repair guide before attempting repairs.

Attaching a tow hitch to your SUV, van, or car allows you to tow all kinds of loads. Tow hitches can be installed with just a few essential hand tools. Before you start the installation, always remember to check the hitch manufacturer's directions for specific details that you need to know for your specific car. Here's a basic rundown on how to approach installation:

1. After ensuring your parking brake is set, and your wheels are blocked, jack up your automobile to give yourself some clearance to install the tow hitch.
2. Put together the entire hitch according to the manufacturer's guidelines but don't fasten any bolts (if appropriate).
3. Some vehicles have pre-drilled holes to affix hitch mounts. Otherwise, drill your own holes into your vehicle's frame using the tow hitch you put together as a template.
4. Attach the hitch to your vehicle's frame and secure it into place with a C-clamp, and firmly tighten the bolts on the tow hitch.
5. Manage all electrical connections for turn signals and brake lights and test them to confirm they're working correctly.

Hearst Autos Research, independent of the Car and Driver Editorial staff, provides articles about cars and the automotive industry to help readers make informed purchasing choices.