Rigid Hitch Vs. Curt

[Ranger's My Middle Name]

While looking for an aftermarket hitch, I stumbled across a Rigid branded one that i had not previously seen. Now I am trying to decide between this one and the Curt, which was going to be my previous choice. The Rigid is a class IV, like the one from Ford. Does anyone have any experience with Rigid vs. Curt? Is the class IV vs III additional capacity worth it? Looking for everyone's thoughts.

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[Ranger's My Middle Name]

As I look more, I see that the first attachment for the Rigid says class IV, but the installation instructions say class III. I believe that the ratings are still a little higher than the Curt, though.

 

[VAMike]

As I look more, I see that the first attachment for the Rigid says class IV, but the installation instructions say class III. I believe that the ratings are still a little higher than the Curt, though.

Class III by definition (SAE J684) stops at 5000lbs. So there's a discrepancy in the rigid documentation: either it's a class IV rated for 7000lbs or it's a class III rated for no more than 5000. But, for some reason, various sources say that class III goes to 6000 or 8000 pounds--so the classes have become ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ rather than something reliable. There's also some confusion with people calling any 2 inch hitch as "class III" but that's misuse of the term and I'd expect the manufacturer to be more precise. (If they're screwing this up, what else are they screwing up?)

Unless this is all a shady marketing thing where they say that the hitch is rated to 8000# but since it's labeled class III you can't actually use more than 5000# load?

 

[DrSafety]

GTW is 1000 lbs greater than the Curt. Tongue weight is 200 lbs less and GWDTW is the same. Curt's ratings:

Rating: Class III

• Maximum gross trailer weight: 6,000 lbs
  • Maximum GTW when used with weight distribution: 8,000 lbs
• Maximum tongue weight: 900 lbs
  • Maximum TW when used with weight distribution: 900 lbs

 

[Ranger's My Middle Name]

Any input on Rigid vs Curt quality wise?

 

[Ranger's My Middle Name]

Here's the response on this from Rigid.

 

[VAMike]

Here's the response on this from Rigid.

So they're simply misusing the classes. Is that due to ignorance or apathy? Anyway, not reassuring.

 

[Ranger's My Middle Name]

More info on this topic. I appreciate JR reaching out and clarifying this issue. Just a typo. The fact they took the time to make sure we are all on the same page is awesome. I ordered one.

 

[VAMike]

Well, that's a decent response and clarification from the company.

 

[Ranger's My Middle Name]

Got the Rigid hitch installed. Super easy install. The hitch shipped quick and came wrapped nicely. Good quality materials and welds.

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