Best car trailer hitch brand for paint durability?

[K_W]

I am going with a hitch mounted rack for the new car.  Especially since I am getting a rack for free. :-)
 
 All brands of hitch for this car are of the same basic design.  The biggest difference I can see there being will be paint quality and durability.
 
 Which brands hold up best?

[Hocky]

I have had 2 drawtite brand hitches that have held up very well...

[mtbikernate]

Got an EcoHitch for my wife's Subie (Crosstrek). More expensive than what you can find on etrailer. Much less expensive than the factory hitch. Not available for most cars, though. They're a small operation.


It's the only one that was substantially different than everything else on the market. NONE of the others (even the factory hitch) used the bumper cutout, and that was a priority for my wife. The hitch is rated for more weight than the car is rated to tow, so durability hasn't even remotely been a concern. We've had it for about 2 1/2 years now.


We use it with a Kuat NV rack, and have never put more than 2 bikes on it.

[chmaeet]

I've had four different hitches (four different vehicles) since I have used a hitch mount bike rack.  I don't remember the first mfg but the others have been Curt, purchased from etrailer.  On the second vehicle I tried another mfg (don't recall which one) but the mounting and fit wasn't to my liking so I returned it for the Curt.  As far as the paint, I can't recall the process but it's below powder coating so after 3-4 years I could see some mild rusting around the received tube.  I had a little bit of paint chipping as well around the opening of the square receiver tube but nothing that looked too bad.  Unless I have a bad experience with Curt they will be my go-to for future hitch and accessories needs.


I will say that etrailer has been amazing with website info, customer service and fast shipping (just outside STL).  If they have the hitch you want at a good price I would suggest them.


Chris

[RDF73Charger]

I have had really good luck with Hidden Hitch brand hitches.
Just was looking at the one on my wife's car and the rust is minimal.

[K_W]

I went with Curt and their wiring harness so I can also pull a little trailer.

I will paint over the hitch with Epoxy shock paint so it will be chip resistant.  I plan to have this car, and the hitch, for 10 years.  I want to keep it all nice.