Curt Hitch vs OEM?

[jaydubs]

I searched through the forums but couldn't find a good answer to this question so here goes. I've had my Mojave for a few weeks and since it didn't come with the tow package I need to add a hitch. I was debating between the Curt or the OEM. So far my findings are that Curt is cheaper and just take off bumper and bolt on but you are limited to Class III. With OEM it's Class IV but it costs more, a bit more involved for the install and I'm not sure how much, if any, additional towing capacity it adds since I don't have the factory tow package? Anybody have any experience here?

Sponsored

 

[Ogre_FL]

Do you have a manual or automatic Mojave?
The Curt is rated at 500/5000.
I believe the Manual Mojave is rated at 450/4500, the Auto @ 600/6000.

FWIW My truck is rated at 450/4500, no tow package, I added the Curt.

Now if you think you will ever use a weight distribution hitch, the Curt is NOT rated for that, go with something that is.

 

[Mr._Bill]

Pay the extra and get the Class IV. You'll thank yourself later.

 

[Rahkmalla]

Never fit a hitch receiver rated lower than the capabilities of the vehicle. Even if you don't plan to use something to it's maximum limits, one day you're going to sell it or trade it in, and someone is going to buy that vehicle assuming the 6k tow rating is correct.

Legally, will you be responsible if there's a catastrophic failure? Very difficult to prove and probably too convoluted to even pretend to make into a case out of unless you specifically and willfully misrepresented in writing.

Morally and ethically? There's the ticket. Never sell a compromised vehicle to another party. Failures may not cost you any money, but you should always keep your actions above board.

 

[LouisvEarlleJT]

Go for OEM. You have to remove the bumper to install either option, it's literally just a few more bolts to swap out the whole thing and install the class IV. Plus, like has been stated, you'll have a hitch that is rated for your towing capacity vs one that is potentially underrated.

 

[Ogre_FL]

Never fit a hitch receiver rated lower than the capabilities of the vehicle. Even if you don't plan to use something to it's maximum limits, one day you're going to sell it or trade it in, and someone is going to buy that vehicle assuming the 6k tow rating is correct.

Legally, will you be responsible if there's a catastrophic failure? Very difficult to prove and probably too convoluted to even pretend to make into a case out of unless you specifically and willfully misrepresented in writing.

Morally and ethically? There's the ticket. Never sell a compromised vehicle to another party. Failures may not cost you any money, but you should always keep your actions above board.

All Gladiators without tow packages are sold with a bumper hitch that is only rated at 3500.
So they are responsible if someone trys to tow 6K with it and they have sold a compromised vehicle?

 

[jaydubs]

Thanks all for the replies. Since @Ogre_FL asked, my truck is an Automatic.

Definitely all good points. Leaning towards the OEM although am I risking any damage if I push it over 5k or the factory 3500lbs without factory tow package?

 

[Rahkmalla]

All Gladiators without tow packages are sold with a bumper hitch that is only rated at 3500.
So they are responsible if someone trys to tow 6K with it and they have sold a compromised vehicle?

The point being a buyer buying a truck with a hitch receiver may assume it has a tow package. Again, not legally your fault they can't read "Curt" on the receiver, but morally and ethically it's a grey area i'd prefer to avoid.

 

[jwilson2899]

Thanks all for the replies. Since @Ogre_FL asked, my truck is an Automatic.

Definitely all good points. Leaning towards the OEM although am I risking any damage if I push it over 5k or the factory 3500lbs without factory tow package?

No, all Mojaves are rated for 6000 pounds from the factory with auto, whether or not they have a tow package.

 

[Ogre_FL]

Thanks all for the replies. Since @Ogre_FL asked, my truck is an Automatic.

Definitely all good points. Leaning towards the OEM although am I risking any damage if I push it over 5k or the factory 3500lbs without factory tow package?

With a proper rated hitch you are good to 6K.

 

[LouisvEarlleJT]

Thanks all for the replies. Since @Ogre_FL asked, my truck is an Automatic.

Definitely all good points. Leaning towards the OEM although am I risking any damage if I push it over 5k or the factory 3500lbs without factory tow package?

All that the optional "tow package" gives you (other than the class IV hitch) is a larger fan and the electronics required to run said larger fan. (codename: heavy duty cooling)

If you are towing near the 6k limit just watch your temps, otherwise you're fine.

 

[redline61]

My vote is just the Curt. These trucks have zero business towing large trailers regardless of the hitch. I just bought the Curt add on and I have a little over 5k miles towing, beat the living daylights out of it at Moab, and have been nothing but happy. The only thing I will say is if you don't have the ability to torque that big bolt as rated, just skip and do the full hitch.

I don't think it is nearly as big of a deal as it seems. Plus you still have the ability to hook the safety gear to the factory hitch under the bumper. Just get trailer brakes more than anything else. Makes a world of difference, even on my 2.500lb trailer. These are small, light trucks. When you cross that canyon wall and that 60mph side wind slams the truck and camper you will want that ability to stop, but also control the trailer if needed with a gentle pull on the brakes.

 

[jwilson2899]

All that the optional "tow package" gives you (other than the class IV hitch) is a larger fan and the electronics required to run said larger fan. (codename: heavy duty cooling)

If you are towing near the 6k limit just watch your temps, otherwise you're fine.

You also get the trail hitch zoom for the backup camera too.

 

[redline61]

You also get the trail hitch zoom for the backup camera too.

I have the zoom factory with no trailer pack.

 

[Jaxmax]

Post an ad in the marketplace for the OEM heavy duty hitch, couple sold there for
$150-160, might get lucky, post your location also. Lot of people pull them off for high clearance bumper options. There are always the standard ones there also. So be aware of what you are looking at….Jack

Sponsored