Ford Bronco 6th Gen 2021+ Rear Tow Hitch w/ Shackle Tabs - Rated Class III 5,000-lbs Towing
When you upgrade your Bronco, you’re looking for components that do more than just fit—you want gear that elevates your rig’s performance, flexibility, and rugged aesthetic. The HK Offroad tow hitch with shackle tabs checks every box. From the moment it’s installed on the 2021 Bronco, you’ll notice the difference—not just in how it looks, but how it behaves and supports every towing need.
Heavy-Duty Design. The HK Offroad hitch is built to handle serious loads. Whether you’re towing a boat, hauling bikes or gear, or planning overland trips with an off-road camping trailer, the hitch brings the structural integrity you need. Its construction uses thick plate steel with precision welds, meaning it won’t flex or distort under stress. For the Bronco owner who’s hauling heavy gear or pushing the limits off-road, that kind of reliability matters.
Integrated Shackle Tabs = Off-Road Ready. One of the feature highlights is the inclusion of shackle tabs—the welded-on mounting points for off-road recovery shackles. These 3/4" thick tabs allow you to easily attach D-ring shackles and recovery gear without adding aftermarket brackets or hoping aftermarket brackets play nicely. In a recovery scenario—mud, rocks, slick terrain—having built-in shackle tabs means you’re ready without aftermarket add-ons. It demonstrates that HK Offroad understands that off-road rigs need more than just a tow point—they need a recovery point that’s strong, well-placed, and built into the system.
Clean Fit & Finish. With a custom build for the 2021 Bronco, the HK Offroad Bronco nco hitch mounts precisely, aligning perfectly with frame rails, rear fascia, and other factory components. The fitment removes concerns about interference with sensors, bumpers, or mudguards. The hitch arrives in raw0steel finish, allowing you to match your paint scheme.
Versatility Meets Practicality. Whether you’re towing a boat to the lake, mounting a swing-out toolbox, adding a bike rack, or mounting recovery gear, this hitch handles it all. The fact that you have dedicated shackle tabs means you’re not sacrificing everyday utility for off-road capability—you get both. If you swap between towing and trail sessions, you’re covered. The hitch doesn’t lock you into one mode of use.
Style & Aftermarket Support. Let’s face it—part of upgrading your Bronco is about the look. The HK Offroad Bronco hitch adds a beefy, purposeful element to the rear of your rig. It speaks to capability. Moreover, HK Offroad is known in the off-road community for robust engineering and support, meaning that if you need aftermarket bits or want to further customize your hitch setup (lights, hitch-mounted swing-outs), you’re working with a brand that understands what off-roaders want.
Peace of Mind. At the end of the day, it’s about knowing your gear won’t fail. The welds, the materials, the mounting points—they’re all engineered for tough use. That’s important for the Bronco owner who doesn’t just drive to work—they drive to the trailhead, the campsite, the remote location where help might be hours away. The HK Offroad hitch with shackle tabs gives you confidence that your rig is up for whatever you throw at it.
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In summary: if you own a 2021 Ford Bronco and you’re serious about utility, off-road readiness, and quality, the HK Offroad Tow Hitch with Shackle Tabs is more than just an accessory—it’s a core upgrade. It delivers structural strength, integrated recovery functionality, clean fitment, and versatile use in a package that complements the Bronco’s adventurous spirit.
HK Offroad vs. Factory & Popular Aftermarket Hitches (2021+ Ford Bronco)
Mounting / Structure
HK Offroad: Ties into all eight factory points—both left/right recovery points and the center hitch locations on the rear cross-member. This spreads load and torsion across the rear structure for towing and recoveries.
Factory/OEM & many aftermarket (e.g., CURT 13493): Four-bolt attachment to the bumper beam/crossmember—fast and simple, but fewer load paths.
Integrated Recovery
HK Offroad: Welded ¾″ shackle tabs on ¼″ base plates built into the hitch—purpose-made recovery points right where you need them.
Factory / CURT: No welded shackle tabs; you’ll need separate recovery solutions.
Ratings (Hitch vs. Vehicle)
HK Offroad hitch: Class III, 5,000-lb rated (tested to SAE J684-2014). Always abide by the vehicle’s lower rating.
Factory & CURT 13493: Typically Class III receivers; CURT lists 3,500-lb GTW / 350-lb tongue, with 4,000/400 when using WD. The Bronco itself is generally ~3,500-lb max tow (model/trim dependent; Raptor higher). Your real limit is the vehicle’s rating.
Install / Hardware
HK Offroad: No cutting, no drilling; ships with Class 10.9 hardware; designed to tie the frame rails together for strength.
Factory / CURT: Also no-drill installs; commonly four bolts and done—very quick.
Use-Case Takeaways
Frequent off-road / recovery-ready builds: HK Offroad’s 8-point tie-in and built-in shackle tabs give superior load distribution and ready-to-use recovery points—ideal for winching, kinetic recoveries, and uneven pulls where torsional rigidity matters.
Light towing / bike racks / simple installs: Factory or CURT will handle accessories and light trailers within Bronco limits; the four-bolt design is quick, clean, and cost-effective—just know you’re relying on fewer attachment points and you’ll need separate recovery provisions.
Bottom line
If you want maximum structural tie-in and integrated recovery with a hitch that’s built for both towing and hard off-road use, HK Offroad’s 8-bolt design is the standout. If you just need a fast, budget-friendly receiver for light towing or racks, the 4-bolt factory/CURT options are fine—just remember to stay within the Bronco’s published tow ratings and plan separate recovery points.
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