Tongue Weight Capacity and Stabilization Strap for Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11679

Published 09/21/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(14)

$243.57

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

(667)

$15.81

Question:

Hello, I have the C11679 Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver installed on my car and I have a question about the tongue weight. It specifies a 200 lb tongue weight, but do you know at what distance from the receiver that load can be applied? For example, a 200 lb load at 6inch from the receiver is a much different load than 200 lb at 18, with the latter producing a lot more torque. The reason I ask is that I have a hitch mount bike rack that hangs off the hitch and puts a lot of torque on the receiver. It seems to work just fine but I am curious if there is anymore information about the tongue weight rating. I emailed Curt but havent heard back. Thanks!

asked by: Jory

Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4" # C11679 for a Kia Spectra is rated at 200 lbs maximum tongue weight. You are correct in the description of torque being applied at greater distance, and I don't have any information on where they test that. I believe that additional length from the hitch receiver and torque associated with it is why Curt requires a stabilization strap # 18050 for your hitch when using a bike rack or other non-towing accessory. There is nothing I can find in Curt's information that gives a maximum distance for that tongue weight rating, so you will be covered under their limited lifetime warranty as long as you are within that weight and are using the stabilization strap.

expert reply by: Jason S