Why Does Curt Hitch for 2010 Pontiac Vibe Require Stabilizer Strap but Not Draw Tite

Updated 01/15/2018 | Published 01/14/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

(672)

$17.46

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

(29)

$199.26

Question:

It looks like I have two choices for a hitch on my 2010 Pontiac Vibe non-GT, a class 1 Draw-tite and a class 2 Curt. Ill primarily be using this to add a bike rack, and both hitches exceed the vehicles 1,500 lb towing capacity. The Curt requires a stabilizer strap for bike racks, while I see no indication that the Draw-tite requires any kind of strap. Can you confirm for me that no stabilizer strap is required for the class 1 Draw-tite hitch. If so, can you please explain why the class 1 Draw-tite does not require a strap while the class 2 Curt does require a strap? It seems very counter intuitive that the beefier class 2 hitch would require a stabilizer strap while the class 1 hitch does not. The strap requirement is a major disincentive for me since it looks like a hassle to install and Im afraid it will scratch the paint therefore Im leaning toward the class 1 Draw-tite. However, the ability to occasionally carry more than 2 bikes with the class 2 Curt would be a nice bonus even I though I will primarily carry just one. Is there any chance I could get by without the strap if Im only carrying one bike on the Curt hitch? Thank you for any insights you can offer.

asked by: Matt P

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order to satisfy Curt warranty requirements, any of their Class I or II receivers (like the C12228 you referenced) as well as a few of their Class III hitches must be used with a stabilizing strap like part # 18050. This applies to any non-trailer loads like a bike rack or cargo carrier. Curt has this warranty provision because of the lower tongue weight capacities of Class I and II hitches. The strap prevents any bouncing of the bike rack or other hitch mounted accessory from damaging the hitch or its attachment points to the vehicle.

Curt does this as a precaution, it's not that Draw Tite hitches are stronger. Both hitch brands make outstanding hitches that are typically stronger than what they are rated for. I would say that Curt just happens to approach the idea of a bike rack/cargo carrier being used in a lower capacity hitch a bit more cautiously.

If it were me I wouldn't want to use the strap and would go with the Draw Tite part # 24812 unless you were absolutely sure you'd need to carry more than 2 bikes.

expert reply by: Jameson C