Why Does Curt Require Stabilizing Straps for Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks but Draw-Tite Does Not

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Question:

2016 suburbu outback. the curt hitch mentions that you need a stabilizing strap when carrying a hitch mounted bike rack. why not the draw tight? I like the looks of the curt better but down want to have to strap it

asked by: Dan S

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Expert Reply:

The stabilizing straps are a warranty requirement that Curt recommends to help support the hitch. The strap reduces some of the tongue weight load on the hitch, reduces the tendency for attached items to move around while the vehicle is in motion, and prevents some vertical shock from being transferred to the hitch when going over bumps. Using a strap such as Item # 18050 with a Curt hitch will maintain the warranty and provide additional support. I've attached a review video that shows how to use the strap.

Our Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Class II - 1-1/4", Item # C12136, and our Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Class III - 2", Item # C13206 are both confirmed to fit your 2016 Subaru Outback. For an option not requiring the stabilizing straps, we have two Draw-Tite hitch receivers also confirmed to fit your vehicle. Item # 36493 is our Draw-Tite Class II model, and Item # 75673 is the Class III model. I've attached an installation video for each of these hitches.

The Draw-Tite and Curt models are rated at the same capacity per class, so you'll get the same level of towing power from a Class II Curt hitch as you would a Class II Draw-Tite hitch. However, a Class III hitch offers a higher weight capacity than a Class II hitch. You can also find more accessories to fit a Class III hitch. A Class III hitch can also be used with an adapter for mounting accessories made for a 1-1/4 inch receiver, so if you plan on towing heavier loads at any point, I'd recommend going with a Class III hitch. I've attached an article about choosing between hitch classes for your convenience.

Also, if you don't already have the bike rack, I recommend our Thule Camber 2 Bike Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches, part # TH9058, which is a lightweight 2-bike hanging rack option that is compatible with all four hitches mentioned above.

expert reply by: Amber S

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Answer 1

The Class II Curt Hitch #C12136 and Class II Draw-Tite Hitch #36493 for your 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon are very similar, but every Class I and Class II and some Class III Curt Hitches require stabilizing straps to be used when towing non trailer…

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Answer 2

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 3

For your 2011 Subaru Outback Wagon the best hitch for ground clearance is the Curt #C13410 which fits very tightly to the rear bumper of the vehicle but also doesn't have a crosstube that hangs below the bumper either which helps with ground…

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Answer 4

While we don't carry the 1UP bike rack brand we do know that the Draw Tite hitch for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon part #76227 would be a great choice so you'd have a really great bike rack setup on your Outback!

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Answer 5

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Answer 6

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "direct fit" because all three of the Class III trailer hitch receivers we carry for your 2014 Subaru Outback are custom made and designed for your vehicle. The hitch that has the most factory-like…

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Answer 7

The best trailer hitch for your 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon to use with your existing 2 inch bike rack is the Draw-Tite Class III #76227. This is because it pairs strength (600 pound tongue weight rating is highest available for the Outback) with…

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Answer 8

For your 2014 Subaru Outback Wagon, I actually recommend looking at the Curt Class III Round Tube Receiver Hitch #C13206. Between the three Class III options confirmed to fit your vehicle, the Curt model provides the shortest distance from the hitch…

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Answer 9

The EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver #306-X7162 is a fit for your 2013 Subaru Outback. We recommend removing the bumper fascia because the fascia will require trimming, but Torklift doesn't require it. Their installation details offer two…

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Answer 10

Starting with the trailer hitch for the 2013 Subaru Outback Wagon, the Draw-Tite Class II Frame Receiver Hitch #36493 referenced in your question is confirmed to fit this vehicle and will provide a 1-1/4 inch receiver with a tongue weight capacity of…

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Answer 11

The best trailer hitch we offer for a 2017 Subaru Outback with hidden design is the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part #76227. The Draw-Tite hitch installs behind the rear bumper so it will be the most hidden and the receiver tube is…

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Answer 12

The recommended hitch really depends on which model T2 you have. For the TH9044 Thule T2 for 2" hitches you will need a 2" hitch receiver. In that case I recommend the etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98847. I like this hitch because…

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Why Does Curt Require Stabilizing Straps for Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks but Draw-Tite Does Not

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