CURT 13544 Trailer Hitch Receiver Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- Curt
Table of Contents
- CURT 13544 Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Product Information
- Product Usage Instructions
- Level of Difficulty
- SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
- Product Registration and Warranty
- ASSEMBLY
- Final Installed Image
- TOWING BASICS & SAFETY INFORMATION
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
CURT 13544 Trailer Hitch Receiver
Product Information
-
The product is a trailer hitch installation kit with a weight carrying capacity of 200 lbs. It includes an accessory frame, carriage bolts, square-hole spacers, serrated-flange nuts, and fishwires.
The installation difficulty level is moderate, and the tools required for installation include a ratchet, cut-off wheel, torque wrench, die grinder, sockets, tape measure, flathead screwdriver, and rotary tool. -
For detailed instructions and additional resources, visit the manufacturer’s website at www.curtmfg.com.
Product Usage Instructions
- Before starting the installation, read all instructions thoroughly.
- Ensure you have all the necessary tools mentioned in the manual.
- Wear safety glasses throughout the installation process.
- Periodically inspect the trailer hitch to ensure all mounting hardware remains tight and structural components are secure.
- Refer to the specified torque specifications when securing hardware during the installation process to prevent damage to the product or vehicle.
- To begin assembly, follow the fish wire technique:
- Insert the coiled end of the fish wire tool through the hitch mounting hole in the vehicle frame rail and out the access hole.
- Pass the coiled end of the fish wire through the spacer and thread the bolt into the coil.
- Kink the wire to keep the spacer separate from the bolt.
- Pull the fish wire, spacer, and bolt through the frame and out of the mounting hole. Use the fish wire to guide the hitch during mounting and prevent loss of bolt or spacer inside the frame rail.
- Follow the steps below for installation:
- Step 1: Remove the driver-side underbody panel by removing the five plastic push fasteners and plastic nuts using a 10mm socket and extension towards the front of the vehicle. Loosen the three retained nuts while pulling down on the panel. Repeat on the passenger-side panel.
- Step 2: Remove the stickers covering the holes on the outside of the frame rails and the rubber plug from the bottom of each frame rail. Enlarge the bottom access hole.
- Step 3: Temporarily remove the backup alarm by disconnecting the electrical connector and removing the nut with a 10mm socket.
- Step 4: Trim the bumper cover using the trim diagram as a reference.
- Step 5: Fishwire 1/2 carriage bolts (#2) and square-hole spacers (#3) through the enlarged access hole and leave the hardware in the frame with the fish wires attached.
Level of Difficulty
Moderate
Installation difficulty levels are based on the time and effort involved and may vary depending on the installer’s level of expertise, the condition of the vehicle, and the proper tools and equipment.
Weight Carrying Capacity
Tongue weight (TW)| 200 lbs.
Parts List
Item| Qty| Description
1| 1| Accessory frame
2| 4| Carriage bolt, 1/2″
3| 4| Square-hole spacer, 1/4″ x 1″ x 2-1/2″
4| 4| Serrated-flange nut, 1/2″
5| 4| Fishwire, 1/2″
Tools Required
Ratchet| Cut-off wheel
Torque wrench| Die grinder
Socket, 10mm| Rotary tool
Socket, 3/4″| Tape measure
Socket extension, 10″| Tape
Flathead screwdriver| —
- For a tools reference guide visit curtmfg.com/trailer-hitch-installation .
WARNING
- Never exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended towing capacity.
- Not intended for towing use
NOTICE
- Visit www.curtmfg.com for a full-color copy of this instruction manual, as well as helpful videos, guides and much more!
- Before you begin installation, read all instructions thoroughly.
- Proper tools will improve the quality of installation and reduce the time required.
This installation requires:
- Temporary removal of underbody panels
- Trimming of the lower bumper fascia
- Hole enlargement
- Periodic inspection of the trailer hitch should be performed to ensure all mounting hardware remains tight and structural components are secure.
- To help prevent damage to the product or vehicle, refer to the specified torque specifications when securing hardware during the installation process.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
- Safety glasses should be worn at all times while installing this product.
Product Registration and Warranty
- CURT stands behind our products with industry-leading warranties. To get copies of the product warranties, register your purchase, or provide feedback, visit: warranty.curtgroup.com/surveys
ASSEMBLY
Parts List
Item| Qty| Description
1| 1| Accessory frame
2| 4| Carriage bolt, 1/2″
3| 4| Square-hole spacer, 1/4″ x 1″ x 2-1/2″
4| 4| Serrated-flange nut, 1/2″
5| 4| Fishwire, 1/2″
FISHWIRE TECHNIQUE
- Insert the coiled end of the fishwire tool through the hitch mounting hole in the vehicle frame rail and out the access hole. Pass the coiled end of fishwire through the spacer and thread bolt into a coil. Kink wire to keep the spacer seperate from the bolt as shown.
- Pull fishwire, spacer, and bolt through the frame and out a mounting hole. Use fishwire to guide the hitch during mounting and prevent loss of bolt or spacer inside the frame rail.
Step 1
- Remove the driver-side underbody panel by removing the five plastic push fasteners and plastic nuts using a 10mm socket and extension towards the front of the vehicle. Loosen the three retained nuts while pulling down on the panel.
- Repeat on the passenger-side panel.
Step 2
- Remove the stickers covering the holes on the outside of the frame rails and the rubber plug from the bottom of each frame rail.
- Enlarge the bottom access hole.
Step 3
- Temporarily remove the backup alarm by disconnecting the electrical connector and removing the nut with a 10mm socket.
Step 4
- Trim the bumper cover using the trim diagram as reference.
Step 5
- Fishwire 1/2″ carriage bolts (#2) and square-hole spacers (#3) through the enlarged access hole and leave the hardware in the frame with the fish wires attached.
Step 6
- Raise the hitch into position, sliding the center through the cutout and the main body up behind the bumper cover. Guide the fishwires through the holes in the side plates, then rotate the side plates into position.
Step 7
- Pull the hardware through the hitch and carefully remove the fisheries. Secure the carriage bolts with the 1/2″ serrated flange nuts (#4).
- Torque the 1/2″ hardware to 90 ft-lbs.
- Reinstall the parts removed following steps 1 through 3 in reverse order.
Final Installed Image
TOWING BASICS & SAFETY INFORMATION
- For information on safely towing your trailer, visit curtmfg.com/understanding-towing.
- CURTMFG.COM
- PRODUCT SUPPORT : 877.287.8634
- 13544-INS-RA
- 02/17/2023
- ECN10543
References
- CURT: Trailer Hitches - Trailer Wiring - 5th Wheel - Gooseneck
- 8 Easy Steps - Trailer Hitch Installation How-To
- Towing Guide, How-tos, References & Glossary
- CURT: Trailer Hitches - Trailer Wiring - 5th Wheel - Gooseneck
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
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