which do you recommend/why?

Here it’s Curt mainly because that’s what places carry.

What are you towing?

truthfully, nothing.

I'll be putting a hitch haul basket on the back of my 4 cylinder Tacoma for trapping season.

it ain't got the [butt] to tow anything else.

If just hauling a tow basket, one from an auto parts store should work. Eric

I just hate buying junk.

planning on keeping the truck for awhile.

(PA road salt)

If you don't already have the basket get one that is off set up to get it higher off the ground. Going up steep driveways or similar the basket tends to drag so the higher the better. And folding if you can get all the bells and whistles for the same reason.

Also get something better than the base model hitch pins secured with only a cotter key. Those keys can fall out then the pin then the hitch hauler. Ask me how I know.

Watch where you park because other drivers don't. I've lost a couple hitch haulers to getting hit by others.

Tis the season for Pa undercoat.
Adding a hitch compounds the need, yearly.

Got a Harbor Freight or Wally World around?

what vehicle

class 3 is class 3 from most of the major brands

I am sporting a Napa towing on my GMC 1500 wt because it was within a few dollars of the others no shipping no driving far to get it.

my other 1500wt is a hitch-Haul because it is what was on it when I bought it.

my wife's expedition is a factory towing package as is my sons f150

they are all working

some mount a bit differently better or worse for ease of install.

fluid film is your friend , spray it well every year