DESIGN
CURT trailer hitches begin their journey in the minds our talented engineers. New vehicles are brought into our engineering bays for evaluation and research. Then, sophisticated design software, engineering craftsmanship and quality steel are combined to make design prototypes that perfectly fit the vehicle. Prototypes that meet all design criteria are evaluated in CURT’s state-of-the-art testing facility, ensuring that they meet or exceed all industry standards and meet the quality and durability standards that our customers demand. Our tested and validated designs are then ready to move on to production.
MANUFACTURING AND FINISH
CURT trailer hitches begin their journey in the minds our talented engineers. New vehicles are brought into our engineering bays for evaluation and research. Then, sophisticated design software, engineering craftsmanship and quality steel are combined to make design prototypes that perfectly fit the vehicle. Prototypes that meet all design criteria are evaluated in CURT’s state-of-the-art testing facility, ensuring that they meet or exceed all industry standards and meet the quality and durability standards that our customers demand. Our tested and validated designs are then ready to move on to production.
Back end of receiver is open for easy cleaning
Precision robotic welding for superior strength and fit
Industry-leading safety and performance testing
Made in the USA
SELECTING A TRAILER HITCH
Trailer hitches (also called tow hitches and receiver hitches) come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. While there are many special types of hitches used for towing (such as 5th wheel, gooseneck and pintle hitches), standard trailer hitches can generally be categorized into one of five weight classes, with a few exceptions. In the section below, we have provided information to help you understand the different classes of standard trailer hitches and the weight ratings and vehicle types associated with each.
Class 1 and Class 2 Trailer Hitches
Class 1 and 2 trailer hitches are light-duty receivers generally found on small to mid-size passenger cars and smaller crossovers and SUVs. They can typically haul motorcycles, personal watercraft and other small trailer loads. Class 1 hitches have a 1 1/4 IN receiver tube and a maximum gross trailer weight (GTW) rating of 2,000 lbs. Class 2 hitches also have a 1 1/4 IN receiver tube but feature a GTW rating of 3,500 lbs.
Class 3 Trailer Hitches
Class 3 hitches are the most common trailer hitches found on vehicles today. They have applications on everything from full size sedans to full size pickup trucks. They are perfect for handling a boat or pop-up camper for a weekend getaway or simply hauling a utility trailer to the city dump. Class 3 trailer hitches have a 2 IN receiver tube and a maximum gross trailer weight rating of 8,000 lbs.
Class 4 Trailer Hitches
Class 4 hitches are the go-to hitch for those towing larger trailer loads such as heavy construction equipment, campers and boats. Similar to class 3, class 4 hitches are designed for larger vehicles such as full size pickups and SUVs. Class 4 trailer hitches have a 2 IN receiver tube and a maximum gross trailer weight rating of 12,000 lbs.
Commercial Duty Trailer Hitches
When a 6-ton gross trailer weight rating is not enough for your full size pickup, CURT offers the class 5 trailer hitch line. The class 5 hitch line is broken into two subcategories: the Xtra Duty series and the Commercial Duty series. Xtra Duty hitches have a 2 IN receiver tube with a maximum gross trailer weight of 17,000 lbs. Our Commercial Duty hitches have a 2 1/2 IN receiver tube and a maximum gross trailer weight of a whopping 20,000 lbs. These hitches are strong enough to handle many of the largest non-5th wheel and non-gooseneck trailers out there. All CURT class 5 trailer hitches come with a rugged carbide finish for scratch and fade resistance.
Front Mount Trailer Hitches
For certain applications, having a trailer hitch receiver at the front of your vehicle may be necessary. For example, a front-mounted hitch allows you to easily use a boat ramp by maintaining close control of your trailer. They are also excellent for holding cargo carriers and winches, though their gross trailer weight rating is typically restricted to 5,000 lbs. A front mount hitch may be of any class and can easily be installed on most full size pickup trucks, vans and SUVs.
RV Trailer Hitches
RV trailer hitches are specially designed to mount onto a recreational vehicle in order tow a bike rack, cargo carrier or even a small vehicle on a tow dolly. They range from 3,500 lbs to 5,000 lbs in gross trailer weight capacity and come with 2 IN receiver tube.
Bumper Hitches
Designed for light-duty towing, a bumper hitch bolts directly onto a vehicle’s bumper and provides a 2 IN ball mount receiver. Bumper hitches are excellent for lightweight loads such as bike racks and cargo carriers. A vehicle’s bumper rating is not increased by a bumper hitch.
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION HITCH
For certain applications, the use of a weight distribution hitch may be beneficial or even necessary for proper control of your vehicle and trailer while towing. A weight distribution hitch is a towing component that mounts into the receiver tube of your trailer hitch and lifts up on the back of the vehicle using two spring bars. This lifting function actually helps even out the weight of a heavy trailer such as an RV or flatbed and allows for a more level ride across the entire rig. While weight distribution hitches do not fit all classes of trailer hitches, they are compatible with class 3, 4 and 5 as well as xtra duty, commercial duty and RV hitches. In most cases, the use of a weight distribution hitch will actually increase the gross trailer weight capacity of a trailer hitch. This, however, does not automatically increase the towing capacity of the vehicle.