Comparing Draw-Tite and Curt Trailer Hitches for 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring
Question:
This looks like its more like the original hitch that the dealer would install $535 vrs the one a local hitch shop wants to install $220 that would mount under the bumper. What other benefits would this hitch have other than that fact alone? I need a hitch mainly for a bike mount but will eventually need it for towing a tent trailer at some point. Also, I worry with this one, that I will mess up my new Ascent. It looks pretty straight forward to install it myself but its it really just that easy? Also will this fit the Touring model and still be easy to install?
asked by: Terry N
Helpful Expert Reply:
The benefits of the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 76253 that fits your 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring are that it has a concealed crosstube and also that it has a 750 lb tongue weight, which is the highest capacity tongue weight for any hitch that fits your vehicle. That said, the tongue weight will not come into play when you are using your bike rack and it is unlikely to be a factor for a tent trailer.
The Curt Trailer Hitch # C13400, which will also fit a Touring model of '19 Ascent, has a visible crosstube, as you can see by the accompanying photo, which shows both hitches installed on a 2019 Subaru Ascent. It has a 675 lb tongue weight capacity and both the Draw-Tite and the Curt have a 5,000 lb towing capacity (though you should check your owner's manual to see the capacities of your vehicle). Another thing to note is that the Draw-Tite is compatible with a weight distribution system which some people use for towing, especially heavier trailers, while the Curt is not.
The two biggest differences between the hitches is going to be: 1) the visibility of the Curt opposed to how concealed the Draw-Tite is, 2) the fact that the Draw-Tite is going to be a more difficult install. The reason for this is the Draw-Tite requires you to remove your Ascent's fascia and bumper while the Curt only requires you to lower your spare tire and trim your heat shield.
Even though the Draw-Tite # 76253 is not going be an "easy" install, it will be worth the benefits, which are aesthetics, a higher tongue weight rating for towing, and the fact you can use a weight distribution system with it. The Curt # C13400 will be a less involved installation but it is going to have a visible crosstube and due to how low it sits, is more susceptible to coming into contact with the ground when going up steep driveways, for example.
I have added links to videos showing both of these hitches being installed on a 2019 Subaru Ascent for you to take a look at.
Since you said you will eventually tow a trailer, you are going to need to add a wiring harness. For wiring that fits your '19 Ascent which will give you a 4-way connector and allow you to power your trailer's lights you need Wiring Harness # 118790; I have added a link to a video of this harness being installed on a 2019 Ascent for you to check out. I also recommend taking a look at Ball Mount Kit # 989900 for a ball mount and hitch ball.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- etrailer
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 675 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 750 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Completely Hidden
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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