All Trucks, Campers, Trailers, RV's and Motor Homes - 04 Honda CR-V Trailer Hitch Mounting Questions

i'm looking to put a standard 2" trailer hitch on my cr-v and of course have a few questions. its for a 4 bike bike rack - the kind that fold down or swing away to allow the hatch/rear door to open.

1) what's the best brand anyone's had experience with Uhaul? Drawtite? Curt? i've been taking notice of these on the road lately and wondered if anyone had recommendations as to which ones are really strong, easy to install, stay away from, etc...

2) i've also noticed that some online reviews remark that installation isn't super easy. exhaust hangers can be tricky to detach and reattach. any thoughts on doing that myself or is it worth paying the local auto parts store to do it for me.

3) and just anything else anyone can share to make this car tweak go smoothly (and cheaply hopefully).

thanks in advance.

Pat

Have you got a quote from local hitch install places, to do it for you yet? They have to gaurantee the install & hitch, and usually any extras that may give you one heck of a headache trying to locate & install yourself, they have at their shop, and the job gets done in a short time. I always found most of them to charge a fee that was reasonable enough, that it wasn't worth my aggravation. The other benefit is that when they do it, their liable if it doesn't hold up, if you do it, your liable if something happens. Doesn't hurt to get a quote from them. As far as which ones the best, for your purpose, I don't think they will vary much, as long as it does what you want.