Where to Install Stabilizer Straps on 2016 BMW 428i Gran Coupe With Curt Hitch

Question

Question:

I have a 2016 BMW 428i Grand Coupe convertible. I understand I need to purchase both this particular trailer hitch, but also a support strap. Before I purchase, II don’t quite understand where this Support strap would clip to on my particular car to add additional stabilization. Can you help me?

asked by: Anne C

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Expert Reply:

Hi Anne; the Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap # 18050 will run over the top of the trunk and hook on at the back of the trunk lid.

What are you planning on carrying with the Curt Hitch # C11367?

expert reply by: Robin H

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Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap
(click to enlarge)

Anne C.

1/20/2026

My plan is to get a bike rack that can handle two hybrid bikes, although honestly, I will normally just be using it to carry one bike. There is a possibility than in the future I will switch to bike rack that will allow me to carry one E bike.

Robin H.

1/20/2026

@AnneC just make sure whatever bike rack you get is Class I hitch compatible like the Kuat Transfer V2 # KU74FR. Some bike racks that fit a 1-1/4" receiver are restricted to Class II hitches.

Jc

1/20/2026

@AnneC - I've had this hitch for few years now on a 2018 330GT, its used 90% for a 2-bike Thule T2 XTR 'stand up' hitch rack, and I have not used a stabilizer strap at all and it has been completely fine. I doubt if ALMOST ANYBODY does. I could be wrong but personally I read that comment on the instructions as a bit of lawyerly CYA stuff from Curt. Its possible that some hitch rack designs put more torque on the receiver - like the tall 2-prong 'forklift' type bike holders that hang the bike from up high and stick out far? I used to have one of those but these days I use a 'tray type' rack that has all its weight down low and close to the back of the car. If you do the math - the hitch is rated for 200lbs tongue weight, so deduct the weight of your rack (~50lbs for mine which is a pretty beefy model) still gives you ~150lbs... Then OK maybe you still discount that because with the bike rack sticking out it has leverage from where a tongue-ball is, so its applying more force but even if you discount by 1/3 you have 100lbs for bikes. That should be adequate breathing room unless your e-bike is one of those giant tanks that's really an electric moped and not really a "bike". The one thing I might say is, fully loaded with bikes at high highway speeds, the aero drag from the bike(s) can be significant, you can see the bike bounce/flex around a bit, so that would be more of a concern like if you drive with your bike at 80mph for a 5hr road trip. That might be the time I would think about a strap, although with my model it would be a little tricky (330GT has the lift up rear aero wing that goes up & down that would be right in the way of the strap, I'd have to manually lock it up and then still not sure where I could find to clip it etc.) If you're mainly 'around town and short trips' I would not worry about it one bit. So bottom line IMO the strap might be something to use "on longer road trips just as extra peace of mind" but I wouldn't say its required, unless again your bike is not really a bike but an electric motorcycle/moped.

Dale

1/20/2026

I carry a single e-bike (but a fairly heavy one), and do not have a strap. However, now that I know it exists, I may get one just for peace of mind. I’ve never had any issues with my current setup, but I can see that an extra bit of stabilization could be useful on bumpy roads or at higher speeds.

Antonio

1/20/2026

Hello, I’ve had this hitch receiver professionally installed on my 2019 BMW 430i xDrive Convertible a little longer than a year ago. My bike rack is a 1Up Quick Rack that I have used many times since, with one or two trays, to carry anything from 1 road bike to 2 MTBs, non electric. Never used that strap, and never had a problem. I would never add that load to a trunk lid that is not designed for it, especially on a convertible, with its complex and delicate underlying mechanism. The hitch receiver itself and the way it mounts seem both very robust. No wobbling, no creaks.

Answer 1

The reason you can't use a class II bike rack like the Yakima OnRamp Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes #Y96FR on class I trailer hitches is because most hitch manufacturers design their class I hitches to not accept class II accessories so that the…

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Answer 2

Actually Curt no longer requires the use of the stabilizer straps like the #18050 with non-supported loads like bike racks with their hitches so it's not something you'd have to worry about!

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

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Answer 5

Hey Jonathon thank you so much for all of that additional information! To haul your bikes behind your class C Sprinter motorhome, while flat towing your Mini, I recommend the Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack item #HLY64FR and the Roadmaster Dual…

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Answer 6

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Answer 7

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