Let’s Dive into Reese Class II Drawbar Kit 9 3/4in Length No Drop 3 1/8in Rise 3500/300 Lbs., Gtw/Tw
For years, I’ve relied on my trusty old pickup for everything from hauling lumber to pulling ATVs out of sticky situations. Over time, I realized the importance of having reliable towing equipment. That’s why the Reese Class II Drawbar Kit 9 3/4in Length No Drop 3 1/8in Rise 3500/300 Lbs., Gtw/Tw immediately caught my eye as a seemingly simple yet vital piece of gear for light-duty towing needs.
My problem was straightforward: I needed a drawbar setup that could handle smaller trailers and equipment without the bulk and overkill of a heavy-duty Class III or IV system. The promise of Reese, a well-known name in towing, offering a complete kit with everything needed for a Class II setup was appealing.
The kit arrived neatly packaged. My initial impressions were of solid, if somewhat basic, construction. The black powder coat finish looked durable, and the included pin and clip seemed sturdy enough for the intended load capacity.
Compared to heavier-duty drawbars I’ve used, the Reese Class II Drawbar Kit is noticeably lighter and more compact. I considered a similar kit from Curt Manufacturing, but the Reese kit had a slightly higher rise, which better suited the trailer I planned to use it with. My initial excitement stemmed from the simplicity and apparent quality, though I reserved full judgment until putting it to work.
Real-World Testing: Putting Reese Class II Drawbar Kit 9 3/4in Length No Drop 3 1/8in Rise 3500/300 Lbs., Gtw/Tw to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test involved hauling a small utility trailer loaded with about 1500 pounds of landscaping materials. I installed the Reese Class II Drawbar Kit on my older SUV without any issues. The fit into the 1-1/4″ receiver was snug and secure.
The performance was satisfactory under normal conditions. I experienced no rattling or excessive movement during the short trip. The 3-1/8″ rise was ideal for keeping the trailer level, which is crucial for safe towing.
After unloading, I noticed a small amount of paint had chipped near the receiver insertion point – a minor annoyance but something to keep an eye on.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Reese Class II Drawbar Kit has held up reasonably well. There are more noticeable scratches and chips in the powder coat finish, especially around the pin insertion point. Despite this, the metal itself shows no signs of bending or weakening.
I’ve used it in both wet and dry conditions, and so far, no significant rust has appeared, thanks to the A-coat under the powder coating. Cleaning is simple: just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use.
Compared to a previous generic drawbar I owned, the Reese kit feels more secure and reliable. It provides more peace of mind when towing, even with lighter loads.
Breaking Down the Features of Reese Class II Drawbar Kit 9 3/4in Length No Drop 3 1/8in Rise 3500/300 Lbs., Gtw/Tw
Specifications
The Reese Class II Drawbar Kit 9 3/4in Length No Drop 3 1/8in Rise 3500/300 Lbs., Gtw/Tw features:
- A drawbar length of 9 3/4 inches. This is a standard length that provides adequate clearance for most towing applications.
- No drop and a 3 1/8 inch rise. This rise is beneficial for matching the trailer height to the tow vehicle, ensuring level towing.
- A gross trailer weight (GTW) capacity of 3500 lbs. This indicates the maximum weight of the trailer and its cargo that the drawbar can safely handle.
- A tongue weight (TW) capacity of 300 lbs. This is the maximum vertical force the drawbar can withstand, exerted by the trailer tongue.
- A black powder coat finish over an A-coat. This dual-layer coating provides enhanced corrosion resistance and durability.
- Compatibility with 1-1/4″ square receiver tube openings. This is the standard size for Class II receivers found on many smaller SUVs and trucks.
- The kit includes the drawbar, pin, and clip. Having these included makes it ready to use right out of the box.
These specifications are crucial because they dictate the types of trailers and loads the drawbar can safely handle. The weight ratings must be carefully considered to avoid overloading the system, which could lead to dangerous towing conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Reese Class II Drawbar Kit performs its intended function adequately. Its 3500 lbs GTW capacity is sufficient for light-duty towing, such as small utility trailers, personal watercraft, or ATVs. Its reliability is generally good.
The 3 1/8″ rise is useful for maintaining a level trailer, but it’s important to measure your trailer and vehicle heights to ensure it’s the right fit. One minor weakness is the powder coat finish, which is prone to chipping with regular use. It meets expectations for a basic Class II drawbar, but doesn’t particularly exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional. The drawbar is constructed from solid steel, giving it a robust feel. Its weight is manageable, making it easy to install and remove.
The Reese Class II Drawbar Kit has no ergonomic features to speak of, as it is a basic, utilitarian component. It’s easy to use, with no learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
The solid steel construction suggests it will last for a reasonable amount of time, provided it’s not overloaded. The powder coat finish offers some protection against rust and corrosion, but is not impervious.
Maintenance is minimal: cleaning off dirt and debris and occasionally touching up the paint to prevent rust. This drawbar is easy to maintain and repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit comes with a standard pin and clip, which are essential for securing the drawbar in the receiver. There are no other included accessories or significant customization options.
However, users can purchase locking hitch pins for added security. While there aren’t specific Reese branded accessories, standard 1-1/4″ hitch accessories from other brands will generally work.
Pros and Cons of Reese Class II Drawbar Kit 9 3/4in Length No Drop 3 1/8in Rise 3500/300 Lbs., Gtw/Tw
Pros
- Solid steel construction for decent strength.
- Includes necessary pin and clip for immediate use.
- 3 1/8″ rise is useful for matching trailer height.
- Compatible with standard 1-1/4″ receivers.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- Powder coat finish is prone to chipping.
- Limited weight capacity compared to higher class hitches.
- Basic design with no advanced features.
Who Should Buy Reese Class II Drawbar Kit 9 3/4in Length No Drop 3 1/8in Rise 3500/300 Lbs., Gtw/Tw?
The Reese Class II Drawbar Kit is perfect for homeowners who occasionally tow small utility trailers or landscaping equipment. It’s also suitable for recreational users who need to tow personal watercraft or ATVs with smaller vehicles. It’s a good choice for anyone needing a simple, reliable, and affordable Class II towing solution.
Those who frequently tow heavier loads or require advanced features like adjustable ball mounts should skip this product. A locking hitch pin for added security is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Reese Class II Drawbar Kit 9 3/4in Length No Drop 3 1/8in Rise 3500/300 Lbs., Gtw/Tw
The Reese Class II Drawbar Kit 9 3/4in Length No Drop 3 1/8in Rise 3500/300 Lbs., Gtw/Tw is a functional and affordable option for light-duty towing. Its simplicity and ease of use are major selling points.
At $61.99, the price is justified for its intended purpose. It might not be the most durable or feature-rich drawbar on the market, but it gets the job done reliably for smaller towing tasks.
I would recommend it to anyone needing a basic Class II drawbar solution without breaking the bank. If you need a reliable way to tow lighter loads, give the Reese Class II Drawbar Kit a try!