Curt Class III and Class IV Hitch Comparison for 2018 Ford Transit T350 Passenger Van

Expert Reply:

You are correct that we offer both Class III and Class IV 2-inch hitches for your 2018 Ford Transit T350 passenger van.

If trailer towing were your intended application then the Class IV hitch # C14012 would definitely be my top recommendation since it can tow 2000-lbs more weight than the Class III model # C13193. But since your intended use is with a hitch-mount cargo carrier like # C18151 I recommend instead that you go with their Class III hitch # C13193 since it has a higher tongue weight (TW) rating of 900-lbs and because it will not require drilling like the other model. An installation video for this hitch is linked for you along with a photo that shows you the clean appearance of the finished installation.

A static load like a cargo carrier pushes down on the hitch and this weight is applied against the hitch's tongue weight rating. Since the sturdy steel Curt carrier # C18153 weighs about 70-lbs empty, once you've loaded it up with your cargo items the total load on the hitch could be as much as 570-lbs. The 900-lb TW rating of Class III hitch # C13193 means you will still have a substantial safety margin even with the carrier loaded to capacity.

Depending on the nature of your cargo items you may care to consider using a water-resistant cargo bag on the carrier, such as # 988501; or you might find use for cargo tie-downs like # IMF12637 or a cargo net like # C18202.

I also suggest an anti-rattle lock # 63232 to secure and stabilize the cargo carrier in the hitch.

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