Comparing Draw-Tite DT24959 and Curt C11286 Class I Hitches for 2014 Subaru Impreza Wagon

Expert Reply:

For your 2014 Subaru Impreza Wagon with single exhaust we do offer the Class I hitches # DT24959 from Draw-Tite and # C11286 from Curt. Both of these are a fit for your car so long as it is NOT the WRX or WRX STi.

Both of these Class I hitches have a 1-1/4-inch receiver opening and offer identical weight ratings of 200-lbs tongue weight (TW) which is downward force on the hitch and towing weight of 2000-lbs. Please note these hitch ratings may exceed the same ratings for the car itself.

In practical terms the only real advantage of one over the other is that the Draw-Tite # DT24959 does not require you to use a support strap # 18050 as the Curt hitch does for static loads like hitch-mount bike and cargo carriers. Apart from that the main difference is that Curt makes their hitches in the USA while Draw-Tite makes theirs in Mexico. Both are very good quality and both include all hardware needed for installation. You can click on the linked video to see the Curt hitch installed.

Do also please note that any Class I hitch is limited to use with a rack of 2-bike capacity. Examples of compatible Class I bike carriers are show on the linked page, such as the Thule EasyFold # TH903202 which can handle heavy bikes and which fits both 1-1/4-inch and 2-inch hitches.