Product Overview
The CURT 13359 Class 3 Trailer Hitch is engineered for serious towing, providing a robust connection point for various trailers. This custom-fit receiver hitch is designed for specific Ford F-150, F-250, and F-350 Super Duty models, ensuring a precise and secure installation.
It features a standard 2-inch x 2-inch receiver tube and is built with high-strength carbon steel, protected by a co-cured finish of liquid A-coat and black powder coat for enhanced durability against rust, chipping, and UV damage.
Image: Front view of the CURT 13359 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, showcasing its robust construction and 2-inch receiver.
Key Features:
- Dependable Strength: Rated for 6,000 lbs. GTW and 600 lbs. TW, with higher capacities when used with a weight distribution hitch.
- Versatile Design: Equipped with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, suitable for utility trailers, boat trailers, campers, and more.
- Fully Tested: Designs are rigorously tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions according to SAE J684 standards.
- Rust, Chip, UV-Resistant: Features a dual-coat finish for superior protection.
- Easy to Install: Custom, factory fit for specified Ford models.
Safety Information
Always prioritize safety when installing, operating, and maintaining your trailer hitch. Failure to follow safety guidelines can result in serious injury or property damage.
- Read Instructions: Thoroughly read and understand all installation and operation instructions before use.
- Weight Capacity: Never exceed the lowest-rated towing component's weight capacity (vehicle, hitch, trailer, or ball mount).
- Proper Installation: Ensure the hitch is correctly installed and all fasteners are torqued to specifications. Professional installation is recommended if you are unsure.
- Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the hitch for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Check all bolts and nuts for tightness before each towing trip.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Verify that the hitch is compatible with your specific vehicle make, model, and year.
- Proposition 65 Warning: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
Setup and Installation
The CURT 13359 trailer hitch is designed for a custom, vehicle-specific fit, simplifying the installation process for compatible Ford F-150, F-250, and F-350 Super Duty models.
Tools and Assistance:
- A torque wrench is essential for proper installation.
- It is highly recommended to have two people for installation to assist with holding the hitch in place while securing fasteners.
General Installation Steps (Consult specific vehicle instructions for details):
- Prepare Vehicle: Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and properly supported. Refer to your vehicle's manual for any specific preparation steps.
- Position Hitch: With assistance, lift the hitch into position, aligning it with the vehicle's frame mounting points.
- Secure Fasteners: Insert the provided bolts, washers, and nuts. Hand-tighten them to hold the hitch in place.
- Torque Bolts: Using a torque wrench, tighten all bolts to the specifications provided in the detailed installation guide (often available as a PDF from the manufacturer's website).
- Final Check: Double-check all connections to ensure they are secure and properly torqued.
Image: Included installation hardware, typically consisting of bolts, washers, and nuts, designed for secure mounting.
Image: An engineer performing precise measurements on a vehicle's undercarriage, illustrating the detailed engineering process for custom-fit hitches.
Image: A CURT hitch undergoing rigorous stress testing on specialized equipment to ensure it meets SAE J684 standards for safety and durability.
Operating the Trailer Hitch
Once installed, your CURT Class 3 trailer hitch provides a reliable connection for a wide range of towing applications.
Towing Capacity:
- Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): 6,000 lbs.
- Tongue Weight (TW): 600 lbs.
- Weight Distribution Capacity (WDC): 10,000 lbs. (with compatible weight distribution hitch)
- Weight Distribution Tongue Weight (WDTW): 1,000 lbs. (with compatible weight distribution hitch)
- Important: Always adhere to the lowest-rated towing component's capacity, which includes your vehicle's towing capacity, the hitch's capacity, and the capacity of your ball mount and trailer ball.
Compatible Trailers and Uses:
This Class 3 hitch is commonly used for:
- Utility trailers
- Boat trailers
- Campers
- Snowmobile haulers
- ATV haulers
- And more, provided the weight limits are respected.
