We all want to get the highest possible level of practicality from our Ford F-150, but sometimes the truck itself isn’t enough. When trying to bump up its maximum hauling capacity, a trailer hitch is the number one accessory to consider. With a few hundred dollars and 30 minutes in the garage, you can easily upgrade your truck’s maximum hauling capacity by as much as 17,000 lbs. These truck accessories can be used for hauling anything from bikes to yachts. We give you our top five selection of trailer hitches from CURT. When compiling our list, we took into consideration their quality, customer reviews, maximum hauling load, and our personal experience. CURT has a vast majority of trailer hitches, but we believe that these are the most universal in all ways. In this post, you will find the best curt trailer hitches reviews to help you get the most suitable hitch for your truck.
Top Rated Curt Trailer Hitches
1CURT 14017 Class 4 Trailer Hitch for Ford F-150 — Customers’ favorite
A trailer hitch is an essential accessory for truck owners who need to haul heavy or spacious objects. Objects like bikes or a trailer. This product form CURT is one of the most loved and popular on the market. It’s a universal trailer hitch from the most trusted brand on the market.
This hitch is capable of towing a trailer with a gross weight of 10,000 lbs. and 1,000 pounds of tongue weight (the force pushing down). It’s compatible with a weight distribution hitch, raising the numbers to 12,000 lbs. and 1,200 lbs. With this hitch and all the other hitches, it is imperative to keep in mind that weight ratings are limited to vehicle manufacturer’s stated capacities. So check the specifications of your F-150 to see what the maximum towing capacity is.
The hitch is protected by a durable high-gloss black powder coat finish and co-cured with a rust-resistant liquid Bonderite coating. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty, and all Curt products are proudly made in the USA.
Even though this trailer hitch is a heavy-duty class 4 hitch, it still allows your truck to maintain a clean look, and hardly any of it is visible. There is plenty of opening around the receiver, and the hitch-pin hole is close to the end. This allows easy accessory installation. There is a collar welded on the end of the receiver for better looks and improved strength. The hitch has a standard 5/8” hitch pin hole.
This CURT product has a very secure safety chain attachment points. A heavy-duty hitch has to be able to accept heavy-duty safety chain hooks. There is about 18 ½” from the ground to the top of the 2” receiver opening, and about 4” from the center of the hitch pin hole to the bumper. This is vital information to consider when purchasing accessories for your truck.
The difficulty of the installation is moderate. You need to use pull wires, remove the ground wire and the spare tire (and install them back after installation), but it is all worth it. The installation will take about 30 minutes, and you’ll need a helping hand for it. No drilling is required, and all installation hardware is included.
This is a high-quality durable trailer hitch that will definitely meet all your basic hauling needs and more.
- Predominantly there are only positive customer reviews, you can’t go wrong with this trailer hitch.
- The trailer hitch tends to tilt down during installation. This makes the process harder and might require a third set of hands.
2CURT 14002 Class 4 Trailer Hitch for Ford F-150 — Bang for the buck
A Ford F-150 itself is an efficient truck. A trailer hitch is a must-have accessory that will take your truck’s practicality to the next level. With the help of this trailer hitch from CURT, your truck’s hauling capacity will go up by 10,000 lbs.
The CURT 14002 is rated to 10,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 1,000 tongue weight. It is compatible with a weight distribution hitch, which bumps up the allowed total trailer weight to 12,000 lbs and the maximum tongue weight to 1,200 pounds.
This trailer hitch is precisely welded for market-leading strength and a secure fit. It’s protected by a superior high-gloss powder coat finish and Bonderite coating, making the hitch resistant to rust and corrosion. The trailer hitch comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
At the end of the trailer hitch, there is a 2” receiver tube with a thick lip around it for additional strength. There is an easily accessible 5/8” hitch pin hole. The hitch has heavy-duty attachment points that give it a nice square look from underneath.
The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the edge of the bumper is about 3 ½”. The distance from the top of the receiver tube to the ground is about 17”. Make sure you consider these numbers when purchasing trailers and accessories to attach to your hitch.
This product has one of the easiest installations on the market. You’ll need a helping hand, about 20 minutes, and only basic mechanical know-how. Unlike with most other heavy-duty trailer hitches, you don’t have to take off the spare tire and ground wire with this hitch from CURT. No pull wires or drilling required, the installation hardware is included. What makes this, and all the other trailer hitches form CURT, stand out is how good the hitches look and feel. They are made out of nice thick steel and have nice heavy welds.
This product has the best price to durability ratio.
- The most power and durability you can get for such a price on the market.
- For some reason, out of all CURT products, this one comes damaged the most often. CURT sends you a new product right away, but it’s still a hassle.
