What Curt Manufacturing makes and who uses their hitches

Curt Manufacturing is a company that builds trailer hitches, brake controllers, and towing accessories. They make hitches for pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans — both the receiver (the part bolted to your vehicle) and the ball mounts that connect to your trailer. You'll find their products at auto parts stores, truck accessory shops, and online retailers.

Curt has been in business since 1993 and manufactures most of their hitches in the United States. Their products range from basic Class II hitches for light towing to heavy-duty Class IV and V hitches for larger trailers. They also make custom hitches designed to fit specific vehicle models without drilling holes or permanent modification.

The company is known for making hitches that fit snugly to your vehicle's frame without hanging down or sticking out as far as some competitors' models. This matters if you have a short driveway or park in tight spaces.

Key Takeaways

  • Curt hitches come in different classes (II, III, IV, V) based on how much weight they can tow, and you must match the class to your vehicle's towing capacity.
  • Custom Curt hitches bolt directly to your vehicle's frame without drilling, while universal models may require welding or drilling depending on your vehicle.
  • Curt makes both the receiver hitch (bolted to your vehicle) and ball mounts separately, so you buy them as two pieces.
  • Installation ranges from bolt-on (30 minutes to an hour) to welded (several hours at a shop), depending on the model and your vehicle.
  • Curt hitches are priced in the mid-range compared to other brands — not the cheapest, but less expensive than some premium brands.

Hitch classes and what weight each one handles

Curt hitches are labeled by class, and the class tells you the maximum weight the hitch can tow. Your vehicle's owner manual lists your vehicle's towing capacity, and you must not exceed it — the hitch class is a separate limit that also applies.

Class II hitches handle up to 3,500 pounds of towing weight. These fit most sedans, small SUVs, and compact trucks. Class III hitches go up to 8,000 pounds and fit mid-size trucks and larger SUVs. Class IV hitches handle up to 14,000 pounds and are built for full-size pickup trucks and large SUVs. Class V hitches are the heaviest, rated for 17,500 pounds or more, and are used for commercial towing or large equipment trailers.

The class also determines the size of the ball mount receiver opening. Class II uses a 1¼-inch opening, Class III uses 2 inches, and Class IV and V use 2½ inches. You cannot put a Class III ball mount into a Class II receiver — they are physically different sizes.

Bolt-on versus welded installation

Curt's custom hitches bolt directly to your vehicle's existing frame holes. No drilling, no welding, no permanent changes. Installation takes 30 minutes to an hour with basic hand tools. This is the easiest and most reversible option.

Curt's universal hitches are designed to fit a wider range of vehicles, but they often require drilling new holes or welding to your frame. Welding must be done by a professional shop and takes several hours. Drilling is simpler but still requires access to the right tools and knowledge of where your frame is strong enough to drill safely.

Before you buy, check whether Curt makes a custom hitch for your specific vehicle year, make, and model. If they do, buy that one — it will be easier to install and fit better. If not, you will need to take your vehicle to a shop that installs hitches and can handle the drilling or welding.

Receiver hitches and ball mounts are separate purchases

A Curt hitch system has two main parts: the receiver hitch (bolted to your vehicle) and the ball mount (the arm that sticks out and holds the ball). You buy them separately. The receiver is the permanent part; the ball mount slides in and out.

This separation gives you flexibility. You can buy one receiver and multiple ball mounts in different sizes — a 1⅞-inch ball for a small trailer and a 2-inch ball for a larger one. You slide whichever mount you need into the receiver and lock it with a pin.

Curt ball mounts come in different drop and rise heights. A drop mount angles downward and is used when your trailer coupler is higher than your hitch receiver. A rise mount angles upward and is used when your coupler is lower. Choosing the wrong height makes your trailer sit at an angle, which affects handling and tire wear.

Pricing and where to buy

Curt hitches are priced between budget brands and premium brands. A custom Class II bolt-on hitch typically costs $150 to $300. A Class III custom hitch runs $200 to $400. Class IV and V hitches start at $300 and can reach $600 or more depending on the model. Ball mounts add another $50 to $150.

You can buy Curt products at AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts, Tractor Supply, Amazon, and directly from Curt's website. Prices vary by retailer, and online prices are often lower than in-store. Some retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount.

If you need professional installation, factor in labor costs. A bolt-on installation at a shop typically costs $100 to $200. Welded installations cost $300 to $600 depending on the complexity and your location.

Common mistakes when choosing a Curt hitch

The most common mistake is buying a hitch class that exceeds your vehicle's towing capacity. Your vehicle's manual lists the maximum weight it can safely tow. A Class IV hitch rated for 14,000 pounds does you no good if your truck can only tow 5,000 pounds — you would be breaking the law and voiding your warranty by towing more than your vehicle is rated for.

Another mistake is choosing the wrong ball mount height. If your trailer coupler sits too high or too low relative to your hitch, the trailer will tilt. This causes uneven tire wear on both your vehicle and trailer, makes steering harder, and can damage your suspension. Measure the height of your coupler before you buy.

A third mistake is assuming all Curt hitches bolt on. Some do, but many require drilling or welding. Check the product description or call the retailer before you buy. If you are not comfortable drilling into your vehicle's frame, buy a custom bolt-on model or plan to pay a shop to do the work.

Warranty and customer service

Curt offers a limited lifetime warranty on most of their hitches against defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty covers the hitch itself, not installation labor or damage from improper use. If a hitch fails under normal towing conditions, Curt will replace it or refund your money.

You can contact Curt's customer service through their website or by phone. They respond to questions about fitment, installation, and warranty claims. Response times vary, but most inquiries are answered within one business day. If you buy from a retailer like AutoZone or Amazon, you can also return the hitch through that retailer if it does not fit or arrives damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a brake controller if I buy a Curt hitch?

A brake controller is separate from the hitch itself. If your trailer has electric brakes, your towing vehicle must have a brake controller installed to make those brakes work. Curt makes brake controllers, but you do not have to buy one from them — any compatible controller will work. Check your trailer's documentation to see if it has electric brakes.

Can I install a Curt hitch myself if I have never done it before?

If you buy a custom bolt-on Curt hitch, yes — most people can install it in under an hour with basic hand tools and a socket set. The instructions are straightforward. If your hitch requires drilling or welding, you should take it to a professional shop unless you have experience with those tasks.

What is the difference between a ball mount and a ball?

The ball mount is the arm that slides into your receiver hitch. The ball is the round metal sphere that screws onto the end of the ball mount and connects to your trailer's coupler. You buy them separately — the mount comes with a threaded hole, and you screw the ball in yourself.

Will a Curt hitch fit my vehicle if it is not listed on their website?

Curt makes custom hitches for hundreds of vehicle models, but not all. If your vehicle is not listed, a universal Curt hitch may fit, but it will likely require drilling or welding. Contact Curt's customer service with your vehicle's year, make, and model, and they can tell you what options exist.

How do I know what size ball to buy?

Your trailer's coupler is stamped with the size it accepts — usually 1⅞, 2, or 2⅝ inches. Buy a ball that matches. The ball must also match your hitch class — a Class II hitch uses a smaller ball than a Class III. Check both your coupler size and your hitch class before ordering.