CURT Opens Distribution Center in Edmonton

CURT Manufacturing, a leading manufacturer and marketer of towing products, recently began operations in Edmonton, Alberta. According to a press release, this is the first and only factory-operated, full-line trailer hitch and towing accessories distribution center in Alberta. For CURT, the facility represents the second distribution center serving Canada.

CURT said the new facility encompasses 25,000 square feet with about 1,500 square feet in office space along with four bay doors and a customer pickup ramp. The facility utilizes a state-of-the-art RF (radio frequency) tracking system, which ensures fast and accurate order selection. It also utilizes Nordson hot melt adhesive and instapak foam packaging which ensures that boxed CURT hitches are tightly packed and will arrive to the customer undamaged. Click here to view a video on CURT’s Distribution process: http://curtmfg.com/lp/8

“CURT is excited to have a company-operated warehouse to service our distributors and dealers in western Canada,” says Shane McNallie, national accounts manager at CURT. “This facility will greatly increase the service levels we offer our customers in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.”

An open house was held in early March at the new facility in Edmonton.

CURT Manufacturing Hires Industry Vet McKay

Mike McKay

Eau Claire, Wis.-based CURT Manufacturing has hired industry veteran Mike McKay in the newly created role of vice president, RV and trailer division.

According to a press release, McKay’s main responsibility will be to “expand CURT’s footprint” to the RV aftermarket. Previously he served with Atlanta-based Stag-Parkway Inc. as vice president of sales and marketing

“Mike’s experience, having worked at the highest levels of the RV aftermarket, makes him a tremendous asset to CURT, and we are very excited to have him on our team as we significantly increase our offering and incomparable service capabilities in this very important channel of the recreational towing Industry,” said CURT CEO Greg Hooks.

CURT’s portfolio of towing products includes fifth-wheel hitches, WD and sway controls, brake controls, custom wiring harnesses, gooseneck hitches and a broad offering of custom-made trailer hitches. For more information visit http://www.curtmfg.com/.

Cequent Set to Introduce ‘Next Generation’ Hitch

Draw-Tite Next Generation hitch

The soon-to-be-released Draw-Tite Class 5 Ultra Frame hitches have some “distinctive attributes,” according to a press release.

“Our new Ultra Frame is a change from regular receiver hitches,” states John Walsh, vice president of sales for Plymouth, Mich.-based Cequent Performance Products. “Hitches have largely been tube construction. In our Ultra Frame line-up, which is heavy-duty trailer hitches, we’ve moved to a cast center section. It has strength and aesthetic characteristics, as well as a larger chain hook-up for easy access. It’s a next-generation hitch.”

Draw-Tite’s new Ultra Frame hitch, with the cast center section, has a higher towing capacity and tongue weight rating than standard hitches. For example, new Ultra Frame hitches for the Ford F-350, 450, and 550 (Cab & Chassis) are rated for 16,000 pounds of towing, and 2,400 pounds of weight carrying tongue weight.

“When we develop new products, we want a trailer hitch to interact very cleanly with the electrical harness, coupler, jack and other products we’ve designed. So we go to great lengths to meet, and sometimes develop, the highest criteria of testing standards,” said Walsh. “We also work with our dealers to connect us with professionals to test and critique our products before we commercialize them. At the end of the day, this approach helps us understand what our products are being used for and how to make sure the consumer will be happy.”

Torklift Introduces Variety of New Product Lines

“We are consistently seeking out opportunities to expand in new markets,” said Torklift Vice President Jack Kay in a press release. “Our roots began in truck camping but we have since expanded into manufacturing aftermarket products for all recreational vehicles, trucks and heavy-duty hauling.”

The Quick Disconnect StableLoad is a suspension upgrade that dramatically improves handling and reduces truck sway while hauling or towing anything from a truck camper to a toy hauler.

“Our customers explained to us they felt out of control when hauling heavy loads,” said Torklift General Manager Jay Taylor. “This product resolves that concern and makes the truck drive like a Cadillac, especially when heavily loaded.”

The Quick Disconnect StableLoad is designed for vehicles with lower overload springs with a 1/2-inch hole. Drilling is not required for installation and it engages and disengages in seconds while still attached to the leaf spring.

The RV GlowGuide Handrail is a safety upgrade for any motorhome, truck camper, toy hauler or fifth-wheel. A key feature about it is that the handrail extends the length of the step system allowing for anyone who might have trouble with their steps to safely enter and exit, Kay explained. It glows in the dark for up to 10 hours and doubles as a wash brush.

The largest product released this year is the SuperHitch Everest Weight Distribution System, boasting a tow rating of 20,000 pounds and a 2,000-pound tongue weight, said Taylor. It is capable of safely towing nearly anything and ensures your properly rated hitch will not fail.

Torklift International products carry a lifetime warranty and are made in the USA. For more information about Torklift International, visit www.torklift.com/rvbiz or call 888-908-0325.