Why Do Weight Ratings for Curt, Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch Class III Trailer Hitches Vary

Question:

Why are these hitches have a larger towing capacity than the Reese or Hidden Hitch? Is it a thicker metal? Is the construction better?

asked by: Christopher D

Expert Reply:

Your 2001 Jeep Cherokee is a vehicle that can be fitted with either of two different classes of hitch, a 1-1/4-inch Class II hitch OR a 2-inch Class III. As you noted, even within the Class III grouping there are varying tongue weight (TW) and gross trailer weight (GTW) ratings. Curt Class III hitches # 13084 and # 13160 do have a 500-lb TW rating while the Draw-Tite # 75054 Class III hitches is rated lower. All of the Class III hitches for your 2001 Jeep Cherokee are shown on the link provided.

This has more to do with the vehicle than the hitches, which share very similar construction. Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch are actually sister brands and the products are virtually identical. The different ratings come down to one brand being more conservative than another when it comes to the vehicle's frame strength and how close to its limit they think it should be used. All of these hitches are built quite well and share similar construction.

In a case like this you are better off with one of the higher-rated (and lower-priced) Curt hitches. You do have a choice of a round-tube # 13160 or a square tube # 13084 so you can use the one with the appearance you prefer. Installation videos for both are linked for you along with a helpful article.