Comparing Curt and Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitches for a 2006 Dodge Ram and Winch

Question:

I am having a hard time deciding which receiver to buy ,I lean toward the Curt because of price ,although the Draw-Tite has 500 pound vert ,I do not plan to haul motorcycles ,the receiver is for a 10,000 or 12,000 winch ,any thought on this ? Thanks

asked by: Rodney A

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite front hitch # 65046 is slightly less invasive than the Curt hitch # C31017 and thus will provide slightly less ground clearance but ultimately they are very close. The vertical pull capacity is basically like tongue weight on a rear mounted hitch. If you are not going to apply downward force to the hitch then the lower capacity of the Curt hitch should not be an issue.

You mentioned using the hitch for a winch so there are some cases where vertical pull is a factor. For example if you are not pulling level (if the truck is lower than what the winch is attached to if trying to pull the truck OR if the truck is stationary and the load you are pulling in is lower than the truck) then that applies vertical force to the winch.

These are the things to consider when selecting the best option for your needs. The Draw-Tite hitch is the most popular out of the available options. With the Curt hitch, you may also need to relocate the front license plate using mount # C31002 (for sue when the winch is not installed).

expert reply by: Michael H