CURT 13333

CURT 13333 Class 3 Trailer Hitch Instruction Manual

Model: 13333

Brand: CURT

Product Overview

This CURT Class 3 Trailer Hitch is designed for serious towing, offering a vehicle-specific fit and robust weight capacity. It features a 2-inch receiver tube and is tested to SAE J684 standards for safety. The hitch is constructed from high-strength steel with precision welding and protected by a dual-coat finish for superior resistance to rust, chipping, and UV damage.

Key Features

  • Dependable Strength: Rated for 6,000 lbs. Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and 600 lbs. Tongue Weight (TW). Compatible with weight distribution hitches for 10,000 lbs. WD and 1,000 lbs. WDTW.
  • Versatile Design: Equipped with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver.
  • Fully Tested: Design tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility, meeting SAE J684 standards.
  • Rust, Chip, UV-Resistant: Protected with a dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and durable black powder coat.
  • Easy to Install: Custom, factory fit on select model years of Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500.
CURT Class 3 Trailer Hitch with labels pointing to vehicle-specific design, dual-coat finish, standard hitch receiver, and fully tested design.

Image: A representative image of the CURT Class 3 Trailer Hitch, highlighting its vehicle-specific design, industry-leading dual-coat finish, standard hitch receiver, and fully tested design.

Compatibility

This CURT 13333 Class 3 Trailer Hitch is custom-fit for select model years of the Ram 1500, 2500, or 3500 and Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, or 3500. Please verify your vehicle's specific year and model for compatibility.

Image showing a 2-inch receiver tube size icon.

Image: An icon indicating the receiver tube size is 2 inches.

Compatibility note showing vertical hanging bike racks are not compatible, while standard and tray style bike racks are compatible.

Image: A diagram illustrating that vertical hanging bike racks are not compatible with this hitch, but standard and tray-style bike racks are.

Parts List

The CURT 13333 Class 3 Trailer Hitch package includes:

  • 1x Class 3 Hitch
  • All necessary mounting hardware (bolts, nuts, washers, fish wire)

Installation Instructions

Before beginning installation, ensure you have all necessary tools and safety equipment, including safety glasses and gloves. Refer to the detailed instructions provided with your hitch for vehicle-specific steps and torque specifications.

General Installation Steps

  1. Inspect Vehicle Frame: Ensure the vehicle's frame is in suitable condition for installation, free from damage or excessive corrosion.
  2. Remove Obstructions: Temporarily remove any components that obstruct the installation area, such as exhaust hangers or bumper fascia, as indicated in your specific instruction sheet.
  3. Clean Weldnuts (if applicable): If your vehicle's frame has weld nuts that are corroded, clean them using a wire brush and penetrating lubricant. For extreme cases, a thread tap matching the hardware size may be necessary.

    Video: This video demonstrates techniques for cleaning weld nuts on a vehicle frame, which may be necessary before installing a trailer hitch.

  4. Position the Hitch: Carefully raise the hitch into position against the vehicle's frame. Use jack stands or a second person to help hold the hitch in place. Ensure the hitch is level and all attachment points align.
  5. Fishwiring Hardware (if applicable): For attachment points within enclosed frame sections, use the provided fish wire to guide bolts and spacer plates into position.

    Video: This video illustrates the fishwiring technique for installing hardware in enclosed frame sections, a common method for hitch installation.

  6. Drill Attachment Holes (if required): If your specific installation requires drilling new holes, use the hitch as a template to mark the locations. Drill a pilot hole, then gradually enlarge it to the required size using a cobalt drill bit with coolant.

    Video: This video demonstrates the technique for drilling new attachment holes in the vehicle frame, if necessary for hitch installation.

  7. Secure the Hitch: Attach the hitch to the vehicle frame using the provided hardware. Hand-tighten all bolts initially.
  8. Torque All Fasteners: Once all bolts are in place and hand-tightened, use a torque wrench to tighten them to the exact torque specifications provided in your instruction sheet. It is crucial to follow these specifications to ensure a secure and safe installation.
  9. Reinstall Removed Parts: Reattach any exhaust components, bumper fascia, or other parts that were temporarily removed during installation.

    Video: This video demonstrates the process of lowering and reattaching the exhaust system, which may be required during hitch installation.

