Hello all,

Would anyone be able to provide insight on a decision between installing a class II (1.25") or class III (2") hitch? Either one will work with the racks I plan to use, and the prices are roughly the same.

If anyone has a picture of their hitch, please post to show the difference in how each size looks on the RDX.

Thanks.

 

Go to the E-trailer web site. It has video on the actual installation for your vehicle, for most hitches. It will show you what they look like when installed. I have a 2" receiver that does not protrude from the edge of the bumper. That being said, I had to get a 12" (long) ball mount to keep the bike rack far enough away from the back of the RDX. Some racks, like Thule have integrated mounts that tilt, lock, and can be used with both size receivers. They are a little pricey, but when you consider the price of a ball mount, and locking pin, It is not that bad.

 

I was debating the same thing. I think I am going to go with the 2" since they are similar price. Probably will come in handy if you ever need to connect anything else besides a bike rack. I think both hitches are hidden underneath the bumper nicely.

 

I ordered the 2" Curt hitch from etrailer earlier this week. I also ordered the Thule 1.25" to 2" adapter for my T2.

 

I ordered the Curt class III hitch from etrailer on Tuesday and I got it Friday afternoon. 15 minutes to install, could have less if I had additional help but zip ties or an 8" foot stool would do. I also got a Thule Vertex 4 and that installation took another 10 minutes. It takes another 10 to strap-up; they are sure stiff out of the box.

Today, I carried 4 bikes (tough but manageable since they were road bikes) to a cycling event 40 miles outside of Houston with no issues. I got my 50 miles in and the bikes didn't fall off so I'm a happy camper with the Curt class III trailer and the Thule Vertex 4.

 

We went with the Class II. Replaced the OEM Acura Class I. So same 1.25" opening.

Our thoughts were that any towing the RDX can do SHOULD do would still fall under the class II weight restrictions. (see below)

Class II has a smaller, more hidden opening and probably a slightly lighter hitch. Our hitch-haul and Yakima rack also came with the 1.25" shafts.

We also had a good experience with eTrailer.

From etrailer site:
Class II:
Trailer Hitch Size:
1-1/4 Inch Hitch Opening
Towing Capacity:
350 Pound Tongue Weight
3500 Pound Towing

Class III
Trailer Hitch Size:
2 Inch Hitch Opening
Towing Capacity:
400 Pound Tongue Weight
4000 Pound Towing

 

any pics of the trailers you added that were not OEM? I am interested in seeing how it looks from behind.

 

How are you planning to test out that theory?

 

Curt 2". And btw, a search of the forum will reveal quite a number of posts on this topic.

 

I also have the class III from etrailer.com, installed in 20 minutes, and holds my Yakima bike racks perfectly. The hitch does not extend out past the bumper. I have to search for my pictures. I believe it was $200 with the wiring kit.

 

Has anyone installed trailer wiring on the RDX - how do you do it? How hard is it? reccomended kits?

 

it has been my experience that installation of tow hitches into any Honda is pretty painless. all the ones I have used replace the tow hooks and mount to that location on the subframe. Based upon the pictures of the RDX hitch, it mounts the same way

1. block wheels
2. roll under car
3. remove tow hooks and save bolts
4. install one side with just enough bolt to hold it
5. install other side with bolts 1/4 turn before snug
6. go back and get other side bolts 1/4 before snug
7. check hitch and make sure it is where you want it
8. tighten all bolts to specs

enjoy new hitch.

 

Not on the RDX but I did on our CR-V. I got the hitch and the wiring kit from etrailer.com. The hitch was pretty easy to install. For the wiring, I had to remove a couple trim panels, mainly the one on the left side behind the rear seat. Then it was just a matter of plugging it into some existing connectors and routing it down into the spare tire compartment & replacing the panels. When I wanted to connect the trailer, I'd pull the wire out of the spare tire well and plug it into the trailer and then just close the hatch over it. Be sure there's enough slack.

Check out etrailer's site. Heres's the RDX harness:http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-V...cleid=20148797

There's a link to the installation instructions on the right side of the page.

Disclaimer...I have no connection to etrailer.com except as a satisfied customer.