Comparing Front Mounted Hitch Receiver for 2008 Toyota Tundra

Updated 06/29/2018 | Published 06/27/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(153)

$220.20

Question:

For days Ive been wrestling with questions trying to make up my mind between the Draw-Tite 65051 and the Curt 31198 front hitches for my 2008 Tundra, primarily these: 1 Is the additional $ for the Curt worth not having to hassle with the extra flanges and fishing bolts through the frame and yet more hassle if I ever need to remove and reinstall the 65051? 2 Given the identical specs of the two, why does Draw-Tite think the additional flanges are necessary when Curt apparently doesnt think they are? Are the flanges necessary to meet the specs because according to another answered question the 65051 extends slightly further forward, thus increasing the leverage placed on the hitch attachment points by the load? Now, today I visited your site with the intent of forcing myself to decide and purchasing one or the other, and I find you now list a new Draw-Tite 65080 that appears much more similar to the Curt, but its price is only slightly more than the 65051. It seems nearly a no-brainer now, but Im just wanting to be sure this isnt a too-good-to-be-true moment. And, if the new 65080 really is the best of both worlds price and convenience of installation, I think Im left with two much simpler questions: 1 How far out does the 65080 extend compared to the 65051 and the Curt? 2 Is there any other solid reason Id want to spend more for the Curt? Thanks for any tie-breaking information you can provide!

asked by: Michael F

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2" # 65080 is my recommendation for you based on cost and features. The installation of this hitch is nearly identical to the Curt # 31198. The Draw-Tite has a measurement of 7-1/2 inches from the crossbar to the end of the receiver tube. The Curt receiver has a measurement of 4-5/8 inches from the crossbar to the end of the receiver tube. The weight ratings of the hitches are identical, so the 2-7/8 inch difference in receiver tube length is the difference. The other tie breaker difference is the Curt hitch is made in the USA where the Draw-Tite hitch is made in Mexico.

The third option you mentioned has been discontinued.

expert reply by: Jason S