Differences Between Curt and Hidden Hitch for a 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon

Updated 01/15/2016 | Published 01/14/2016

Question:

Why not mount the receiver below the cross bars such that ONLY the receiver and the chain loops are visible from the rear. Draw-Tite used to be good at this and I used their product several times because of that feature. Used on 2008 Milan, 2005 Astro and another I have forgotten. Those cross members too soon rust and turn ugly for us northerners and having them hidden is a “cleaner” look. Why is the Curt shipping weight 5 lbs heavier then the DrawTite version for my Outback? Is there more steel used or more packaging?

asked by: Skip S

Helpful Expert Reply:

For some vehicles there are hitches available that do not have visible cross tubes. For your 2016 Subaru Outback wagon there are only options like the part # C13206 that have visible crosstubes.

While the Curt hitch part # C13206 and the Draw-Tite part # 75673 are pretty similar they have some differenced that would account for the weight difference. The Curt uses a round cross tube whereas the Draw-Tite uses a square tube.

The side brackets of the Curt hitch are actually larger and use more material than the Draw-Tite as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C