How to Select a Trailer Hitch
Match hitch class to the door sticker and the product page before you shop a heavier trailer than the vehicle can safely tow.
Watch on YouTubeHitch Step versus Bumper Step (Canada)
Hitch accessories
Need a step for bed, roof, or trunk access on a vehicle that already has a trailer hitch in Canada? Start by deciding whether you want a hitch-mounted step that uses the receiver, or a bumper-mounted step that stays clear of the tube. Hitch steps help when you need a temporary foothold and can free the receiver later. Bumper steps help when the tube must stay open for a ball mount, bike rack, or cargo carrier. We compare the CURT hitch steps we stock and is upfront that we do not stock bumper steps, with free shipping anywhere in Canada.
Built for Canadian hitch shoppers. free shipping on CURT towing gear from Lots of Parts.
Related reading: hitch step tips, hitch for bike rack only, and cargo basket versus enclosed carrier. Prefer the full index? Open the towing guides hub.
Related reading: hitch step tips, hitch for bike rack only, and cargo basket versus enclosed carrier. Prefer the full index? Open the towing guides hub.
How we choose hitch step versus bumper step
A hitch-mounted step occupies the receiver while it is installed, so plan around days you also need a rack or ball mount. CURT part 31001 is a straightforward step pad for listed two inch receivers. CURT part 45909 adds adjustability when paired with a channel mount such as CURT part 45926. Bumper steps stay clear of the tube, but we do not stock one. Pin any hitch step before you climb, and remove it when the receiver needs other work.
Step 1Decide whether the receiver must stay free
Racks and ball mounts need the tube.
Step 2Choose a hitch step when temporary access is enough
Pad or adjustable, both in stock.
Step 3Bumper steps are not something we stock
We will show you the job even when we do not stock the part.
Step 4Pin before you climb, remove when the tube is needed
Wet Canadian boots make this non-negotiable.
Official CURT videos for Canadian hitch-accessory shoppers
These clips come from the official CURT YouTube channel (@curtmfg). Use them before you open a product page.
If an embed does not load, use the YouTube link under each video.
Trailer Hitch Installation Techniques
Confirm the step and channel-mount product pages still list your receiver size before you climb with an armful of gear.
Watch on YouTubeHow to Connect a Trailer Wiring Harness
A hitch step should not crush or pinch a trailer plug left dangling in the same receiver area.
Watch on YouTubeHow to Choose a Ball Mount and Trailer Ball
Match shank size to the receiver tube, then level the trailer with drop or rise once the hitch is on.
Watch on YouTubeBrowse hitch step gear we stock
Compare hitch-mounted step pads and adjustable steps we stock for two inch receivers, with free shipping from Lots of Parts.
Shop the collectionWorth knowing. Hitch steps occupy the tube. Bumper steps leave it free. We stock hitch steps only.
CURT gear for the job
CURT part 31001Hitch-mounted step padHitch-mounted step pad that fits a two inch receiver. Pin before you climb.$117.00 CAD
CURT part 45909Adjustable hitch stepAdjustable hitch step with a folding base that attaches to a CURT adjustable channel mount.$146.77 CAD
CURT part 45926Adjustable channel mountTwo inch adjustable channel mount that can host channel-style accessories such as the adjustable step.$561.41 CAD
| Topic | What we tell shoppers |
|---|---|
| Hitch step | Uses the receiver. Temporary foothold. Remove when racks or towing need the tube. |
| Bumper step | Leaves the receiver free. Not something we stock. |
| Pad versus adjustable | CURT part 31001 for a simple pad. CURT part 45909 with a channel mount when you need positioning flexibility. |
| Safety habit | Pin before you climb. Wet boots and armfuls of gear are a bad mix with a walking step. |
Related guides worth opening
Hitch step tipsDeeper hitch-step shopping.
Hitch for bike rack onlyWhen the tube is busy with racks.
Cargo basket versus enclosedWhen the step helps you reach a carrier.
Towing guides hubFull Canada hitch index.
In short: choose a hitch step when temporary receiver access is enough, know we do not stock bumper steps, pin before you climb, and clear the tube when racks or towing need it.
