CURT 12118 Class 2 Trailer Hitch for Kia Cadenza Installation Guide

June 8, 2024
Curt

CURT-LOGO

CURT 12118 Class 2 Trailer Hitch for Kia Cadenza

WARNING

NEVER EXCEED YOUR VEHICLE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED TOWING CAPACITY.

WEIGHT CARRYING:

  • TRAILER WEIGHT: 3500 LBS
  • TONGUE WEIGHT: 350 LBS

WE RECOMMEND THE USE OF 18050 STABILIZING STRAPS FOR ALL NON-TRAILER (WHEEL- LESS) LOADS. PLEASE SEE THE CURT CATALOG OR VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.CURTMFG.COM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

  • PRO INSTALL TIME: 30 MIN.
  • NOVICE INSTALL TIME: 60 MIN

IF YOU ARE HESITANT TO UNDERTAKE THIS TASK ON YOUR OWN, CONTACT AN AUTHORIZED CURT INSTALLER FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE.

INSTALLATION REQUIRES

TOOLS REQUIRED

  • RATCHET
  • TORQUE WRENCH
  • 9/16″, 3/4″ SOCKETS
  • 10mm, 13mm SOCKETS
  • ROTARY TOOL

INSTALLATION TIPS:

  1. BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLATION, READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY.
  2. TO EASE INSTALLATION, 2 PEOPLE MAY BE REQUIRED.
  3. USING PROPER TOOLS WILL GREATLY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE INSTALL AND REDUCE THE TIME REQUIRED.
  4. NEED HELP OR HAVE SOME QUESTIONS? CALL TECHNICAL SUPPORT AT 877.287.8634

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: EASY

VEHICLE PHOTO

HITCH ILLUSTRATION:

INSTALLATION WALKTHROUGH

Parts List:

CURT-12118-Class-2-Trailer-Hitch-for-Kia-Cadenza- 22

1 2 10-10278 BOLT,CAR,1/2-13 UNC,1-1/4,GRD8,YZ
2 2 20-00062 NUT,SER-FLANGE,1/2-13 UNC,GRD8,YZ
3 2 1_2 FISHWIRE 1/2″ FISHWIRE
4 2 CM-SP6 .250 x 1.00 x 3.00″ SQUARE SPACER
5 1 10-10428 U-BOLT,3/8-16 UNC,2-1/4,N/A,CZ
6 2 20-00166 NUT,HEX,3/8-16 UNC,GRD8,YZ
7 2 30-00148 WASHER,S-CON,3/8,YZ

CURT-12118-Class-2-Trailer-Hitch-for-Kia-Cadenza-
\(5\)

  1. Lower exhaust by removing (4) screws with a 10mm socket connecting the exhaust tip to the fascia and push aside. Disconnect (2) rubber isolators located rear of muffler and (1) at the center of the vehicle.CURT-12118-Class-2-Trailer-Hitch-for-Kia-Cadenza- \(6\)
  2. Unbolt exhaust hanger brackets (both sides), by removing (2) M8 nuts from each bracket. (Return bracket to customer).CURT-12118-Class-2-Trailer-Hitch-for-Kia-Cadenza- \(7\)
  3. Remove felt cover on frame to expose the frame hole. Enlarge rear frame hole to 3/4″, and reverse fishwire 1/2″ carriage bolt hardware into hole. (Both sides).CURT-12118-Class-2-Trailer-Hitch-for-Kia-Cadenza- \(8\)
  4. Raise hitch into position by loosely securing with the 1/2″ hardware, and loosely secure tow loop attachment with 3/8″ u-bolt, conical washers, and 3/8″ nuts. Torque M8 hardware to 25 ft-lb, 3/8″ hardware to 30 ft-lb, and 1/2″ hardware to 110 ft-lb.CURT-12118-Class-2-Trailer-Hitch-for-Kia-Cadenza- \(9\)
  5. Raise exhaust back into position by connecting the rubber isolators on the muffler to the hanger studs on the hitch, and reconnect the center isolator. Reconnect exhaust tips removed in step (1).CURT-12118-Class-2-Trailer-Hitch-for-Kia-Cadenza- \(10\)
  6. Installation complete.CURT-12118-Class-2-Trailer-Hitch-for-Kia-Cadenza- \(11\)
  • HITCH WEIGHT: 22 LBS.
  • INSTALL TIME:
    • PROFESSIONAL: 30 MINUTES
    • NOVICE (DIY): 60 MINUTES
  • INSTALL NOTES:
    • LOWER EXHAUST
    • REVERSE FISHWIRE HARDWARE
    • HOLE ENLARGEMENT REQUIRED

TOWING SAFETY INFORMATION

Gross Trailer Weight/ GTW
The Gross Trailer Weight is the weight of the trailer & çargo. Measure this by putting the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.

Tongue Weight/ TW
The downward force that is exerted on the hitch ball by the coupler. The tongue weight will vary depending on where the load is positioned in relation to the trailer axle(s). To measure the tongue weight, use either a commercial scale or a bathroom scale with the coupler at towing height. When using a bathroom scale with heavier tongue weights, use the method shown and multiply the scale reading by 3.

