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Recommended Trailer hitch for 2012 Kia Optima  

Question:

I am going to purchase a trailer hitch for this vehicle. I prefer the look of the Curt C11025 hitch over the DrawTite 24853 but I am concerned about the manufactures recommendation/requirement of the support strap on the Curt. In your opinion, do you believe this is because the Curt is not as sturdy or is it just because the DrawTite has a better warranty? If the build quality is equal than I would assume that the support strap would be needed for support in both cases.Since I am unable able to do a side by side comparison, I would appreciate your advice. Thanks

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Expert Reply:

The Curt Class I Trailer Hitch # C11025 and the Draw-Tite # 24965 are built so they're equally sturdy. Their weight capacities are the same, they'd install in the same manner and their build quality is pretty equal.

Curt just goes a step further to cover themselves by stating that in order to retain warranty coverage, the # 18050 strap needs to be used for non-trailer loads.

Since the strap doesn't work well with every vehicle, I typically recommend the Draw-Tite hitch, which has no such warranty stipulation.

If you'll also be using the hitch for light duty towing, be sure to check the owner's manual for the vehicle towing capacity. The hitch has a 2000 lb towing/200 lb tongue weight capacity, but it's entirely possible for the capacity of the vehicle to be less than that of the hitch. You'll need to abide by the load rating of the lowest rated component.

To complete your towing system, you might be interested in the following:

Trailer wiring harness, part # 118453 or # 119178KIT for SX models
Ball mount, part # 3593
1-7/8 inch trailer ball, part # 19256 -or-
2 inch trailer ball, part # 19258

If you're wanting the hitch for hitch mounted accessories, I've linked you to our selection of cargo carrying baskets and bike racks that are compatible with a Class I hitch.

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Mike L
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Instructions

Instructions for 118453Instructions for 119178KITInstructions for 24965Instructions for C11025

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