If you tow just about anything in this country, you're familiar with the names Valley and Curt.
Both brands are known for the rugged durability of their products and have enjoyed a long history of competition in the trailer hitch marketplace.
So which one is better? Well, that's sort of like asking the difference between Microsoft Explorer and Firefox or between Newcastle and Sam Adams.
Both are good, but, depending on your usage and preferences, one wins out over the other.
The following are a few things to bear in mind as you select the one that's right for you.
As a brief point of reference, trailer hitches are available in 2 styles: receiver and fixed-drawbar.
A receiver hitch mounts directly onto the frame of the vehicle and accepts removable ball mounts, trailers or other hitch-mounted accessories.
Fixed-drawbar hitches usually feature 1-piece construction with a built-in hole for the trailer ball.
The downside to the latter is they're typically not compatible with aftermarket hitch accessories.
In the US, there are five classes of tow hitch, numbered I, II, III, IV and V.
Classes I and II are designed to accommodate lighter loads of no more than 3,500 lbs.
Classes III, IV and V can muscle up to 5,000 lbs and 10,000 lbs, respectively, and are intended for larger items like boats and campers.
Curt has built their reputation around tough, dependable towing equipment.
Their ball mounts are robotically-welded to provide strength, performance and a durable connection.
Curt receiver hitches are sealed against the elements with a powder-coated finish, keeping them looking factory-fresh and rust-free.
They're also designed with an open back-end, allowing easy cleaning.
Whether you're looking for a receiver hitch, fifth wheel hitch or winch mount, Curt products deliver proven reliability, and many even come backed by a lifetime warranty.
Similar to Curt, Valley hitches are custom designed for your vehicle, ensuring a simple do-it-yourself installation.
Plus, a Valley T-Connector can be tacked onto the back of most vehicles, allowing you to keep your trailer lights safely powered-up and working.
Valley products are finished with a powder-coated polyester black paint that resists rust, corrosion and oxidation.
They also feature lifetime warranties.
Word to the wise: while the bumper of your truck may be great for hauling a stump out of the ground or pulling light objects over short distances, be careful when using the bumper of your pickup, rather than a frame-mounted truck hitch, for towing.
In general, the bumper doesn't provide as much strength and, while it's entertaining to watch a guy on American's Funniest lose his bumper to a heavy load, it's a lot less fun in real life.
Many trailer hitches feature no-drill installation which means you're up and running in about the same time it would take you to wrap a chain around your bumper.
Both brands are known for the rugged durability of their products and have enjoyed a long history of competition in the trailer hitch marketplace.
So which one is better? Well, that's sort of like asking the difference between Microsoft Explorer and Firefox or between Newcastle and Sam Adams.
Both are good, but, depending on your usage and preferences, one wins out over the other.
The following are a few things to bear in mind as you select the one that's right for you.
As a brief point of reference, trailer hitches are available in 2 styles: receiver and fixed-drawbar.
A receiver hitch mounts directly onto the frame of the vehicle and accepts removable ball mounts, trailers or other hitch-mounted accessories.
Fixed-drawbar hitches usually feature 1-piece construction with a built-in hole for the trailer ball.
The downside to the latter is they're typically not compatible with aftermarket hitch accessories.
In the US, there are five classes of tow hitch, numbered I, II, III, IV and V.
Classes I and II are designed to accommodate lighter loads of no more than 3,500 lbs.
Classes III, IV and V can muscle up to 5,000 lbs and 10,000 lbs, respectively, and are intended for larger items like boats and campers.
Curt has built their reputation around tough, dependable towing equipment.
Their ball mounts are robotically-welded to provide strength, performance and a durable connection.
Curt receiver hitches are sealed against the elements with a powder-coated finish, keeping them looking factory-fresh and rust-free.
They're also designed with an open back-end, allowing easy cleaning.
Whether you're looking for a receiver hitch, fifth wheel hitch or winch mount, Curt products deliver proven reliability, and many even come backed by a lifetime warranty.
Similar to Curt, Valley hitches are custom designed for your vehicle, ensuring a simple do-it-yourself installation.
Plus, a Valley T-Connector can be tacked onto the back of most vehicles, allowing you to keep your trailer lights safely powered-up and working.
Valley products are finished with a powder-coated polyester black paint that resists rust, corrosion and oxidation.
They also feature lifetime warranties.
Word to the wise: while the bumper of your truck may be great for hauling a stump out of the ground or pulling light objects over short distances, be careful when using the bumper of your pickup, rather than a frame-mounted truck hitch, for towing.
In general, the bumper doesn't provide as much strength and, while it's entertaining to watch a guy on American's Funniest lose his bumper to a heavy load, it's a lot less fun in real life.
Many trailer hitches feature no-drill installation which means you're up and running in about the same time it would take you to wrap a chain around your bumper.
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