Reese Draw Tite Class II Drawbar Kit Review

Taking the Reese Draw Tite Class II Drawbar Kit 11 3/4″ Length No Drop 3 1/8″ Rise 3500/300 Lbs., Gtw/Tw for a Spin

Let’s face it, towing isn’t the most glamorous aspect of outdoor life. But it’s a necessity when you’re hauling your boat to that secret fishing spot, lugging camping gear for a weekend in the woods, or even just helping a buddy move. The Reese Draw Tite Class II Drawbar Kit 11 3/4″ Length No Drop 3 1/8″ Rise 3500/300 Lbs., Gtw/Tw aims to make that process simple and reliable, offering a complete solution for light-duty towing needs.

My pickup truck, affectionately nicknamed “The Mule,” needed a dependable drawbar kit. I was tired of mismatched parts and questionable connections when towing my small utility trailer. I had a Class II receiver already installed, so I needed a drawbar kit that fit the bill perfectly.

Unboxing the Reese Draw Tite Class II Drawbar Kit was a no-frills experience. The drawbar, pin, and clip were all neatly packaged. My initial impression was that the black powder coat finish looked durable and the welds appeared solid.

I considered the Curt Manufacturing Class II Drawbar and the Andersen Manufacturing EZ Hitch Ball Mount before settling on the Reese Draw Tite. The Reese offering seemed to strike a better balance between price, features, and reputation. I also appreciated the specific dimensions – 11 3/4″ length, no drop, and 3 1/8″ rise – which appeared ideal for my truck and trailer setup.

Right out of the box, I was cautiously optimistic. It seemed like a well-made, straightforward piece of equipment, but the real test would be how it performed under load and in real-world conditions. I was eager to see if the Reese Draw Tite would live up to the Reese name.

Real-World Testing: Putting Reese Draw Tite Class II Drawbar Kit 11 3/4″ Length No Drop 3 1/8″ Rise 3500/300 Lbs., Gtw/Tw to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test involved hauling a small utility trailer loaded with firewood. The test took place on a mix of paved roads and gravel trails leading to a remote campsite. The weather was dry, but the gravel roads were quite dusty.

Installation was a breeze – the drawbar slid smoothly into the receiver, and the included pin and clip secured it tightly. There was no excessive play or rattling. The 3 1/8″ rise was perfect for leveling the trailer, ensuring a safe and stable towing experience.

There were no immediate issues. The Reese Draw Tite felt solid and reliable, even on the bumpy gravel roads. The trailer tracked nicely behind the truck, and I didn’t experience any concerning sway or instability.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Reese Draw Tite Class II Drawbar Kit has held up remarkably well. I’ve used it to haul everything from landscaping materials to camping gear, and it has consistently performed without a hitch. There is some minor wear and tear on the powder coat finish, especially around the pin hole.

I periodically inspect the drawbar for any signs of cracks or damage. So far, there haven’t been any issues. A quick spray with WD-40 after each use helps keep the pin from seizing up and prevents rust.

Compared to some cheaper drawbars I’ve used in the past, the Reese Draw Tite is significantly more robust and durable. It gives me confidence that it can handle the rated load without failing. The quality and reliable performance of the Reese Draw Tite has definitely exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Reese Draw Tite Class II Drawbar Kit 11 3/4″ Length No Drop 3 1/8″ Rise 3500/300 Lbs., Gtw/Tw

Specifications

• Class II Rating: Designed for light-duty towing applications. This means it’s suitable for smaller trailers and loads.

• 1-1/4″ Square Shank: Fits standard 1-1/4″ square receiver tube openings. This is a common size for smaller trucks and SUVs.

• 11 3/4″ Length: Provides adequate clearance between the vehicle and the trailer. The length helps prevent the trailer from hitting the bumper during turns.

• No Drop, 3 1/8″ Rise: Offers a 3 1/8″ rise to help level the trailer. This is crucial for safe and efficient towing, ensuring the trailer is not angled too high or low.

• 3500 lbs. GTW (Gross Trailer Weight): The maximum weight of the trailer plus its load. Never exceed this weight limit to avoid damaging the drawbar or your vehicle.

• 300 lbs. TW (Tongue Weight): The downward force exerted by the trailer’s tongue on the hitch ball. Maintaining proper tongue weight is essential for stability.

• Black Powder Coat Finish Over A-Coat: Provides excellent corrosion resistance. This protects the drawbar from rust and extends its lifespan, even in harsh weather conditions.

• Includes Drawbar, Pin, and Clip: A complete kit for easy installation and use. It includes everything you need to get started right away.

These specifications are important because they dictate the capabilities and limitations of the drawbar. Understanding these specs ensures you’re using the right equipment for the job, maximizing safety and performance. The Reese Draw Tite balances these specifications well, offering a reliable solution for its intended use.

Performance & Functionality

The Reese Draw Tite Class II Drawbar Kit performs its job admirably. It provides a secure and stable connection between the vehicle and the trailer, ensuring a safe towing experience.

The strength and reliability of the drawbar are its greatest strengths. It inspires confidence, even when hauling near its rated capacity. The only slight weakness is the powder coat finish, which can be prone to chipping with repeated use.

Overall, the Reese Draw Tite meets and even exceeds expectations. It’s a simple, reliable, and well-built piece of equipment that gets the job done.

Design & Ergonomics

The Reese Draw Tite features a straightforward, functional design. The materials used are high-quality, and the welds are clean and strong. Its weight provides a sense of robustness without being overly cumbersome.

The drawbar is easy to use. It requires no special tools or skills to install. The included pin and clip are simple and effective.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Reese Draw Tite Class II Drawbar Kit should last for many years. The powder coat finish provides good corrosion resistance.

Maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the pin are all that’s typically required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Reese Draw Tite Class II Drawbar Kit comes with everything needed for basic towing. No additional accessories are required. However, users can purchase different hitch balls to accommodate trailers with varying coupler sizes.

The 1-1/4″ receiver is a standard size. This means it is compatible with a wide range of accessories, such as bike racks and cargo carriers.

Pros and Cons of Reese Draw Tite Class II Drawbar Kit 11 3/4″ Length No Drop 3 1/8″ Rise 3500/300 Lbs., Gtw/Tw

Who Should Buy Reese Draw Tite Class II Drawbar Kit 11 3/4″ Length No Drop 3 1/8″ Rise 3500/300 Lbs., Gtw/Tw?

This drawbar kit is perfect for anyone who needs to tow light-duty trailers, such as utility trailers, small boat trailers, or personal watercraft trailers. It’s ideal for homeowners, landscapers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable and affordable towing solution.

If you need to tow heavier loads, you should skip this product and opt for a Class III or Class IV drawbar kit. These offer a higher towing capacity.

A properly sized hitch ball is a must-have accessory. Consider a trailer hitch lock for added security.

Conclusion on Reese Draw Tite Class II Drawbar Kit 11 3/4″ Length No Drop 3 1/8″ Rise 3500/300 Lbs., Gtw/Tw

The Reese Draw Tite Class II Drawbar Kit 11 3/4″ Length No Drop 3 1/8″ Rise 3500/300 Lbs., Gtw/Tw is a reliable and affordable towing solution for light-duty applications. Its durable construction, ease of use, and complete kit make it a great value for the money.

The price is definitely justified given the quality and performance.

I would definitely recommend this drawbar kit to anyone who needs to tow a small trailer. It’s a solid and dependable piece of equipment that will get the job done. So, gear up and get towing!