3CURT 13118 Class 3 Trailer Hitch for Ford F-150 — Entry-level trailer hitch
With such a wide variety of trailer hitches, it can often be difficult to decide which is the one for you. This class 3 hitch from CURT lacks the maximum weight load capacity of the other hitches reviewed but doesn’t lack the high-quality build and looks of its rivals.
As we’ve already mentioned, the only weak spot of this trailer hitch when comparing it to its rivals is it’s towing capacity. It’s rated up to 6,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 900 lbs tongue weight. With the help of a weight distribution hitch, these numbers go up to 10,000 lbs and 1,000 lbs
A unique advantage of this hitch is that it has been engineered with a vehicle-specific design for a custom fit on the F-150, the hitch was precisely welded for superior strength and fit. It has the same market-leading coating and finish as all the other CURT hitches have. The hitch has a limited lifetime warranty and is made in the USA.
The distance from the ground to the top of the receiver tube opening is about 20 ½”, and 3” from the 5/8” hitch pin hole to the outer edge of the bumper. All of these openings are wide enough for easy and effortless installation of all your accessories without the need to reach far under your truck. The receiver tube has a 2” opening.
The installation will take you and your helper about 30 to 40 minutes depending on your mechanical skills. You will need to use pull wires to get the bolts into place, but all installation hardware is included, and no drilling is required. You’ll have to remove the spare tire and ground wire and then install them back.
Another great feature about this hitch is that it has a rounded steel safety-chain connection point. This gives a good amount of room for whatever style chain you choose to use. This trailer hitch is also the least noticeable when compared to its rivals, has a more delicate and cleaner factory-look style.
- Lightest trailer hitch out of the five. You can install it by yourself if needed.
- With some models, it doesn’t fit without modifications. You may be required to do some light drilling or grinding to fit the hitch or metal installation plates.
4CURT 15300 Class 5 XTRA Duty Trailer Hitch for Ford F-150 — Must-have strength
The most important feature of a trailer hitch is the weight load that it can take. A class 5 trailer hitch deals with this job the best. This trailer hitch will give you the ability to haul the heaviest of loads.
The difference in its maximum weight load, when compared to lower class hitches, is quite noticeable, with a maximum of 16,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 2,4000 lbs tongue weight. A weight distribution hitch will give only slightly higher numbers. 17,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and the tongue weight remains the same.
This trailer hitch has the same corrosion and rust resistant finish and coating as all other CURT products, and, on top of that, it’s scratch resistant. The trailer hitch has a limited lifetime warranty, and it’s made in the USA.
The installation of the CURT 15300 will take about 40 minutes. As with all the other trailer hitches in our review, it isn’t necessary to elevate your F-150 for the installation, but it does make the job a lot easier. No pull wires are required, and robust grade-8 installation hardware is included. You might need to get your hands dirty with some drilling, but that depends on the year of your F-150, you can check that information on CURT’s website. The trailer hitch has an industry standard 2” receiver tube.
When choosing accessories, keep in mind that there is about 19” from the ground to the top of the receiver tube and about 3” from the hitch-pin hole to the lowest part of the bumper.
The safety chain plates are huge for compatibility with heavy-duty safety chains and hooks. The trailer hitch has a vehicle specific design for a custom fit. By just feeling and holding it you understand just how heavy-duty it is. A trailer hitch welded for the toughest hauling.
- As customers claim – this thing is beefy. By purchasing this you get one of the strongest trailer hitches on the market.
- Multiple claims of a difficult installation. It might be better to take it to your local shop.
5CURT 15410 Class 5 XTRA Duty Trailer Hitch for Ford F-150 — The best bargain
When it comes to power, this is the trailer hitch that will give you the highest results. This XTRA DUTY hitch is manufactured for your most heavy hauling needs.
This robust trailer hitch has a maximum gross trailer rate of 17,000 lbs and maximum tongue rate of 2,550 pounds. It’s compatible with a weight distribution hitch, but all numbers stay the same. Even though this trailer hitch can haul such a large amount of weight, it is vital to check the weight ratings of your F-150. It is crucial to remember, especially when you’re dealing with heavy loads, that all weight ratings are limited to vehicle manufacturer’s stated capacities.
Besides being the most powerful trailer hitch in our review, it is also the most durable. The finish and coating have the same rust and corrosion resistance as the others, but this hitch has superior scratch resistance. As with all the other CURT trailer hitches, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty and is made in the USA.
You have the same easy installation with this trailer hitch as with the rest of the class 5 trailer hitches. Grade-8 installation hardware is included, and drilling may be required depending on the year of your truck. It will take you about 40 minutes, and you’ll need a helping hand. It’s best to take off the spare tire during the installation.
