Carrier assembly for a trailer coupling with a hardened support component

The invention relates to a support assembly for a towing coupling (1) or a load carrier (L), comprising a cross member (11; 111; 211; 311) and side members (12, 112; 212; 312) connected to the cross member (11; 111; 211; 311) for mounting on a rear end of a body of a vehicle (F), as well as at least one bracket (15; 215; 315) arranged on the cross member (11; 111; 211; 311) for a towing coupling (1) or for a coupling part (M) of a load carrier (L). It is provided that the support assembly (10; 110; 210; 310) has at least one load-bearing component (50-350) which has a base body (16; 116; 216, 316) produced by forming or primary forming, which is locally hardened outside of a forming or pressing tool.