Draw-Tite vs Curt hitch for Bike Racks on 2019 Toyota Rav4

Question:

I want to get a hitch for my Rav4 for a bike rack. What is the difference between the Curt and the Draw Tite models?

asked by: Steve B

Expert Reply:

Great question! First off, your Toyota Rav4 can handle 1 1/4" Class II or 2" Class III hitches. In the Class II category, both hitches are very similar in specs and capacity. The Curt Class II Hitch # C66KR is slightly easier to install than the Draw-Tite Class II # 36675.

For your Class III hitches, you have the Draw-Tite # DT82QR and the Curt # C13416 hitches. The main difference is that the Draw-Tite # DT82QR has a HIGHER weight capacity of 675 lbs tongue weight and 4,500 lbs towing weight capacity compared to the Curt's 600 lbs and 4,000 lbs. If you're just carrying bike racks though, you simply need to follow the weight capacity of the rack plus your rack's own weight, which often is less than 600 lbs.
Unlike their Class I and II models, this Curt III hitch does NOT require a stabilizing strap with bike racks.

The install process for both hitches are about the same. Draw-Tite just says they are slighter hard because they go in-depth into how you need to lower your exhaust and use an M12x1.25 tap to clean the weldnuts. My opinion of the whole process though is that both hitches install to the exact same spots on your frame, and I prefer Draw-Tite's extra information and tool recommendation.

All in all, both are great hitches and are almost identical. If I truly had to choose, I would go with Draw-Tite Class III # DT82QR due to its higher weight capacity and thorough install instructions. I attached videos of our installs of both hitches if you want to see the whole process real-time.

As for bike racks that would fit on your hitch, I recommend the Thule Helium 2 Bike Platform Rack Item # TH44VR. I'm a big fan of how light (but still sturdy!) and easy it is to install. My favorite part are how its wheel mounts are designed to not only protect your frames but also to make it almost effortless to mount and dismount bikes. I attached a video if you want to see it in action on a 2020 Toyota Rav4.