Comparing Curt And Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receivers for 2021 Audi Q5

Question:

I have a 2021 Audi Q5. Will get either Curt Class III 13331 or a Draw-Tite Class III 76183. 1 Your suggestion on which to use and why? 2 The Curt is designed to allow the Audi Bumper Beam and Cross Bar to be reinstalled over it. The Draw-Tite does not allow for the Audi Bumper Beam and Cross Bar to be reinstalled. They say the trailer bar replaces the Audi Bumper Beam. How is this so? It is not as deep or as long. Is it equal to or greater in strength to the Audi-designed bumper? 3 Since the Audi Bumper Beam is not re-installed with the Draw-Tite, is their cross bar larger and/or thicker than the Curt bar? I am trying to determine what the Draw-Tite advantage is over the Curt if the Draw-Tight does not allow for the factory bumper to be replaced. Should I be concerned? 4 I will pull a light boat and will hang a 2-bike tray-rack. Will the bike tray require stabilization straps with either one of these hitches? Thanks.

asked by: Bill L

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to make a recommendation for a trailer hitch for your 2021 Audi Q5.

Between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13331 and Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76183 I recommend the Curt # C13331 due to it allowing the rear bumper beam structure to be reinstalled for extra strength in the rear of the vehicle, and requiring less modifying to the rear bumper fascia.

Draw-Tite has mentioned that in their testing that with their hitch installed the bumper beam structure is not required due to the strength hitch being equal or greater than with the bumper beam installed, but personally I like that the Curt # C13331 allows it to be reinstalled. I was unable to find if the Draw-Tite # 76183 is thicker or larger than the # C13331.

Both options will be plenty strong to pull either you light boat trailer or 2-bike rack, and neither option will require the use of a stabilizing strap.

To complete your towing setup you will also need a vehicle wiring harness # 119250KIT, and if your boat trailer has surge brakes with an electric lockout you will also need the Curt Trailer Connector Adapter # C57187.

Lastly you will need a ball mount, hitch ball, and hitch pin and clip which can all be found in the etrailer Ball Mount Kit # 989900.

I included videos for each of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

6/21/2024

Samuel, Thank you for this explanation. I think etrailer should highlight this difference between Draw-Tite and the Curt directly on the front page of each recievers as it is not obvious until you do the intstall. I could not find an install video for the draw-tite on a 2021 Q5 so I watched the many Curt installation videos you guys have and figured both manufacturs would have similar installation since they are almost identical looking. I choose the draw-tite because I installed one on my previous vw tiguan and it preformed well. I had my local shop do the install and was suprised when they said the bumper beam and cross bar are not reused. It just seems logical to reuse them for additional support. While Draw-tite states they are not needed, can they be reinstalled? Also now I have a large piece of metal I need to store or dispose of. I would have definitely choosen the curt had I known this from the start, and the Curt is slightly cheaper. Unfornuately this information was buried on page 2 of a Q&A.

Samuel C.

6/21/2024

@Jt I do not believe you're going to be able to reinstall that crash support with the Draw-Tite hitch installed. As it has not been tested, the manufacturer has no information on trying to make it work. It's pretty normal for hitches to remove the crash support, basically all Tesla/German vehicles end up removing that, so I wouldn't be overly concerned about it being removed as Draw-Tite tested the hitch on your vehicle. If you want to install a hitch that allows the crash support to be installed again, you're going to need to go with the Curt option.