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Bolting a tow hitch to your Chevy Traverse should feel like a one-afternoon job, not a battle with your exhaust and a fish wire. Tongue weight, included hardware, and bracket thickness separate a clean install from a frustrating one. This guide breaks down the eight most reliable Class 3 options for the Traverse, focusing on fit, hardware, and real-world install ease.
I’m Min Islam — the founder and writer behind Trending Car. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
We have compared fitment notes, towing capacities, and real owner experiences to find the best chevy traverse tow hitch for your hauling needs and your budget.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Chevy Traverse Tow Hitch
Before you buy, you need to know which model year you have, because the mounting points changed between the first generation (2009-2017) and the newer body styles. The hitches on this list split into two camps: those that fit the older 2009-2017 Traverse and those limited to the 2013-2017 refresh. Getting this wrong means returning a heavy steel box, so check your owner’s manual first.
Tongue Weight vs. Gross Towing
Gross trailer weight is the total weight of the trailer plus everything on it, while tongue weight is the downward force the trailer puts on the hitch ball. A hitch with a higher tongue weight rating gives you more room to carry heavy items like ATVs or a loaded cargo carrier without overloading the rear of your Traverse.
The Hardware Game
Some hitches arrive with every bolt, spacer, and fish wire you need, while others expect you to reuse factory bolts or buy extra hardware. Look for a kit that lists every bolt, spacer, and fish wire included to avoid mid-install surprises.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Tongue Weight | Gross Towing | Hitch Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CURT 13424★ Best Overall | Overall Reliability | 500 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 29 lbs | Amazon |
| APS HT-X31981Best Value | Budget Bolt-On | 500 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 37.2 lbs | Amazon |
| Rigid Hitch R3-0862Top Performer | American Build Quality | — | — | 50 lbs | Amazon |
| KUAFU | Heavy Tongue Loads | 750 lbs | 5,000 lbs | — | Amazon |
| TLAPS | Minimum-Frills Fit | 500 lbs | 5,000 lbs | — | Amazon |
| AutoBull ABTR-0002 | High Towing Ceiling | — | 6,500 lbs | 22 lbs | Amazon |
| LOCAME LC70 | Glove-Like Fit | — | — | 24.9 lbs | Amazon |
| CURT w/ Harness | Trailer Wiring Included | 500 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 36.6 lbs | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. CURT 13424 Class 3 Trailer Hitch
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 750+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The crowd favorite that hides cleanly behind the bumper and bolts up without drama.
You get a hitch rated for 5,000 lbs of gross trailer weight and 500 lbs of tongue weight, which covers most boats, small campers, and utility trailers a Traverse will realistically pull. It also works with a weight distribution hitch rated to 600 lbs of weight-distribution tongue weight, so you can level out a heavier trailer for a steadier ride.
The install is where this one wins people over — the 13424 has a 2/10 difficulty score in owner accounts, with several completing it in about 30 minutes without lowering the exhaust. It comes with bolts, spacers, and the fish wire you need to pull hardware through the frame, and buyers report it fits perfectly on 2011, 2012, and 2017 Traverses with no drilling required. As owners put it: “A perfect fit, and was easy to install!”
At 29 pounds, it is noticeably lighter than the APS model at 37.2 pounds, which makes it easier to lift into place alone. The gloss powder-coated finish and welded carbon steel construction give it a factory-quality, flush fit. The one honest caveat is the included hardware: most kits are complete, but a handful of owners mention receiving only six bolts instead of the full set.
Why it leads: The 4.7-star rating holds up across hundreds of owners for its consistent fit, finish, and easy install.
The trade-off: Check your box for all bolts before you start — a few kits arrive short, and sourcing the missing piece mid-install is a pain.
Reach for this if: you want the lowest-effort install with a proven fit on a 2009-2017 Traverse.
Look elsewhere if: you plan to carry a heavy tongue load like a large cargo carrier — the 500-lb rating is standard, not exceptional.
2. APS Towing Hitch Receiver
A budget-friendly hitch that brings a corrosion-fighting triple coat to the party.
This one matches the CURT’s 5,000-lb gross and 500-lb tongue ratings but adds a 6,000-lb weight distribution capacity, giving you a little more headroom to stabilize a heavier trailer. It also steps up the weather protection with a triple-layer finish: pre-treated steel, an E-coating inside and out, and a black powder coat on top.
The biggest physical difference is the 37.2-pound curb weight — that is 8.2 pounds heavier than the CURT, so you will want a second set of hands when you lift it. Owners describe the install as straightforward with no drilling, though one reviewer noted needing a minor adjustment to bolt placement on an Acadia before it met expectations for towing a boat to and from ramps.
The trade-off here is simple: at 37.2 pounds it is the heaviest of the standard hitches, and the extra steel does not raise the towing ceiling. Budget-tier pricing delivers the same 5,000-lb capacity as premium options, making it a smart value pick.
What earns the price
- Triple-layer rust-resistant coating for harsh climates
- Limited 3-year warranty beats most one-year terms
- 600-lb weight distribution tongue capacity
What to expect
- Heaviest standard hitch here at 37.2 lbs
- May need minor bolt alignment on some vehicles
Grab it if: you drive in snowy or salty regions and want the longest-lasting finish for the least money.
