Best Trailer Hitch Accessories 2026
McGard wheel locks are the top security pick -- they use a proprietary key pattern that standard impact sockets cannot grip, and McGard supplies OEM security hardware to BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and other manufacturers who require high-security wheel fastening as standard equipment. For hitch setup, verify your receiver size (1-1/4 or 2 inch) before buying any components.
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Trailer Hitch Accessories Buying Guide
Photo by ᛟᛞᚨᛚᚹ ᚨᚱᚲᛟᚾᛊᚲᛁ / PexelsHow we picked these. We evaluated 6 trailer hitch accessories across compatibility with Class I–IV hitches, load distribution function, anti-rattle design, and finish durability, cross-referencing etrailer.com fitment data and verified consumer towing reviews.
Wheel Locks: What They Protect Against
Wheel theft is a significant and growing problem -- wheels and tires from popular vehicles can be worth $2,000-8,000 per set on the resale market. Wheel locks replace one lug nut per wheel with a special fastener that has a unique socket pattern requiring a proprietary key socket to remove. Standard impact sockets cannot grip the pattern, making the wheel effectively non-removable without the key. McGard's splined drive pattern is the market standard -- used as OEM equipment by most major European automakers and available as aftermarket security for virtually all vehicles.
Choosing the Right Thread Size
The two most common lug nut thread sizes are M14 x 1.5 (used by Ford, GM, many European vehicles) and M12 x 1.25 (used by Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Nissan, and most Japanese/Korean vehicles). Check your owner's manual or existing lug nuts for the correct thread pitch before ordering. Installing the wrong size will result in cross-threading, which damages wheel studs. When in doubt, bring an existing lug nut to an auto parts store for matching.
Hitch Receivers: Understanding the Sizes
Receiver tubes come in two main sizes: 1-1/4 inch (Class I and II hitches, rated for 2,000-3,500 lbs towing) and 2 inch (Class III and IV hitches, rated for 5,000-12,000 lbs). Check your vehicle's hitch receiver size before ordering any hitch accessories -- a 2-inch accessory will not fit a 1-1/4 inch receiver. The Curt 49120 listed here is a raw steel 2-inch receiver tube for adding a hidden extended receiver depth on Class III hitches.
Hitch Ball Mounts: Drop vs. Rise
Ball mounts connect to the receiver and hold the trailer ball at the correct height. A properly configured ball mount positions the trailer coupler level with the ground when the trailer is attached. Most vehicles need a drop mount (lowering the ball height to match a lower trailer), but lifted trucks may need a rise mount. Measure the height from the ground to the center of your hitch receiver, then measure the height of the trailer coupler -- the difference tells you how much drop or rise you need.
Hitch Pin and Clip vs. Locking Pins
Standard hitch pins secure the ball mount in the receiver with a cotter pin clip -- functional but easily removed by anyone. Locking hitch pins use a key lock instead of a cotter clip, preventing someone from removing your ball mount or attached accessories while parked. If you frequently leave a bike rack, cargo carrier, or ball mount in the receiver, a locking hitch pin is worth the marginal cost over a standard pin.
Trailer hitch cargo carriers provide an alternative to rooftop mounting — our rooftop cargo carrier comparison covers the trade-offs between roof and hitch-mount approaches for different cargo types. Drivers using hitch-mount bike racks for off-road cycling trips should also check our recovery tow straps guide for the extraction equipment useful in trail riding contexts. For a full vehicle setup checklist covering towing and hauling accessories, our new car accessories checklist provides a prioritized order of additions.
Watch Before You Buy
“OEM-grade splined wheel locks. Used by BMW, Mercedes, and Audi as factory security hardware.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- M14x1.5 thread matches many Toyota/Lexus/Honda models
- Chrome finish matches factory lug nuts
- Includes key socket
- McGard quality reputation
Watch out for
- Chrome finish can corrode in harsh winter climates — consider stainless for snow belt states
- Key must be stored safely — loss means professional removal
- Single set secures 4 wheels only
Read Full Analysis
McGard 24210 Chrome Cone Seat Wheel Locks in M14 x 1.5 thread are the aftermarket version of security hardware McGard produces for major European automakers as OEM equipment. The splined drive pattern cannot be gripped by standard impact sockets -- the proprietary key socket is required for installation and removal. Chrome plating provides corrosion resistance. Includes four locks and one key socket. Record the key code included in packaging for replacement socket ordering if needed. M14 x 1.5 fits most Ford, GM, Chrysler, and European vehicles -- verify against your existing lug nuts before ordering.
“Same splined security pattern in M12 x 1.25 -- fits Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Nissan, and Hyundai.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- M12x1.25 thread fits VW, Subaru, Nissan, and others
- Chrome finish
- Includes key
- Reputable McGard brand
Watch out for
- Chrome susceptible to pitting in road-salt climates
- Key socket adds complexity at tire rotations
- Must remember key location
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McGard 24154 Chrome Cone Seat Wheel Locks in M12 x 1.25 thread provide the same OEM-grade splined security as the M14 set, sized for Japanese and Korean vehicle platforms. M12 x 1.25 fits the majority of Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Nissan, Hyundai, and Kia models. Chrome finish, cone seat design for proper seating in alloy wheels, includes four locks and one key socket. Check your vehicle's existing lug nut thread before ordering -- both M12 x 1.5 and M12 x 1.25 exist; this set is 1.25 pitch (fine thread).
“2-inch ball, drop receiver, includes hitch pin. Complete hitch ball setup for Class III towing.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- 2-inch ball included
- Drop receiver adjusts hitch height for level towing
- Budget-friendly complete kit
- Standard 2-inch shank
Watch out for
- Budget hardware — ball and shank are import-grade
- Check torque spec on ball and re-check after 50 miles
- Drop height fixed on this model
Read Full Analysis
The 2-inch ball trailer hitch drop receiver with shank and hitch pin provides a complete ball mount solution in one package -- ball, shank, and securing pin included. The drop configuration lowers the ball height to match lower trailer couplers on vehicles with higher receiver positions. Verify the drop amount needed for your specific trailer before ordering. Raw steel construction; apply a light coat of grease to the receiver tube contact point to prevent seizure in climates with road salt exposure. Standard 2-inch receiver compatibility for Class III hitches.
“12-inch receiver tube extension for clearance between hitch-mounted accessories and the vehicle.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- 12-inch extension adds clearance for trailer lights
- Standard 2-inch square receiver
- Curt quality manufacturing
- Pin-and-clip included
Watch out for
- Extension reduces tongue weight capacity — check tow rating before use
- Adds length behind vehicle — requires parking adjustment
- Single purchase for one configuration only
Read Full Analysis
The Curt Manufacturing 49120 12-inch Receiver Tube extension adds reach between the vehicle's hitch and any hitch-mounted accessory (bike rack, cargo carrier, ball mount). Useful when the standard receiver position places accessories too close to the vehicle -- common on vehicles with rear-mounted spare tires, short rear overhangs, or aftermarket bumpers. Raw steel finish requires painting or coating before installation in wet climates. Reduces the hitch's effective towing rating by approximately 10-15% due to increased leverage -- check ratings before use with heavy loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wheel locks do I need?
What happens if I lose my wheel lock key?
Can wheel locks be defeated by thieves?
What size ball do I need for my trailer?
What is the towing capacity of a Class III hitch?
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