    Video: This video provides guidance on trimming the bumper fascia, a step that might be necessary for certain vehicle models during hitch installation.

Image showing the CURT hitch installed on a vehicle, with the 2-inch receiver visible below the bumper.

Image: The CURT Class 3 Trailer Hitch installed on a vehicle, showcasing the 2-inch receiver tube below the bumper.

Operating Instructions

This Class 3 hitch is designed for towing various trailers, including utility trailers, boat trailers, campers, snowmobile, or ATV haulers.

Towing Capacity

  • Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): 6,000 lbs.
  • Tongue Weight (TW): 600 lbs.
  • Weight Distribution (WD): 10,000 lbs.
  • Weight Distribution Tongue Weight (WDTW): 1,000 lbs.

NOTE: Never exceed the lowest-rated towing component (vehicle, hitch, or trailer).

Video: This video explains the different classes of hitches and their respective weight-bearing capacities, providing essential information for safe towing.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and safe operation of your CURT trailer hitch.

  • Inspect Regularly: Periodically inspect the hitch for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion.
  • Clean and Lubricate: Keep the receiver tube clean and free of debris. Lubricate moving parts as needed.
  • Protect Finish: The dual-coat finish provides excellent protection against rust, chipping, and UV damage. Avoid harsh chemicals that could compromise the coating.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

  • Difficulty Threading Bolts: If weld nuts are corroded, refer to the "Weldnut Cleaning" section in the installation instructions. Use a wire brush or thread tap to clear the threads.
  • Hitch Not Aligning: Ensure all obstructions are removed and the hitch is properly supported during installation. Re-check vehicle compatibility.

Specifications

FeatureSpecification
BrandCURT
Model13333
Item Weight13 Pounds
Product Dimensions11.3 x 8.9 x 7 inches
MaterialCarbon Steel
Finish TypeGLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
Receiver Size2-Inch
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)6,000 lbs.
Tongue Weight (TW)600 lbs.
Weight Distribution (WD)10,000 lbs.
Weight Distribution Tongue Weight (WDTW)1,000 lbs.

Safety Information

Proposition 65 Warning: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Always ensure all towing components (vehicle, hitch, and trailer) are rated for the load being towed. Never exceed the lowest-rated component's capacity.

Warranty and Support

For warranty information or technical support, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official CURT website.

Related Documents - 13333

Preview Toyota RAV4 (2006-Current) Trailer Hitch Installation Guide - CURT 13149
Step-by-step installation instructions for the CURT 13149 Class 3 Trailer Hitch for Toyota RAV4 models (2006-Current, excluding Electric). Includes parts list, tools required, safety information, and towing capacity details.
Preview CURT 17352 Weight Distribution Hitch Installation Manual
Comprehensive installation manual for the CURT 17352 Weight Distribution Hitch, covering assembly, measurements, installation steps, adjustments, and towing tips for safe and effective trailer towing.
Preview CURT 12198 Trailer Hitch Installation Instructions for 2019-Current Subaru Forester
Comprehensive installation guide for the CURT 12198 receiver hitch, designed for 2019-Current Subaru Forester models. Includes a detailed parts list, required tools, step-by-step instructions, and essential towing safety information.
Preview CURT A25 5th Wheel Hitch Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Guide
Comprehensive installation, operation, maintenance, and warranty guide for the CURT A25 5th Wheel Hitch (Model 16180). Includes safety precautions, assembly steps, coupling procedures, troubleshooting, and care instructions.
Preview CURT 13381 Trailer Hitch Installation Instructions for Volkswagen Tiguan (2018-Present)
Comprehensive installation guide for the CURT 13381 trailer hitch, specifically designed for the 2018-Present Volkswagen Tiguan. This document provides a detailed parts list, required tools, step-by-step installation procedures, and essential towing safety information to ensure a correct and safe setup.
Preview CURT 13459 Trailer Hitch Installation Manual for Subaru Forester
Step-by-step installation guide for the CURT 13459 Class 3 receiver hitch, designed for select Subaru Forester models. Includes parts list, required tools, safety warnings, and detailed instructions with textual descriptions of diagrams and images.

Ask a question about this manual

Ask about setup, troubleshooting, compatibility, parts, safety, or missing instructions. Manuals+ will review the question and use this page’s manual context to help answer it.