It’s likely that a major part of your daily operations is towing. Whether it’s a trailer or equipment, work vehicles are often hitched to something. If you’re constantly hooking and unhooking your vehicles to trailers and equipment, why not make the best of it? Kristi Feeney of CURT shares how the Rebellion™ XD makes the towing process a little easier.
MWS: CAN YOU GIVE A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CURT AND YOUR ROLE WITH THE COMPANY?
FEENEY:
CURT, a CURT Group brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of USA-made custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit receiver hitches for nearly every vehicle on the road today. We also offer gooseneck, fifth wheel, and weight distribution hitches, as well as electrical components, ball mounts, trailer balls, cargo carriers, bike racks, and other towing accessories. For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is “The First Name in Towing Products.”
My role in the organization is the marketing coordinator for CURT and UWS, a manufacturer of storage solutions and truck accessories. Supporting the core of our business with CURT and driving innovation in the towing sector is a primary focus for me as well as CURT Group.
MWS: WHAT IS THE BRAND’S NEW PRODUCT?
FEENEY:
CURT recently launched a new, innovative towing solution geared to the heavy-duty, work truck community, the Rebellion™ XD adjustable cushioned ball mount. The design intent of this product was simple: to provide those who tow every day the best experience possible. Our team of visionary in-house engineers set out to develop Rebellion XD with the goal of enhancing comfort, increasing control, and providing unmatched confidence for the road ahead.
MWS: WHAT MAKES THIS PRODUCT STAND OUT FROM OTHERS ON THE MARKET?
FEENEY:
There a few things that differentiate us in the market. The first thing you notice is the streamline design and attention to detail. Many competitive units have designs that are too polarizing. Our objective with the Rebellion XD was to provide a mainstream look that complements any truck on the road but with enough style to make you take notice. From the powder coat finish to the small reveals highlighting the cushioned isolator, it was important to make a strong visual statement.
The next important feature for Rebellion XD is its simplified mechanics. Compared to other similar products on the market that have multiple moving components that make them more susceptible to mechanical malfunction, we’ve refined the mechanics of our hitch mount to a single pivot point. This leaves less room for error while improving durability and enhancing the longevity of the product.
Third, because of the simple design, Rebellion XD is virtually maintenance free. It is constructed from strong, wear-resistant cast steel components and has an easy-access grease fitting to provide continuous lubrication to the isolator. And if ever the isolator should need replacing, a single bolt allows for quick access. Most competitor units do not allow you to easily replace the cushion mechanism, hence forcing you to buy a brand new unit.
MWS: WILL THIS PRODUCT CHANGE DAILY TASKS FOR THOSE WHO TOW FOR WORK OR BUSINESS?
FEENEY:
It will definitely change the experience you have while completing your daily tasks.
MWS: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR ADVANTAGES OF THIS PRODUCT?
FEENEY:
There are three key advantages when using Rebellion XD compared to a traditional ball mount alternative.
The first advantage is comfort. The traditional ball mount’s metal-on-metal towing connection directly transfers every bump, pothole, and texture in the road into vibrations, rattling, and noise inside your vehicle. Rebellion XD uses ShockDrop™ technology that combats these annoyances at the source to maximize driver and passenger comfort. The cushioned isolator absorbs vibrations to promote a smooth, more enjoyable journey.
The second advantage is control. The ShockDrop isolator dynamically reacts to jerking and jarring, limiting the effects on the vehicle and trailer and giving the driver increased control on the road. This also improves control in the event of sudden braking.
And the final advantage is confidence. ShockDrop technology helps preserve a tow vehicle’s systems by reducing strain and impacts between your vehicle’s suspension, trailer hitch, and the cargo you’re towing, keeping your towing system in harmony.
Unlike a cushion hitch with an airbag or bearings that are subject to excessive wear and are exposed to the elements, ShockDrop technology is virtually maintenance-free and its durable design is tested for thousands of cycles for absolute confidence in your towing equipment.
MWS: WHAT IS ON THE HORIZON FOR CURT?
FEENEY:
We continue to focus on providing solutions for the heavy-duty sector. Towing capacities continue to increase on vehicles in the market. Our automotive aftermarket solutions need to follow suit and be able to tow larger, heavier loads. It is critical for us and our customers’ success to develop products that can support heavy-duty lifestyles.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Kristi Feeney is the Marketing Coordinator for CURT Group. She markets CURT Towing Products and UWS truck toolboxes. With seven years of marketing expertise, including five years in the office furniture design and manufacturing, she brings fresh insight into the automotive aftermarket and continues to push the creative boundaries when it comes to marketing CURT Groups innovative, industry leading solutions. Find out more, visit www.curtmfg.com.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS:
OCTOBER 2019 ISSUE
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