Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch 76026 Requires Permanent Removal of Impact Beam on 2017 Jaguar F-Pace

Updated 05/18/2018 | Published 05/17/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(22)

$243.11

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(33)

$59.54

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1375)

$86.63

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

(28)

$280.30

Question:

This information should probably be on top as it possibly weakens the safety features of the car. Draw-Tite requires the loss of the bumper beam completely where with Curt you place it back over the hitch. I would think that the bumper beam is high strength steel and is designed to do more for safety than the hitch alone. It took me some digging to see this difference, which should not be the case.

asked by: Greg G

Expert Reply:

We do mention upfront that the Draw-Tite hitch # 76026 "requires permanent removal of the impact structure; hitch replaces the impact structure for support and safety." This is an installation note that appears below the features on the hitch results page if you go through the fit guide, see picture. I can see how someone might miss it though.

If you do not trust the Draw-Tite hitch to meet or exceed the specs of the impact beam on your 2017 Jaguar F-Pace then like you said the Curt hitch # C13291 keeps the impact beam. I have linked a video showing an example installation of this hitch.

If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

For trailer wiring we have Tekonsha harness # 118785 which will add a 4-Way flat connector to the rear of the vehicle.