This trailer hitch is made four hauling the heaviest of loads, including utility trailers and haulers. The hitch was welded for the F-150 to ensure the best possible fit with the truck. It features wide safety chain openings for heavy-duty hooks. The dimensions of the hitch are practically the same as with all the class 5 trailer hitches from CURT.
- The most popular and most well-built class 5 trailer hitch that CURT have to offer. If you want strength – you’ve got it.
- Needs maintenance after a few years of usage. The steel will start to rust in time if the coating of the trailer hitch isn’t looked after.
Buyer’s Guide
Hauling capacity
This is the most crucial aspect to take into consideration when purchasing a trailer hitch. We have reviewed a class 3, two class 4, and two class 5 trailer hitches. Their maximum hauling weight ranges from 6,000 lbs to 17,000 lbs of gross trailer rate and from 900 lbs to 2,550 pounds of tongue weight (the force pushing down on the hitch). It is essential that you keep in mind when purchasing a trailer hitch that weight ratings are limited to vehicle manufacturer’s stated capacities. There is no point of buying a hitch that can tow more than your truck can, and it’s hazardous to haul more than your vehicle can handle, it can end very badly. A combination of a class 5 trailer hitch with a powerful enough truck can pull something as huge and heavy as a yacht. The receiver tube opening on all of these hitches is a standard 2×2”.
Compatibility with your vehicle
These trailer hitches are compatible with a wide variety of Ford F-150 trucks and not only them. Before purchasing one of these trailer hitches, make sure you go onto CURT’s website and check if your vehicle is compatible with the trailer hitch that you desire. Even if it doesn’t fit your truck, you can always go with the next best option. These hitches are pretty identical with a noticeable difference only in their hauling capacities.
Resistance to wear and tare
All of the trailer hitches in this review are basically on the same level of durability. They are all welded for heavy-duty jobs, and you can feel how rugged and well built they are when holding them in your hands. They all have a powder coat finish and are covered with a rust and corrosion resistant liquid Bonderite coating. A great additional feature that class 5 trailer hitches have is that they are also scratch resistant. The class 3 and 4 trailer hitches that we’ve reviewed have more of a glossy finish, which attracts scratches, whereas the class 5 hitches have more of a matte finish.
Installation of trailer hitches and accessories
The installation of these trailer hitches is quite simple. You will need a helping hand and from 20 to 40 minutes. The class 5 hitches may require drilling, and all installation hardware is included. It is ideal to lift your truck while installing a trailer hitch for a much more comfortable, faster and cleaner installation. After installation, make sure that you torque all of the bolts for safety reasons. Installation of all accessories onto the trailer hitch is easy as well, thanks to its dimensions. There is plenty of space all around the hitch for easy access of it.
Warranty and price
All of these trailer hitches from CURT come with a limited lifetime warranty, but there are two exceptions to it. The warranty covers both the finish and the separate parts for only one year. Still, a lifetime warranty on the hitch itself says a lot about the quality of it and how well it is built. All CURT products are proudly manufactured and made in the USA.
The trailer hitches that we’ve reviewed fall into one price category from about $100 up to about $350. It’s a very moderate price for such a needed and popular accessory. By paying less than $350, you can boost your maximum hauling capacity by 17,000 lbs, a pretty fair trade. The more the hauling capacity is, the more the trailer hitch costs.
General summary on CURT trailer hitches and our choice
We can’t stress enough about how important it is to purchase a trailer hitch when you have an F-150 truck. It brings your vehicle to a whole new level when it comes to practicality and hauling heavy loads. Our choice is the CURT 15410 Class 5 XTRA Duty trailer hitch. The primary function of a trailer hitch is pulling heavy weight, and this is the apparent winner. All of the hitches are pretty identical when it comes to looks, and the durability of this trailer hitch is slightly better (it’s scratch resistant). The last thing you should take into consideration when purchasing a trailer hitch is its price. The difference between the least and most expensive products on our list is a little over $100, but the maximum allowed gross trailer weight rate goes up from 6,000 lbs to 17,000 lbs. The class 5 hitches from CURT also have a more stylish carbide black finish. Get yourself a reliable and long-lasting trailer hitch from CURT. You can’t go wrong with a trailer hitch from them.
Questions and Answers
It’s better to purchase one that is compatible with our truck. But if you have no other options, which is probably impossible, you can always drill your installation holes in your vehicle and install the hitch. But only if the width of the trailer hitch fits your truck.
Yes, they do.
If the trailer hitch is compatible with your truck, then yes.
Yes, they are included where they are needed for installation
No, you don’t hear them at all the first few years, and they start giving minimal amounts of sound after years of usage.
Yes, for safety reasons. If you don’t have one, then drive to your nearest automotive store for a quick check after installing it.
No, you don’t, but it makes the process a whole lot easier.