CURT 13149 Class 3 Trailer Hitch Instruction Manual
- June 8, 2024
- Curt
Table of Contents
CURT 13149 Class 3 Trailer Hitch
WARNING
NEVER EXCEED YOUR VEHICLE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED TOWING CAPACITY
WEIGHT CARRYING:
- TRAILER WEIGHT: 3,500 LBS.
- TONGUE WEIGHT: 525 LBS.
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION:
- TRAILER WEIGHT: 4,000 LBS.
- TONGUE WEIGHT: 525 LBS.
PRO INSTALL TIME: 15 MIN.
NOVICE INSTALL TIME: 30 MIN.
IF YOU ARE HESITANT TO UNDERTAKE THIS TASK ON YOUR OWN, CONTACT AN AUTHORIZED CURT INSTALLER FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE.
OVERVIEW
TOOLS REQUIRED
- 17, 19mm SOCKET
- 8″ EXTENSION
- SOCKET WRENCH
- TORQUE WRENCH
Parts List
PANEL TRIM DIAGRAM
WELD NUT CLEANING
To remove debris from weld nuts in the frame, spray lubricant or compressed air into the hole For heavy debris, use a small wire brush (Be careful not to damage threads).
RUBBER ISOLATOR REMOVAL DIAGRAM
This technique can be used if an Exhaust Hanger Removal Pliers is not
available.
Using a 5/8″ open-end wrench, slide the wrench up to the rubber isolator,
cradling the hanger rod as shown. Next place the fiat 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.
CONICAL TOOTHED WASHER ORIENTATION DIAGRAM
- HITCH WEIGHT: 34 LBS.
- INSTALL TIME:
- PROFESSIONAL: 15 MINUTES
- NOVICE (DIY): 30 MINUTES
- INSTALL NOTES:
- EXISTING WELDNUTS
- NO DRILLING REQUIRED
- REMOVE TIE DOWN BRACKET
- LOWER EXHAUST
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION REQUIRES
INSTALLATION TIPS:
- BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLATION, READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY.
- TO EASE INSTALLATION, 2 PEOPLE MAY BE REQUIRED.
- USING PROPER TOOLS WILL GREATLY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE INSTALL AND REDUCE THE TIME REQUIRED.
- NEED HELP OR HAVE SOME QUESTIONS? CALL TECHNICAL SUPPORT AT 877.287.8634
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: EASY
VEHICLE PHOTO:
HITCH ILLUSTRATION:
INSTALLATION STEPS
- If present remove panel and trim using panel trim diagram below as reference. Remove the tie down bracket from the drivers side frame rail using the 17mm socket, 8″ extension and ratchet. Return the bracket and fasteners to vehicle owner.
- Lower rear most exhaust isolator for ease of installment.
- Raise hitch into position over existing weld nuts and install the supplied 12mm hex bolts and conical tooth washers as shown.
- Raise exhaust back into location and reinstall rubber isolator.
- Torque hardware to 86 lb-ft.
- Install now complete.
TOWING SAFETY INFORMATION
Gross Trailer Weight/GTW
The Gross, Trailer Weight is the weight of the trailer & cargo. 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/WC
The total weight of both the trailer and the cargo inside. Never exceed the
weight capacity of your trailer hitch.
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 hiítch. Do
not use this on class 1 or 2 hitches, or with surge brakes.
How Much Can You Safely Tow?
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 factors 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 make sure they are
fastened securely.
- A: Ball Dia.
- B: Shank Dia.
- C: Shank Length.
- D: Shank Rise.
Coupler
The component is placed over the trailer ball to connect the vehicle to the
trailer. Be sure that the coupler size matches the size of the 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 the
coupler that is on the trailer. Be sure your coupler is properly adjusted to
the ball you are using.
NOTE: For added security, 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. Never allow the
safety 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 lbs. (15.6 kN)
- Class 3: 5,000 Ibs. (22.2 kN)
The strength rating of each length of the 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:
For more information log onto www.curtmfg.com, & for helpful towing tips log onto www.hitchinfo.com