Think twice if: you are installing solo and want the lightest possible unit to wrestle under the bumper.
3. Rigid Hitch R3-0862
American-made heft that disappears completely behind the bumper trim after install.
This is the heaviest hitch on the list at 50 pounds, and that weight is the whole story. Rigid Hitch builds this from alloy steel in the USA, and owners describe it as heavy-duty and highly recommended, with a 2-inch receiver opening and a black powder coat finish that shrugs off weather. It is rated with a pull force of 5,000 pounds.
The install takes about an hour on a 2009 Traverse and under two hours on a 2013 Acadia, but you will need a helper just to lift it into place. Customers note the hardest part is removing the exhaust rubber brackets, and once it is up, it fits perfectly hidden behind the bumper trim. The ball mount and ball are sold separately, so factor that into your budget.
What you are paying for here is brute-force American manufacturing. It does not raise the towing numbers, but it delivers a rock-solid, rattle-free connection that owners say is worth doing sooner rather than later. The 4.8-star average across two dozen owners is the highest on this list, though the sample is smaller than the CURT’s.
The heft payoff: A 50-lb hitch built in the USA means no flex under load, but it is a two-person job to wrangle under the car.
Plan ahead: Oil the bolts (not WD-40) and torque them properly — owners say the prep work makes the install smooth.
Choose this for: the most solid, American-built feel you can bolt onto a Traverse, with the confidence of the highest owner rating here.
skip it if: you are installing alone or want a hitch that arrives with a ball mount — this one needs help and separate parts.
4. KUAFU Class 3 Trailer Hitch
The tongue-weight king that some owners had bolted on in ten minutes flat.
That gives you serious room for a loaded cargo carrier or a heavy bike rack without worrying about overloading the hitch itself. Gross towing stays at 5,000 lbs, with a hefty 7,500-lb weight distribution ceiling.
The fitment is impressively quick for many owners — one reported a perfect fit on a 2012 Traverse with everything included and the job done in about 10 minutes. Another noted the mounting points lined up perfectly on a 2009 Saturn Outlook, which shares the platform. The alloy steel build and black powder coat keep it durable in poor weather.
The honest complaint is a potential gap between the rear mounting points and the frame, which one owner measured at about 7/8 of an inch and solved with a dozen half-inch washers. It is a minor fix, but worth knowing before you start. For the price, you get the highest tongue capacity available for this platform, which is a rare value.
Why it stands out
- 750-lb tongue weight beats every other pick here
- Super fast install for most owners
- Direct replacement for OEM part 44569
The fit note
- Possible frame gap needing extra washers
- Professional install still recommended
Pick this if: you regularly carry heavy tongue loads and want the highest rating for the lowest cost.
Be ready for: a possible washer shim on some vehicles — keep a dozen half-inch washers handy.
5. LOCAME LC70 Class 3 Trailer Hitch
A lighter, corrosion-resistant hitch that owners say fits “like a glove.”
At 24.9 pounds, this is one of the lighter hitches on the list, which makes the solo install much more manageable. It is built for the 2009-2017 Traverse along with the Acadia, Enclave, and Saturn Outlook, and owners consistently report a perfect fit on 2010 GMC models and easy installation with clear directions. The iron construction gets a black powder coat plus corrosion-resistant plating.
It handles bicycles, motorcycles, caravans, and large luggage, plus roadside assistance tasks. No drilling is required, and all mounting hardware is included in the box, so you are not hunting for extra parts.
The catch is rare but real: one owner found two holes did not line up and the bolts were too big, which is the kind of fitment variance that can happen with any aftermarket hitch. The overwhelming majority report a perfect fit, so treat that as an occasional headache rather than a pattern. At a mid-range price, its light weight and corrosion-resistant coating make it an easy recommendation for most Traverse owners.
The friendly install: A sub-25-lb hitch is far easier to lift and align than the 37-lb and 50-lb options above.
The rare risk: A single owner hit bolt alignment problems — inspect your holes before starting.
Best for: the DIY owner who wants light weight and corrosion resistance without a heavy wrestle under the car.
Consider the alternative: if you need the absolute highest rating, the KUAFU above carries more tongue weight.
6. AutoBull ABTR-0002
The highest towing ceiling here at 6,500 lbs, wrapped in a surprisingly light 22-lb frame.
This is the only hitch on the list rated to tow up to 6,500 pounds, which clears the standard 5,000-lb class by a wide margin. That extra headroom means it can handle motorcycles, heavier trailers, and even roadside recovery applications without batting an eye. The autoBull is built from high-strength alloy carbon steel with a black powder coat and anti-corrosion plating.
The weight is the shocker: at just 22 pounds, it is the lightest hitch here by a significant margin, yet it carries the highest towing rating. Owners note the install is straightforward but better with two people, taking about an hour due to tight muffler hangers. The baked-on textured coating leaves no exposed metal, which is a nice touch for rust resistance.