Weight Carrying/NC
The total weight of both the trailer and the cargo inside. Never exceed the weight capacity of your trailer hitch.CURT-12118-Class-2-Trailer-Hitch-for-
Kia-Cadenza- \(14\)

Weight Distribution / WD
Used to balance the weight of the cargo between the front and rear wheels throughout the trailer, allowing for better steering, braking, and level riding.

Sway Control
A device used to reduce the lateral movements of the trailer that are caused by the wind. This works in conjunction with a weight distribution hitch. Do not use this on a class 1 or 2 hitches, or with urge brakes.

How Much Can You Safely Tow?

CURT-12118-Class-2-Trailer-Hitch-for-Kia-Cadenza-
\(15\)

Ball Mount
The ball mount is placed inside the opening of the receiver hitch which is mounted to the vehicle. Make sure a hitch pin and clip is properly securing the ball mount to the receiver hitch before you begin towing.

  • A: Rise.
  • B: Drop.
  • C: Hole Size.
  • D: Length.

Trailer Ball
The connection from the hitch to the trailer. There are many tactors that determine the correct hitch ball: Number one is the hitch ball’s gross trailer weight rating The mounting platform must be at least 3/8 thick. The hole diameter must not be more than 1/16″ larger than the threaded shank.
Every time you tow, check the nut and lock washer to maké sure they are fastened securely.

  • A: Ball Dia.
  • B: Shank Length.
  • C: Shank Dia.
  • D: Shank Rise.

Coupler
The component that is placed over the trailer ball connects the vehicle to the trailer. Be sure that the coupler size matches the sizo of tho hitch ball and that the coupler handle is securely fastened. To determine what size hitch ball you need for your application you will need to know the size of coupler that is on the trailer. Be sure your coupler is properly adjusted to the ball you are using.

NOTE: For added sécurity the use of safety devices such as Coupler Safety Pins and Locks is strongly recommended.

Safety Chains
Safety chains are a requirement and should be crossed under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Always leave enough slack so you can turn. Nover allow the satety chains to drag on the ground and never attach the chains to the bumper
Trailer Classification: Safety Chain Breaking Force – Minimum

  • Class 1: 2,000 lbs. (8.9 kN)
  • Class 2: 3,500 Ibs. (15.6 kN
  • Class 3: 5,000 Ibs. (22.2 kN)

The strength rating of each length of safety chain or its equivalent and its attachments shall be equal to or exceed in minimum breaking force the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the trailer.

Electrical
Trailer lights, Electric Brakes, Break-away systems – Every time you tow, be sure to check that all components are working properly.
Wiring identification by color:CURT-12118-Class-2-Trailer-Hitch-for-Kia-
Cadenza- \(18\)

REVERSE PULL FISHWIRE TECHNIQUE

ATTACH FISHWIRE TO CARRIAGE BOLT AND SLIDE SPACER ONTO FISHWIRE. PUSH THE BOLT THRU THE HOLE FOLLOWED BY THE SPACER (AS SHOWN). PULL BOLT BACK INTO POSITION, PROTRUDING FROM THE FRAME.

RUBBER ISOLATOR REMOVAL DIAGRAM
This technique can be used if an Exhaust Hanger Removal Pliers is not available.

Using a 518″ open end wrench, slide the wrench up to the rubber isolator, cradling the hanger rod as shown. Next place the flat edge of a pry bar between the wrench and the hanger stop or hanger rod. Then simply rotate the pry bar toward the wrench to remove the rubber isolator.
Note: Using a spray lubricant or soapy water on the hanger rod and the rubber isolator helps removal.

Curt Manufacturing LLC., warrants this product to be free of defects in material and/or workmanship at the time of retail purchase by the original purchaser. If the product is found to be defective, Curt Manufacturing LLC., may repair or replace the product, at their option, when the product is returned, prepaid, with proof of purchase. Alteration to, misuse of, or improper installation of this product voids the warranty. Curt Manufacturing LLC.’s liability is limited to repair or replacement of products found to be defective, and specifically excludes liability for incidental or consequential loss or damage.

GROSS LOAD CAPACITY WHEN USED AS A WEIGHT CARRYING HITCH: 3500 LBS. TRAILER WEIGHT & 350 LBS. TONGUE WEIGHT.
DO NOT EXCEED VEHICLE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED TOWING CAPACITY.
WARNING: ALL NON-TRAILER LOADS APPLIED TO THIS PRODUCT MUST BE SUPPORTED BY 18050 STABILIZING STRAPS.
FAILURE TO PROPERLY SUPPORT NON-TRAILER LOADS WILL VOID PRODUCT WARRANTY
HAVING INSTALLATION QUESTIONS? CALL TECHNICAL SUPPORT AT 1-877-287-8634

For more information log onto www.curtmfg.com

References

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

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Download This Manual (PDF format)

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