CURT 40003 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball

Curated from 96 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: January 21, 2025

CURT 40003 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball

Brand: CURT
Price: $8
Snoop Score:
7.4
Sentiment
9.2
Popularity
8.9
Technical
6.3

Snoop's Take

The CURT 40003 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball is designed to provide reliable towing capabilities with a maximum gross trailer weight of 3,500 pounds. Constructed from hot-forged steel and featuring a corrosion-resistant chrome finish, this hitch ball ensures durability and strength for any towing task. Consumer feedback highlights the ease of installation, especially with tips like removing the rear bumper to simplify the process: “it makes it 10x easier if you take the rear bumper off before install.” Users also appreciate its low profile design and compatibility with bike racks, making it a versatile choice for various needs. Overall, customers feel confident in its towing performance, with remarks such as, “My Niro towed like a champ with around 2000 lbs trailer.” Based on user sentiment and performance reviews, the CURT 40003 is recommended for those in need of a sturdy and reliable trailer hitch ball in its category, especially for users looking for an efficient towing solution.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Hitch Balls

I started recently and it’s made a huge difference.

Positive Feedback

But, overall it's not difficult to install.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.4
CURT 40003 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball
RV Towing
3 / 10
Universal Fit
10 / 10
Heavy-Duty Use
3 / 10
Extended Durability
9 / 10
See how this compares to all Hitch Balls

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Greasing the hitch ball improves towing experience
I started recently and it’s made a huge difference.
my connection was a little short on grease, and I should grease it.
I'm considering these two.
Easier installation with bumper removal
If you get the Curt hitch (which I recommend) it makes it 10x easier if you take the rear bumper off before install.
Thanks for this tip! I’ve been planning on getting this Curt hitch soon, this is great info :)
Good fit for bike racks
Curt 2” receiver is what comes up as recommended for mine.
Low profile design
The Curt has a much lower profile and is almost hidden under the bumper.
Reliable towing performance
A thing of beauty. My Niro towed like a champ with around 2000 lbs trailer.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Installation requires widening access holes
But, overall it's not difficult to install.
Be warned that if you do it yourself, you're in for a hell of a time if you don't have a second set of hands to help you out.

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on necessary components for trailer hitches
Do I need the ball mount, hitch ball, etc.?
Thank you so much for the helpful information!
Discussion about towing capacities and options
Wait so I can tow a trailer?! Manual said 0 so I figured don't mess with it.
What is the 'towing capacity'? Wanted to tow a kayak trailer.
Mention of different hitch types
I used a Curt angled one piece unit 2” ball for 1.25” receiver on my Drawtite bar.
Gotcha. I have a 2" receiver, I wonder how much that changes the placement, if at all.
Apparently it's called "euro-style".

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion on the necessity of greasing hitch balls
Do you grease the ball of your hitch? I'm obviously a newbie.
Although noisy, they should never be lubricated.
I keep my balls well lubricated.
You are incorrect.
Advice on maintaining trailer hitch components
People grease the ball because it's the lazy way to get grease in the cup and you don't have to put your fingers in prime territory for crawlies that bite.
Not to rain on your parade but, the manufacturer of my stabilizer recommends to grease all points of friction.
Advice on wiring for bike racks
You only need the wiring if you're getting one of the fancy new racks that have lights, like the kuat piston pro x.
Importance of matching ball size to trailer
I was expecting Curt to have some recommendations on their site with regards to products to pair with their hitches... they do not.
depends on your trailer(s), tongue height, how much load you carry, ball size.. this you gotta figure out for your purposes.
Problem is if I bought a trailer that I would be towing more often I would have to check what height it would need to ride at and would buy a new ball mount that was properly sized for that trailer.
If you have your own trailer you should know the ball size and then you want it to ride mostly level.
Discussion on general towing practices and equipment
I thought this stuff was standard.
Clarification on tongue weight calculations
Hitch Ball Count Against Tongue Weight Limit? I think I know the answer but hoping someone clarify how to allocate the weight of the hitch ball and mount.
It does apply to tongue weight but I wouldn't sweat the ten pounds.
Yes it does.
Dude... tongue weight is the farthest thing from an exact science.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Caution against low-quality brands
Don't buy anything on amazon by a non-pronounceable all caps company.
Good deal on Curt 2" Class 3 trailer hitches for CX-5s, $138 including free delivery.
Potential issues with product quality from knock-off brands
The picture of the fractured face looks like there are voids in the casting.

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