Comparing Curt & Draw-Tite Front Mounted Trailer Hitch Receivers For a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500

Updated 11/27/2021 | Published 11/26/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(25)

$251.71

Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(127)

$258.16

Question:

Im considering my options for a front mount hitch for my 2006 Dodge Ram 3500. I noticed that the Draw-Tite 65046 has a tongue weight rating of 500 lbs but the Curt C31017 only has a tongue weight rating of 350 lbs. Can you tell me why the difference in ratings? They appear to be very similar in all other respects. Thanks in advance!

asked by: Dylan

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver # 65046 and Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver # C31017 that fit your 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 are very similar in the mounting location. The main difference that I see is where the cross tube and receiver come together. The cross tube on the Curt is cut and the receiver passes through it. While the Draw-Tite receiver is welded to the bottom of the cross tube. Not having that cut in the cross tube will make it stronger which is why I would recommend the Draw-Tite over the Curt.

Draw-Tite # 65046
Vertical Load Rating- 500lbs
Gross Trailer Rating- 5,000lbs
Line Pull Rating- 9,000lbs

Curt # C31017
Vertical Load Rating- 350lbs
Gross Trailer Rating- 3,500lbs
Line Pull Rating- 9,000lbs

The Curt will require you to trim the front lower fascia on your Ram and will not fit if you have a Laramie edition trim.