Comparing CURT Trailer Hitch and Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch for a 2011 Ford Fusion

Updated 08/31/2011 | Published 08/30/2011

Products Featured in This Question

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

(20)

$231.38

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

(679)

$17.26

Pin and Clip for 1-1/4" Hitches - 1/2" Diameter

(897)

$11.34

Question:

Curt p/n 11390 compared to Draw tite p/n 24865...the curt has 1/2 inch bolts and DT has 7/16 inch bolts is this the only difference. The bolt shear strength is the deciding factor. Which one is stronger? Curt has no customer reviews.

asked by: Michael K

Expert Reply:

A 7/16 inch bolt and a 1/2 inch bolt will both have a much higher capacity than the hitch or vehicle frame rails. Since both installation instructions for CURT, # 11390, and Draw-Tite, # 24865, require fishwiring hardware through the frame rails, the slightly smaller Draw-Tite 7/16 inch bolts will be easier to fishwire into place.

The other major difference is the CURT hitch does require the use of a stabilization strap, # 18050, for any non-trailer load such as a bike rack or cargo carrier to be in compliance with their warranty requirements. The Draw-Tite hitch does not require this.

For these 2 reasons, I would go with the more popular Draw-Tite hitch, # 24865. If you plan on doing some towing, the recommended ball mount is # 3594 and you can use pin and clip # PC2. For a 1-7/8 inch ball, use # 19256, and for a 2 inch ball, use # 19258. For trailer wiring, use # 118422.

I have included links to the installation instructions and videos for the Draw-Tite hitch and the wiring.

expert reply by: Michael H