etrailer vs Curt Hitch for 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

Updated 02/23/2018 | Published 02/22/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(163)

$94.66

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(108)

$89.83

Question:

I am looking for a hitch receiver for my daughters 09 Tiguan to mount a Thule Vertex 4 bike hitch rack with a 2 inch post. I am specifically considering Curt with part # 13133 and etrailer part # e98906. What I have noticed is that the Curt one requires a stabilizing strap for such usage whereas the etrailer hitch does not. As I visually see these two products, they don't seem that much different. So my question then is if Curt has been specifically over-cautious about this? Meaning that, if you want to have the same standards across the board you need to use the straps for etrailer as well? Or is it that the two are really different in how they are made and it is not really about different standards that the producers have?

asked by: Moe

Expert Reply:

Curt recommends the stabilizer strap with non-supported loads like bike racks to help support the hitch when going over bumps to prevent some of the vertical shock from being transferred to the hitch.

Curt does this as a precaution, it's not that etrailer hitch is 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 you don't use a strap like the part # 18050 with a Curt hitch the warranty will be voided. Using the strap on the etrailer hitch would not hurt anything, it just poses a hassle in doing so.

That's why for the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan I would recommend the Class III etrailer part # e98906 for the Thule Vertex 4 # TH9029XT.

expert reply by: Jameson C