Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

[Mark42]

I have the choice between Draw-tight, Hidden-hitch and Putnam receiver hitches for my Town Car. <br /><br />Any preferences on brand for quality and anti-rust protection?

 

[kence]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

I have used both Draw-tight and Putnam. As far as anti-rust, I don't think there was any difference but the Putnam seemed to be made better and and much more heavy duty.

 

[Linc33]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

I've got a Hidden Hitch. It is very sturdy and well made. Also nice that only the receiver box shows under the bumper on our '02 Voyager minivan. Only had it a year, but no rust yet.<br /><br />-Linc

 

[Mark42]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

Where did you order order your hitches from?

 

[Marc J.]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

Check out U-Haul. A co-worker priced hitches and wiring kits for his 02'Pathfinder at several places. U-Haul installed his for less than many places wanted for the hitch and wiring kit alone.

 

[Belchy]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

I would recommend the Hidden Hitch, work great and are hidden quite nicely....Only down fall is that sometimes they can be a little stubborn to hook up.

 

[mulv80]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

Another vote for Hidden-Hitch. I had one on my 2003 Monte Carlo SS and you could barely tell it was there. I also have one on my F150 and I have no complaints. Simple do it yourself install. I ordered mine on Ebay.

 

[DaveM]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

I purchased a front mount Hidden-Hitch from etrailer.com. They have good selection, pretty good prices and all the wiring stuff. The rear is a Reese that came with a bit of arm twisting at the auto dealer. Both are attached and still functional, although 4 Minnesota winters did a number of the paint job on the Reese.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

Never used the other two but I can say Hidden is a good product. I've also ordered from etrailer.com - good price, good service, prompt shipment, no complaints.<br /><br />If your checking prices in your local market, look up truck accessory shops in your yellow pages; you might be able to find a better deal.

 

[Linc33]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

Got mine here:<br /><br />Sorry Linc....links are not permitted to commerical sites. You could say "Check out rousehitch.com". Please no links. <br /><br />Tried to save the installation charge and install it myself. It was only 4 or 6 bolts, I forget, and no drilling. Backed the van up on ramps got one bolt out, and proceeded to twist the head off of the 2nd bolt. <br /><br />So I took it in and paid them to fix my mistake (drill out the bolt) and then install the hitch. I tried to get the bolt out, but my tools weren't up to the task.<br /><br />I thought this was one of those cases where it paid to buy locally for a little more $.<br /><br />-Linc

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

Shall I add to the confusion? I prefer Valley hitches, available through Cabelas and other sources. Great quality, great price. But frankly....a hitch is a hitch is a hitch. <br />All the big names are well made and powder coated these days, they don't just shoot them in flat black paint that rusts off in a year anymore.

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

Like JCD, I ordered my hitch from etrailer.com. Bought it there because they carried and had the best price on a front mounted hitch for my E-350 (Draw-Tite). Great price, great service, easy installation. They carry Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch. I got the basket at Tractor Supply and the box at Lowe's.<br />

<br />I'd give etrailer.com a call to see what they have to say. 1-800-298-8924

 

[jtexas]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

Nick, I like that front basket setup, good idea. Is that box blocking the air intake - have you run it like that in the summer yet?

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

jtexas,<br /><br />The closest part of the box is over 8" from the grill. Pic w/ boat was on a test run up the mountain (Saluda grade in NC). Temp gauge read the same going up as coming down.<br /><br />Here's a side view.<br />

<br /><br />Let's hope it'll be OK - we're heading to Alaska with the boat in a week.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

Thanks for all the input, folks. I'll check out the yellow pages Saturday and call around.<br /><br />BTW, I have to hard wire the '98 Town Car for the trailer lights. At least it has combo stop/turn so no converter is needed for that. I read that the new LED trailer lights pull so little power that the Town Car's circuit won't even know its there. So no new feed with relays needed to run the trailer. Probably won't even need a heavy duty blinker. Sound right?

 

[Johnshan1]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

Hey guys call your local Napa Auto Parts store, Valley hitches in stock for most vehicles from what ive found, and cheap!! 8,000 lbs hitch for my truck was only $80 in stock. Show your AAA memebership card and save 10% I think? <br /><br />I have gone through etrailer.com as well and I am very happy as well.<br /><br />I will say the Valley hitches seem to rust quickly in the maine winters.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

Well I called Napa and U-haul and a bunch of other local places but none were near the price of some of the online stores, even with shipping. Monday I'll just order the Hidden Hitch brand. I think it will show the least on my car.

 

[hadvisor]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

This might be a bit late but...<br />I sold/installed hitches for years - Putnam makes a great product-fit is alright. Hidden Hitch has a bit better fitment but they rust out faster. Draw tite is cost effective. Personally, Curt makes the best hitch I have ever installed. A bit more money but they install nice and have a thick powdercoat. <br />I could be wrong..

 

[Johnshan1]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

Wierd, I know the Napas in Maine carry a ton of trailer hitches, maybe its just the local area, it seems everything up here has a trailer hitch on it.

 

[BillP]

Re: Draw Tight vs Hidden Hitch vs Putnam Hitch?

Mark42,<br />I have a receiver type hitch on my towncar but don't remember the brand name. Anyway, they mounted mine where it touchs the flexible bottom skirt on the bumper (when the ball is plugged in). It needed a washer or two to bring it down to clear without pressing against the skirt and deflecting it. Just something to be aware of.