CURT 13570 Trailer Hitch Installation Manual

Level of Difficulty

Moderate. Installation difficulty levels are based on time and effort involved and may vary depending on the installer level of expertise, condition of the vehicle, and proper tools and equipment.

Product Photo

A black trailer hitch assembly with two receiver arms and a cross tube.

Weight Carrying Capacity

• Gross trailer weight (GTW): 3,500 lbs.
• Tongue weight (TW): 350 lbs.

Parts List

Tools Required

* For a tools reference guide visit curtmfg.com/trailer-hitch-installation

Product Registration and Warranty

CURT stands behind its products with industry-leading warranties. To get copies of the product warranties, register your purchase or provide feedback, visit: warranty.curtgroup.com/surveys

ASSEMBLY

Diagram showing the trailer hitch components and their placement on a vehicle frame, including the exhaust system. Arrows indicate the direction of assembly and component orientation (FRONT/REAR).

RUBBER ISOLATOR REMOVAL DIAGRAM: Illustrates using a wrench and pry bar to remove rubber exhaust isolators from hanger rods. Suggests using lubricant for easier removal.

FISHWIRE TECHNIQUE: Diagram showing how to use the fishwire tool to insert a bolt and spacer through a vehicle frame rail's access hole and out the mounting hole. It details kinking the wire to keep the spacer separate from the bolt and using the fishwire to guide the hitch during mounting.

Step 1: Exhaust Hanger Removal

Using an exhaust hanger removal tool, lower the exhaust by removing the two rearmost rubber exhaust isolators from the frame mounted hangers. If the vehicle has dual exhaust, repeat on both sides. Remove the exhaust hanger near the rear differential.

Note: Support the exhaust during installation to prevent damage. Spraying lubricant may ease removal of the isolators.

Images show the removal of rubber exhaust isolators from the vehicle frame.

Step 2: Heat Shield Modification

Remove the four M6 x 1.0 muffler heat shield bolts using a 10mm socket and remove the heat shield. If the vehicle has dual exhaust, repeat both sides. Cut a 1-1/2" diameter hole in the heat shield(s), 2-3/4" behind the front-most mounting hole to clear the mounting plate(s) in the area shown.

Images show the heat shield being removed and a 1-1/2" diameter hole being cut into it.

Step 3: Prepare Mounting Holes

Remove the three rubber plugs in each frame rail. Fishwire a 7/16" carriage bolt (#1) and square hole spacer (#2) into the forward access hole in the frame rail and pull into position. Repeat for the remaining three locations. Leave fishwire attached.

Images show the process of inserting bolts and spacers into the vehicle frame using the fishwire.

Step 4: Hitch Positioning and Initial Fastening

Using fishwire as a guide, raise the trailer hitch into position along with the flat washers (#4) between the hitch and the frame on the rearmost mounting holes. Center the hitch on the vehicle, remove fishwire, and loosely secure the hitch to the vehicle with the provided 7/16" serrated-flange nuts (#3).

Images show the trailer hitch being raised into position and loosely secured with nuts.

Step 5: Final Tightening and Reassembly

Torque all 7/16" hardware to 70 ft-lbs using a 17mm socket and torque wrench. Reinstall the heat shield(s), raise the exhaust back into position, and reinstall the rubber isolators.

Images show the final tightening of hardware with a torque wrench and the reinstallation of the exhaust system.

Final Installed Image

Images show the rear view of a Subaru Outback vehicle with the CURT trailer hitch installed.

TOWING BASICS & SAFETY INFORMATION

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