What Is the Drop Distance On the Curt Class V XD Trailer Hitch Receiver

Published 06/30/2016

Question:

I am interested in the Curt C15300 hitch. I see that the measurement given on the QandA says the distance of 5.62 or 5-5/8 inches measured from the frame mounting surface down to the bottom of the cross tube. The bottom of the cross tube appears to be the same as the bottom of the hitch receiver tube for this hitch. Is this measurement correct? if so, it will not clear my bumper. The hitch I have now Draw Tite is 5.25inch from the frame mounting surface down to the top of the receiver tube which is mounted under to cross tube. Could you please verify the measurement? The receiver tube on the hitch I have now is angled upward and not horizontal to the ground. It seems to be welded that way at the cross bar. This causes my bike rack to lean toward the vehicle and the bike handle bars touch the camper shell rear glass. I am hoping that a new hitch will correct this issue. Are the receiver tubes angled that way on purpose or should they be horizontal to the ground?

asked by: Gary P

Expert Reply:

I went out to the warehouse to measure the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver XD, Class V # C15300 and found that the measurement from the top of the mounting bracket to the top of the hitch cross tube/receiver measured 6-1/4 inches.

From the bottom of the mounting bracket to the top of the cross tube measured 5-5/8 inches.

From the top of the mounting bracket to the bottom of the cross tube would measure approximately 8-1/2 inches.

It is not typical for a trailer hitch to have a receiver that is angled upward as you are describing. This may have been a manufacturing defect, an incorrect installation where a spacer should have been used and was not, or the result of the receiver taking a hard blow from the underside. Traditionally trailer hitch receivers, such as the receiver on # C15300, are mounted horizontal to the ground.

This hitch may require you to drill into the frame for installation, if the holes in the hitch don't match up with the existing holes from your original trailer hitch. I have attached the installation instructions for you.

expert reply by: Victoria B