Curt 13070 receiver install - the right way

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by JCL

However, you are still relying on the stability of the rear mounting surface not to flex. The OE hitch removes the collapsible struts and replaces them with solid struts that are very beefy at the pentagon-shaped mounting surface, and which are cross bolted to the reinforced rails in the unibody some distance forward, in multiple planes. No comparison in terms of strength.

+1

My factory hitch was ~$400 with the wiring harness and the factory brake module. Install will reveal that it is the best option as described by the OP:

The Curt receiver bolts directly to the reinforced rails and brackets on the unibody, and is only second to the factory hitch

I have seen pics and discussions of non-OEM hitches inducing flex on the rear of an E53, then twisting the frame. Of course this is extreme, and may even be possible given an accident while towing, but I am absolutely not willing to risk it for a couple hundred $.

But as they say, mine is mine and yours is yours. We'll both do as we please!