How to Choose a Trailer Hitch (Canada)

Need a hitch for a truck, SUV, or crossover in Canada? Watch the CURT videos below, then follow the short steps. We’ll point you to the right class, wiring, and fitment pages.

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Start with your year / make / model page, or browse the trailer hitches collection. Want every guide in one place? Open the towing guides hub.

Official CURT videos (install & choose)

Short how-tos from the CURT YouTube channel (@curtmfg). Watch here, or open on YouTube.

If an embed does not load, use the YouTube link under each card.

How to Select a Trailer Hitch

CURT · Overview of Class I–V receivers and what to match to your trailer

Start here if you are still picking a hitch class.

Watch on YouTube →

Trailer Hitch Installation Techniques

CURT · General install methods used across custom-fit receivers

Tools, positioning, and the usual install flow.

Watch on YouTube →

Install Hardware (Fishwire & Hardware Tips)

CURT · Hardware technique used on many frame-rail installs

Useful when the sheet asks you to fishwire bolts through the frame.

Watch on YouTube →

How to Trim Fascia

CURT · Install tip when fascia or underbody trimming is required

Some SUVs need a trim for clearance. Follow the sheet’s diagram.

Watch on YouTube →

Wiring Harness Install Example (RAV4)

CURT · Vehicle-specific harness install example (#56434 / 2020 RAV4)

Example plug-and-play harness install. Your kit may differ — see the wiring guide.

Watch on YouTube →

Quick path: four steps

Step 1 Match the vehicle

Buy a CURT hitch made for your exact year / make / model. Don’t guess from a similar truck.

Step 2 Pick a class

Class = capacity. Use the lowest rating of hitch, mount, trailer, and vehicle.

Step 3 Add wiring

Lights need a 4-flat or 7-way path. Most SUVs need a harness with the hitch.

Step 4 Ball mount

Match the shank to the receiver. Measure drop/rise so the trailer sits level.

Recommendations by vehicle type

Starting points for common Canadian setups. Always confirm fitment on the product page. Never exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity.

Pickup trucks

F-150 · Silverado · Ram · Tacoma

Most half-ton and midsize trucks use a Class III or IV 2″ receiver. Heavy-duty trucks may need Class V, gooseneck, or 5th-wheel instead.

  • Boats, utility, and travel trailers usually want 2″ + a matching ball mount
  • Already have a factory hitch? Check its capacity before adding gear
  • Electric-brake trailers need a brake controller

2025 F-150 · F-150 guide · 2025 Silverado · 2025 Ram 1500 · 2024 Tacoma

SUVs & vans

RAV4 · Highlander · CR-V · Sienna · Wrangler

Family SUVs and vans often take a Class III 2″ hitch — for cargo carriers, bike racks, and light-to-moderate trailers. The vehicle rating still caps you.

  • Some installs trim a fascia or underbody panel
  • Pair with a vehicle-specific wiring harness
  • Measure ball-mount drop on lifted or low trims

2024 RAV4 · 2024 CR-V · 2024 Highlander · 2025 Sienna · 2024 Wrangler

Crossovers

Crosstrek · Outback · compact CUVs

Crossovers often use Class II or III. Many people install mainly for a bike rack or small utility trailer — still buy vehicle-specific, not “universal.”

  • 1¼″ receivers show up on lighter Class I–II kits
  • 2″ Class III is common when CURT offers it for your year
  • Wiring is almost always a separate kit — plan for it

2016 Crosstrek · 2024 Crosstrek · 2024 Outback

Wiring and ball mount — quick checklist

  • Wiring: Needed whenever the trailer has lights. Light trailers → usually 4-flat. Brakes / charge / reverse → often 7-way. Prefer a vehicle-specific CURT harness over splicing.
  • Ball mount: The hitch is only a receiver. You still need a shank that fits, a ball that matches the coupler, and the right drop or rise.
  • Pin & clip / lock: Keeps the ball mount in the receiver. Buy one sized for your tube.

Read these next:

Hitch Buying GuideClass I–V, receivers, capacity basics Trailer Wiring Guide4-flat vs 7-way, converters, harness basics Ball Mount GuideDrop vs rise, ball sizes, tongue weight Towing Guides HubAll guides + popular YMM landers

Shop hitches & popular fitments

Trailer Hitches Collection

Browse CURT Class 1–5 receivers with Canada-wide free shipping. Filter by vehicle or open a year page below.

Open trailer hitches →

Shop by vehicle

Use the fitment tools on the trailer-hitches collection, then confirm the CURT part on the product page.

Shop hitch by vehicle →

More help: towing guides hub · ball mounts · wiring & electrical · all towing · contact support