Comparing the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 75600 and the Curt Trailer Hitch # 13077 for a 2015 BMW X5

Updated 06/19/2020 | Published 03/01/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(292)

$273.78

ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit

(517)

$192.30

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(192)

$263.65

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(665)

$15.71

etrailer 2-3/4" Rise or 4" Drop Ball Mount Kit - 7,500 lbs

(1372)

$109.63

Question:

You have 2 hitch options listed for the 2015 BMW 2015: The Draw-Tite, part # 75600 and The Curt hitch, part # 13077, both with the same towing capacities. Which one do you recommend/prefer and why? I have seen mixed messages regarding the trimming of the fascia, ranging from no needed to a small trim required. Please clarify. Thank you

asked by: Marcel R

Expert Reply:

Although the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, part # 75600, and the Curt Trailer Hitch, part # 13077, are both great hitches that both have a 6,000 lb max Gross Trailer Weight and a 600 lb max Tongue Weight, I recommend going with the Draw-Tite # 75600.

The reason that I recommend the Draw-Tite # 75600 over the Curt # 13077 is because the Curt hitch requires that you use a stabilization strap, like part # 18050, for any non-trailer loads like bike racks and cargo carriers per the Curt warranty. If you use the Draw-Tite hitch you won't have to remember to put the stabilization strap on everytime that you use a non-trailer load.

Both of these hitches do require the trimming of the rear fascia for the 2015 BMW X5, and you will need to temporarily remove the bumper during the installation process as well.

For trailer wiring that will provide you with a 4-Pole Wiring Harness I recommend part # 119250KIT.

If you need a ball mount and hitch ball I recommend going with the Ball Mount Kit # EBMK4 which is rated for 6,000 lbs and has a rise of 2-3/4 inches and a drop of 4 inches. You will want to want to measure to make sure that this ball mount option will work for you. You can use the helpful article that I attached to make sure that you get the correct measurements.

I have attached an install video of the Draw-Tite # 75600 being installed on a 2016 BMW X5 for you to view as well.

expert reply by: Jon G

Jim C.

6/15/2020

Hi, i was looking at the the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 75600 and the Curt Trailer Hitch # 13077 for a BMW X5 and i noticed from your videos that in the Draw-tite installation, you reinstall the original crumple zone bumper on top of the Hitch. But in the Curt Hitch, the original crumple zone bumper is removed permanently. Why is that? Also is there any pros and cons to not using the original crumple zone bumper? Which hitch would you recommend if impact safely was the concern? thank you

Chris R.

6/19/2020

The Curt # 13077 does require permanent removal of that impact structure just because of how it's designed. The hitch itself takes the place of the structure in terms of offering protection, so it's not really a concern. With that being said, having both the hitch AND the original structure in place is going to offer the best protection, so the Draw-Tite # 75600 is the way to go.