The 2-inch receiver tube is a standard size for many towing accessories. Note that this hitch is not compatible with vertical hanging bike racks that require bikes to be hung or mounted vertically.
Image: A truck towing a trailer on a scenic road, demonstrating the hitch in a typical use scenario.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance will extend the life and performance of your CURT trailer hitch.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the hitch periodically to remove dirt, salt, and road grime.
- Inspect Finish: The hitch is protected by a dual-coat finish (liquid A-coat and black powder coat) for superior resistance to rust, chipping, and UV damage. However, inspect the finish regularly for any signs of wear or damage.
- Address Damage: If the finish is scratched or chipped, promptly touch up the affected areas to prevent rust from forming.
- Check Fasteners: Before each towing trip, inspect all mounting bolts and nuts to ensure they remain tight. Re-torque if necessary according to the installation instructions.
- Lubrication: Keep the receiver tube free of debris. A light coat of grease on the inside of the receiver can help prevent rust and ease insertion of accessories.
Image: Hitch components undergoing the liquid A-coat process, a crucial step in providing corrosion resistance before the final powder coat.
Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your trailer hitch.
Installation Difficulties:
- Hitch not aligning perfectly: Some users have reported needing to slightly spread the mounting wings of the hitch to achieve a perfect fit. This can often be done by applying gentle pressure or leverage. Always ensure the hitch is correctly oriented and that no obstructions are present.
- Missing or damaged parts: While CURT typically includes extra parts, if you find any components missing or damaged upon arrival, contact customer support immediately for replacements.
Cosmetic Issues:
- Deep gouges or rust spots upon delivery: In rare cases, the hitch may arrive with cosmetic damage from shipping or handling. If this occurs, document the damage with photos and contact the seller or CURT customer service for assistance. Promptly addressing these areas is important to prevent further corrosion.
Towing Performance:
- Excessive sway or instability: Ensure your trailer is properly loaded with adequate tongue weight (typically 10-15% of GTW). Verify that all connections (hitch ball, coupler, safety chains) are secure. Consider using a weight distribution hitch if you are near your vehicle's or hitch's maximum capacity.
- Noise during towing: Check for loose connections. A slight amount of play in the receiver is normal, but excessive rattling may indicate a need for an anti-rattle device or a tighter fit of the ball mount.
Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | CURT |
| Model Number | 13359 |
| Receiver Size | 2-inch x 2-inch |
| Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) | 6,000 lbs. |
| Tongue Weight (TW) | 600 lbs. |
| Weight Distribution Capacity (WDC) | 10,000 lbs. |
| Weight Distribution Tongue Weight (WDTW) | 1,000 lbs. |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Finish Type | GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT (with Liquid A-coat) |
| Item Weight | 43 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 39 x 29 x 10 inches |
| Vehicle Service Type | ATV, Car, Marine-Personal-Craft, Pickup Trucks, Snowmobiles, Sport-Utility-Vehicles, Trailer |
| OEM Part Number | 13359 |
| UPC | 612314133598 |
Warranty Information
Specific warranty details for the CURT 13359 Class 3 Trailer Hitch are typically provided with the product packaging or can be found on the official CURT Manufacturing website. It is recommended to register your product upon purchase to ensure full warranty coverage and to stay informed about any product updates or recalls.
Please refer to the official CURT website or contact their customer service for the most current and detailed warranty policy.
Customer Support
For any questions, technical assistance, or support regarding your CURT 13359 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, please contact CURT customer service directly.
- Online Resources: Visit the official CURT website for FAQs, installation guides, and product information.
- Contact Information: Refer to the contact section on the CURT website for phone numbers or email support.
- Documents: An installation manual and user manual in PDF format are often available for download. You can find these documents on the product page or the CURT website.
Note: The provided product information includes links to an "Installation Manual (PDF)" and "User Manual (PDF)". These are external resources that may offer more detailed instructions.
Download Installation Manual (PDF)
Download User Manual (PDF)
