Curt Manufacturing 11179 Class I Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had a hard time deciding how many stars to give this. It's not at all perfect, but there aren't many alternatives. Curt should be rewarded for helping us 5 series folks out, but the price is rather high when the negatives are considered.
The black finish is wonderful although I don't think that's very important. What is important is the strength. To that, I can only take their word provided you stay within the tongue weight and trailer weight. Perhaps I'll update this summer.
I need to point out that this hitch mounts to the sheet metal around the spare tire well; not the frame. I think this relates to the Class I rating.
There are two negatives:
1) The thinner bar that has four holes is straight. But the BMW is slightly curved here. What to do? Well, either the car's sheet metal will bend or the hitch bar will (or maybe both?). I decided the hitch was more replaceable than the car, so I bent the bar myself, before bolting in place. Of course, this chipped the finish. In my opinion, this should have been addressed.
2) The unit comes with a receiver. But the black finish was applied so heavily that it built-up at the and that prevented fitment in the hole. Yes, it can be addressed, but for the price I expected it right.
My brief experience with the hitch pulling the boat out of the shed was positive. I got on the brake hard a few times to see what happened. Answer? Not much.
My last comment: I used construction glue between the hitch and the body to prevent water from rusting out the car. Like I said, the hitch mounts to the sheet-metal and you can't afford that to rot away. Yes, it may increase the strength although I would not even think to suggest you tow more than they recommend!
[UPDATE; Nov, 2010] Two observations:
1) I've used this hitch pulling some 800 - 1000 lbs over the summer. The hitch as worked well with no evidence of damage.
2) It tends to get whacked when doing over significant changes of road height. For example, when entering a driveway that's above the road grade, the hitch makes contact with the road.


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