Comparing Curt and Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receivers For a 2021 Ford Bronco

Question:

I am not an engineer so I am really curious why this hitch is rated for more tongue weight than the curt or the Ford hitch. Why can this hitch handle more tongue weight. I am curious because Id like to not worry about loading up too much weight on a cargo rack set up Im looking into. The curt and Ford hitch would require a hitch extension which from what I understand further reduce tongue weight loads as well. Is it too good to be true that this hitch could eliminate the need for a extension and provide up to 675lbs of tongue weight? Id just need to sacrifice some shin bruises but I think thatd be worth it.

asked by: Ted W

Expert Reply:

I as well am not an engineer but I can tell you that Draw-Tite has built and tested the Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # DT37GR strong enough to be able to handle 675lbs of tongue weight and a trailer weight of 4,500lbs. You do want to take into consideration that while the receiver is rated for these numbers you will still not want to exceed the specifications on your 2021 Ford Bronco. If you can't find these in your owners manual the service department at your dealer should be able to give you your limits.

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C76WR and Ford may have only tested theirs to their stated capacities as that is all your Bronco may be able to support. And since most Extenders # HE06 reduce the hitch capacity by 50% you will likely benefit more from the Draw-Tite receiver than either the Curt or Ford.

The Draw-Tite Receiver also has a mounting tab for a Mounting Bracket # 18144 that secures a 4-way flat trailer connector. If your Bronco has LED tail lights the Tekonsha # TK99VR is the harness you will need. Otherwise the Tekonsha # TK33VR is for standard incandescent tail lights.