CURT INSTALLATION MANUAL

Parts List

See previous section for detailed Parts List.

Assembly Diagram

Diagram illustrating the trailer hitch assembly. It shows the main hitch bar (1) connecting to driver-side (2) and passenger-side (3) mounting brackets. Hardware items (4, 5, 6, 7) are shown connecting these components to a representation of a vehicle frame. Arrows indicate FRONT and REAR.

WELDNUT CLEANING

Description of weldnut cleaning: Spray lubricant or compressed air into the hole to remove debris. Use a wire brush for heavy debris, taking care not to damage threads.

CONICAL TOOTHED WASHER ORIENTATION

Diagram showing the correct orientation of a conical-toothed washer between the vehicle frame and the hitch side plate, with a hex bolt passing through.

FISHWIRE TECHNIQUE

Description of the fishwire technique: Insert the coiled end of the fishwire tool through the hitch mounting hole and out an access hole in the vehicle frame rail. Pass the coiled end through a spacer, thread a bolt into the coil, and kink the wire to keep the spacer separate from the bolt. Pull the fishwire, spacer, and bolt through the frame. Use the fishwire to guide the hitch and prevent losing parts inside the frame rail.

Installation Steps

Step 1: Bumper Panel Removal

Remove the rearmost lower bumper panel by removing 10 clips and set aside for reinstallation. Note: Removing the large underbody panel may ease installation.

Step 2: Electrical Cable Handling

Carefully dislodge the two electrical cables routed along the end of the driver-side frame rail.

Step 3: Mounting Bracket Installation

Loosely install the driver-side mounting bracket (#2) to the outside of the driver-side frame rail using M12 hex bolts (#4) and conical-toothed washers (#6). Repeat on the passenger side of the vehicle.

Step 4: Hitch Positioning and Securing

Raise the hitch (#1) into position between the side plates installed in step 2. Secure with 1/2" carriage bolts (#5) installed from the center of the vehicle outward and serrated-flange nuts (#7). Use fishwires as needed to install bolts.

Step 5: Final Tightening and Trim

Torque all M12 hardware to 86 ft-lbs. Torque all 1/2" hardware to 90 ft-lbs. Trim the underbody panel removed in step 1 using the trim diagram for reference and reinstall.

Final Installed Image

An image shows the CURT trailer hitch installed on the rear of a modern vehicle.

TOWING BASICS & SAFETY INFORMATION

For information on safely towing your trailer, visit curtmfg.com/understanding-towing.