If you want a sturdy, multi-purpose step to access your truck bed with integrated lighting and a built-in bumper guard, choose Bully BBS-1104L; if you need heavy-duty security to protect your trailer hitch from theft with an ergonomic design, choose CURT 23510. These two products serve fundamentally different roles in the towing and utility ecosystem, yet both are essential for specific owner profiles. I have seen too many buyers confuse these items because they both attach to a receiver hitch, but the decision comes down to one simple question: do you need to climb up, or do you need to lock down?
• Bully BBS-1104L: Its biggest strength is transforming a standard hitch into a functional step pad with LED brake lights and bumper protection; its trade-off is that it adds significant weight and requires electrical integration.
• CURT 23510: Its biggest strength is providing robust, corrosion-resistant security with a swivel head for easy key access; its trade-off is that it offers no physical utility other than locking a pin in place.
• Who this is for: The Bully is for drivers who need physical access to cargo areas and want extra safety on their rear bumper, while the CURT is for anyone worried about their hitch ball mount getting stolen.
The Bully BBS-1104L Black Bull Series is designed as a universal fit solution for trucks, specifically targeting those who struggle to reach the bed of their vehicle without a ladder or a risky jump. This unit is not merely a decorative piece; it is a structural component made from 16-gauge steel, which gives it the rigidity required to withstand extreme compressions when a person steps on it. The inclusion of a high-impact rubber step pad ensures that the surface provides secure footing even in wet or muddy conditions, a critical feature for off-road enthusiasts or those working in construction sites where traction is paramount.
Beyond just being a step, this device doubles as a bumper guard. If you ever get bumped from behind by a low-speed collision, the steel construction absorbs the impact better than a standard plastic bumper or a hollow hitch cover would. Furthermore, the integrated LED brake light adds a layer of visibility that can be crucial during night driving or in low-light environments like loading docks. The installation process relies on a plug-and-play wire harness, meaning you do not need to splice wires manually; you simply connect it to your existing trailer wiring system. This makes it accessible for DIYers who might be intimidated by complex electrical work, provided they have a standard 1.25-inch or 2-inch hitch receiver.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-11-06 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
This product is ideal for ATV owners who frequently haul gear to remote locations. When you arrive at a trailhead, having a stable platform to unload heavy equipment or adjust roof racks is invaluable. However, you should skip this option if you only tow trailers occasionally and never plan to stand on the back of your vehicle. The added weight of nearly six pounds means it will slightly reduce your payload capacity, and the constant exposure of the rubber pad and steel frame to road salt and mud requires regular cleaning to maintain its appearance. It is a tool for active users who treat their truck as a workhorse, not a show car.
The CURT 23510 Right-Angle Trailer Hitch Lock serves a singular, non-negotiable purpose: preventing theft. While the Bully step invites people to climb on your truck, this lock ensures that nobody can steal your hitch assembly. It is constructed from high-strength steel and features a durable chrome plating that shields the internal components against corrosion, making it suitable for harsh weather conditions ranging from freezing winters to humid summers. The 5/8-inch diameter pin is engineered to fit virtually any 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver with a corresponding hole, covering most Class 3, Class 4, and Class 5 hitches found on heavy-duty trucks and SUVs.
What sets this lock apart from generic alternatives is its ergonomic operation. The head of the lock includes a built-in swivel feature that allows you to twist the mechanism toward you with a simple quarter-turn activation. This design eliminates the awkward contortions often required when trying to align a straight-key lock with a vertical pin hole. Instead, the swivel head moves out of the way, allowing for a smooth, one-handed operation even when wearing gloves. The package includes two keys, giving you the flexibility to keep a spare in a discreet location or hand one to a trusted friend who might need to move your trailer without your presence.
Additionally, the inclusion of a watertight dust cap is a subtle but vital detail. By sealing the internal cylinder, the cap protects the locking mechanism from dirt, debris, and moisture that could cause jamming over time. This is particularly important for vehicles that see heavy use in dusty or rainy environments. You should buy this lock if you leave your vehicle unattended for long periods or if you park in public areas where bike racks, cargo carriers, or trailer hitches are targets for opportunistic thieves. However, if you already have a dedicated hitch lock installed or you rarely remove your hitch ball mount, this item may be redundant. It is a passive security measure that pays for itself the moment it prevents a single theft attempt.
• Best for physical access → Bully BBS-1104L, as it provides a solid step pad and bumper guard functionality that the lock cannot offer.
• Best for theft prevention → CURT 23510, since it is specifically engineered to secure the hitch pin against unauthorized removal.
• Best for ease of use → CURT 23510, due to its swivel head design that simplifies the locking and unlocking process compared to standard pins.
• Best for durability under load → Bully BBS-1104L, given its 16-gauge steel construction rated for extreme compression and foot traffic.
• Best for weather resistance → Both excel here, but the CURT uses chrome plating and a dust cap for internal protection, while the Bully uses a high-impact rubber pad for slip resistance.
• Best for versatility → Bully BBS-1104L, because it functions as a step, a light, and a bumper guard simultaneously.
• Best for electrical integration → Bully BBS-1104L, which requires connecting to your vehicle's brake light circuit for illumination.
In my opinion, the choice between these two depends entirely on whether your primary concern is utility or security. If you are an ATV owner who needs to climb into your bed to organize gear, secure a roof rack, or simply protect your rear bumper from minor scrapes, the Bully BBS-1104L is the superior investment. It transforms a passive part of your truck into an active tool that enhances your daily workflow. However, if your main fear is waking up to find your hitch ball mount missing, the CURT 23510 is the absolute necessity you cannot overlook. For me, I would buy the Bully BBS-1104L first because it solves a frequent physical problem, but I would pair it with a separate lock later. Ultimately, the Bully adds function to your vehicle, whereas the CURT simply protects what you already have.
No, it utilizes a plug-and-play wire harness for quick connection to your existing trailer wiring, requiring no splicing or complex electrical work.
No, the CURT 23510 is designed specifically for 2-inch receivers with a 5/8-inch hole; it will not fit smaller 1.25-inch hitches.
Yes, the package includes two keys, allowing you to keep a spare in a discrete location for emergencies or share access with a trusted friend.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.