Purpose of Curt Stabilizing Strap # 18050

Updated 03/19/2012 | Published 03/17/2012

Products Featured in This Question

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

(16)

$347.23

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

(666)

$16.37

Question:

Note: All non-trailer loads - bike racks, cargo carriers and so forth - should be supported with stabilizing straps. Failure to properly support these loads will void your hitch warranty from CURT. WHAT DOES this mean?

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

In order to satisfy Curt warranty requirements, any of their Class I or II receivers (like the C11423 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.

The strap uses a hook that would attach to the rear of the trunk lid or the top of a hatch back. The other end of the adjustable strap is looped around the bike rack or hitch accessory. If you click on the provided link, you can see a video we made showing exactly how the strap is used with a bike rack.

I have also provided a link to the installation instructions for the Curt # C11423, as well as to a video showing how the stabilizing strap works.

expert reply by: Mike L