Comparing Curt Trailer Hitch # C11025 and Draw-Tite # 24965 For a 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Question:

Is this hitch as strong or stronger than the Drawtite or Reese? I want to use it with a 4 bike carrier, but will probably only carry three bikes. Are there any problems or issues with installation compared with the other brands listed? It appears that you reuse the factory exhaust hanger with this model. Does this hitch protrude down or out any farther than the other brands? I like the look and price of this hitch for my 2011 Hyundai Sonata but I have not heard of this brand before and am not certain of its reputation, what can you tell me?

asked by: William F

Expert Reply:

Curt is actually a pretty well-known manufacturer of towing products. Their trailer hitches are on par with Reese and Draw-Tite. I would say # C11025 is as strong as the other hitches for the same vehicle.

But something that you need to be aware of is that this is a class I trailer hitch and you are limited to carrying 2 bikes on a class I hitch on a rack compatible with class I hitches. The Curt warranty also requires the use of a stabilization strap, # 18050, with any non-trailer load. The other manufacturers do not require a strap.

I have included a link to the installation details. You will reuse the rubber exhaust hanger on the vehicle. All 3 hitches for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata will install in much the same way, though they may have slight design differences. They will all be about 5-1/2 to 6 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the rear edge of the bumper, so they all stick out about the same. The same goes for ground clearance at about 11-1/4 inches.

For me, if I was looking at hitches for this car, and I was only going to use it with a bike rack, I would go with the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, # 24965. This hitch does not come with a ball mount, pin, or clip. But if you do not plan to tow, a ball mount will not be needed. I have included a link to the installation instructions.

expert reply by: Michael H