I know nothing about hitches

I want to install a hitch on my new to me 04 Element and my wife's 2014 Escape so I can install the 1UP bike rack I just ordered on either vehicle. So it has be a 2in receiver.

Is there any good reason to not going with the two hitches below? Are their better manufacturers or sellers I should look at?

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Honda/Element/2004/75659.html?VehicleID=2004202681

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Ford/Escape/2014/75758.html?VehicleID=20148700

If all you are dragging around is a bicycle or 20, those will do fine.  Either one will tow far more than the vehicle is capable of.

Drawtite is a big manufacturer.

I did that exact thing with the MPV.

I would recommend Curt hitches.  Easy install.  Made in the USA.  When I checked, all the big names are pretty much owned by one company and all their stuff is manufactured behind enemy lines--that is to say--in China.

1988RedT2 said:

 

I would recommend Curt hitches.  Easy install.  Made in the USA.  When I checked, all the big names are pretty much owned by one company and all their stuff is manufactured behind enemy lines--that is to say--in China.

I didn't notice that the Curt hitches where made in the USA. I may do that then.

Streetwiseguy said:

If all you are dragging around is a bicycle or 20, those will do fine.  Either one will tow far more than the vehicle is capable of.

Drawtite is a big manufacturer.

I could see getting a small utility trailer at some point but yet I think it 1500lbs for the Element and 2000lbs for the Escape.

Note that etrailer has a price match, and usually is more expensive than Amazon.  So google around for prices first before reaching out to etrailer.  They have great customer service, so I like to shop with them.  Curt and Draw-tite are both fine.  Installation is super easy, generally.

Hmm.  A quick check reveals that Cequent, who owns Reese, Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch, and others, is manufacturing most of their stuff in Mexico. 

Curt is made in USA.

Edit:  This is as concise a discussion of manufacturing location as I could find, compliments of e-trailer:

https://www.etrailer.com/faq-which-hitches-usa.aspx

Edit:  And apparently Cequent was acquired by Horizon Global back in 2015:

https://mergr.com/horizon-global-acquires-cequent-performance-products

I give eTrailer a wholehearted endorsement- Ive ordered several things from them and have always gotten top notch customer service. Easy returns, and good tech support.

Don't stress about it.  At those weights, your biggest concern should be appearance.  Pay attention to other Elements and Escapes and what hitches they have on them.

Ironically, one of the ugliest and most visible hitch brands tends to be one called "Hidden Hitch."

Curt, Draw-tite, Reese... all of them are well built and will likely take far more weight than you can safely tow.  Heck, at that weight, I would trust a chinese knock-off from Amazon.

I've been very impressed with the Curt hitches I've bought.  

I bought everything I used to hitch up the Santa Fe from etrailer and have no complaints.  There install videos are clear and concise and they actually ensure products work with your vehicle.  

Another option to check is Uhaul.  I had a Uhaul hitch for my Vibe that was branded Uhaul but looked a lot like the round tube Curt hitch.  It was cheap and Uhaul shipped it to the local place for free.  

Link to my recent Curt install on Grand Caravan. 

I did not know about eTrailer price match. I wish I had. The eTrailer site has great tutorials/videos.

Another vote for Curt from etrailer.