There is one real fitment caveat to flag: a single owner reported the vehicle had recessed SAE nuts while the hitch shipped with metric bolts that would not thread, forcing them to source their own hardware. It is an isolated case, but it is worth checking your factory bolt pattern before you commit. For the price, the 6,500-lb ceiling and featherweight design make this a compelling premium pick.
The standout specs
- 6,500-lb max towing — highest of any pick
- Lightest hitch at 22 lbs
- Baked-on textured coating, no exposed metal
Watch for
- Possible metric-vs-SAE bolt mismatch on some vehicles
- Install easier with a second person
Pick this for: the highest towing ceiling and lightest weight in one package — a rare combo.
Double-check: your frame’s bolt threads before install to avoid the metric/SAE surprise.
7. TLAPS Class 3 Trailer Hitch
A no-frills carbon steel hitch with the numbers to back up its 5,000-lb claim.
The TLAPS covers the full family of vehicles — 2007-2016 Acadia, 2017 Acadia Limited, 2007-2010 Outlook, 2008-2017 Enclave, and 2009-2017 Traverse — with a standard 2-inch receiver tube. It is rated for 5,000 lbs weight carrying, 500 lbs tongue weight, 6,000 lbs weight distribution, and 600 lbs weight distribution tongue weight, so it ticks every box for typical Traverse towing.
What you do not get is the convenience extras: the pin, clip, ball mount, and wirings are not included, so you will need to budget for those separately. Owners say the fit is perfect on their vehicles, but the included hardware gets a rougher reception — one buyer found the center holes lacked welded nuts and the lag bolts were too big, while another had to shorten the carriage bolts by about 3/8 of an inch to fit a 2013 Acadia.
This is a functional, honest hitch at a mid-range price, but the hardware friction is the most consistent complaint across its reviews. If you are comfortable making minor bolt adjustments, it is a solid choice. If you want a truly bolt-on-and-go experience, the CURT above is worth the difference.
The simple pitch: Standard Class 3 numbers across the board with a powder-coated carbon steel build.
The recurring gripe: Mounting hardware often needs trimming or replacement — plan for a trip to the hardware store.
Best if: you have tools and patience for minor bolt modifications and want a budget-friendly fit.
Think twice if: you expect a perfect out-of-the-box install — the hardware is the weak link.
8. CURT 13424 with 4-Way Flat Wiring Harness
The do-everything kit that pairs a proven hitch with trailer wiring in one box.
This is the CURT 13424 you already know, bundled with a custom 4-way flat wiring harness that powers your trailer’s taillights, brake lights, and turn signals through a plug-and-play connector. It is engineered specifically for 2013-2017 Enclave, Traverse, and Acadia models, and it keeps the same 5,000-lb gross and 500-lb tongue ratings as the standalone hitch.
The hitch itself installs in about an hour for most owners, though you will want a #12 x 1.75 tap to clean the factory pre-set holes and a file or step bit for the tight middle slots. The kit includes a rubber dust cover for the wiring connector when it is not in use, and no drilling is required for the mounting bracket.
The wiring is where the reviews split. The harness is built for 2013-and-newer vehicles, so it will not work on a 2012 Acadia without modification — a real gotcha if you have an older model. There are also reports of the wiring harness missing from shipped boxes, which owners attribute to tampering. The hitch itself earns praise as a third CURT purchase for some loyal owners, but the bundle’s value depends entirely on getting a complete, correctly-matched box.
What the bundle adds
- 4-way flat wiring for lights and signals
- Includes dust cover and mounting bracket
- Same proven CURT fit and finish
The fine print
- Wiring only fits 2013-and-newer models
- Occasional missing-harness reports in transit
Best for: 2013-2017 Traverse owners who want hitch and trailer lighting in one order.
Be careful if: you own a 2012 or older model — the harness will not work without modification.
Understanding the Specs
Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer puts on the hitch ball. It is often the limiting factor for SUVs, because exceeding it makes the rear squat and the steering feel light. The KUAFU’s 750-lb rating gives you the most headroom for heavy carriers, while most others top out at 500 lbs.
Gross Trailer Weight
This is the total weight of the trailer and everything on it. Most Class 3 hitches for the Traverse carry a 5,000-lb rating, which suits small campers and boats. The AutoBull’s 6,500-lb ceiling is the outlier and gives you a cushion if you ever push toward the limit.
FAQ
Will a 2013-2017 Traverse hitch fit my 2009 model?
What is the difference between weight carrying and weight distribution?
Do I need a wiring harness to tow a trailer?
Can I install one of these hitches alone?
How long does a hitch install take?
What tools do I need for installation?
Why does the included hardware get mixed reviews?
Is a higher tongue weight rating always better?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
If you want the pick that most owners trust for a clean, easy install, the CURT 13424 is the one to beat — it pairs a proven fit with a 500-lb tongue rating and the largest owner base on this list. For the highest tongue capacity at a budget price, the KUAFU delivers a 750-lb rating that nothing else here matches. And if you want American-made heft with the best owner rating, the Rigid Hitch is the confident pick, provided you have a helper for the 50-lb lift.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Trending Car earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.