CURT 13525 Trailer Hitch Instruction Manual

CURT 13525 Trailer Hitch

Product Information

The product is a trailer hitch designed for towing purposes. It has a weight carrying capacity of 7,500 lbs (Gross trailer weight) and a tongue weight capacity of 750 lbs. The weight distribution capacity is also 7,500 lbs with a weight distribution tongue weight of 750 lbs. The package includes a trailer hitch, carriage bolts, serrated-flange nuts, fish wires, carriage bolts, flange nuts, and other necessary parts. The installation difficulty level is rated as difficult.

Parts List:

1. Trailer hitch – 1
2. Carriage bolt, 1/2 – 6
3. Serrated-flange nut, 1/2 – 6
4. Fishwire, 1/2 – 4
5. Carriage bolt, 5/16 – 2
6. Flange nut, 5/16 – 2

Tools Required:

• Socket, 8mm
• Socket, 3/4
• Socket, 10mm
• Ratchet
• Socket, 13mm
• Torque wrench
• Socket, 21mm
• Torx bit, T-30
• Socket, 1/2
• Flathead screwdriver

Product Usage Instructions

Safety Instructions:
Ensure safety glasses are worn at all times during the installation process.

Assembly:
The following steps outline the installation process:

Step 1:
Using a 10mm socket, remove the four bolts from the bottom of the bumper cover. Then, remove the four bolts from the rear of each wheel well liner starting from the bottom working up using an 8mm socket.

Step 2:
Gently pull the wheel trim away from the vehicle starting at the bottom and working up. Squeezing the white clips behind the wheel liner may ease removal. Remove the newly exposed bolt using a 10mm socket. Repeat on the other side of the vehicle.

Step 3:
Locate the electrical connectors on each side of the vehicle at the rear of the tire behind the bumper cover. Disconnect the connectors by pulling the tab on the vehicle side of the connector towards the front of the vehicle and then push it down.

Step 4:
With the rear lift gate open, use a flathead screwdriver to remove the two black plugs in the bumper cover. Remove the bolts with a 10mm socket.

Step 5:
Remove the taillight cover by removing the plug if equipped and pull straight rearward on the panel. Note: Removing the taillight may ease installation on some models. To remove, use a T-30 torx bit to remove the bolt securing it in place and gently pulling the light rearward. Set aside for reinstallation.

Step 6:
Remove the bumper cover by gently pulling it away from the vehicle starting at the wheel well and working towards the rear. Set aside for reinstallation.

Step 7:
On L models: Remove the two bolts from each exhaust hanger on the outside of the vehicle using a 13mm socket. On Non-L models: Remove one bolt from each exhaust hanger on the bottom of the frame rail using a 13mm socket.

Step 8:
Remove the rear bumper beam by removing two bolts from the outside and a bolt from the bottom of each frame rail using a 21mm socket. Return the bumper beam and fasteners to the vehicle owner.

Level of Difficulty
Difficult
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.

Weight Carrying Capacity

• Gross trailer weight (GTW) : 7,500 lbs.
• Tongue weight (TW) : 750 lbs.

Weight Distribution Capacity

• Weight distribution (WD): 7,500 lbs.
• WD tongue weight (WDTW):  750 lbs.

Tools Required

WARNING
Never exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended towing capacity.

Product Photo

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:

• Part removal

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| Trailer hitch
2| 6| Carriage bolt, 1/2″
3| 6| Serrated-flange nut, 1/2″
4| 4| Fishwire, 1/2″
5| 2| Carriage bolt, 5/16″
6| 2| Flange nut, 5/16″

Step 1
Remove the four bolts from the bottom of the bumper cover using a 10mm socket. Remove the four bolts from the rear of each wheel well liner starting from the bottom working up using an 8mm socket.

Step 2
Gently pull the wheel trim away from the vehicle starting at the bottom and working up. Squeezing the white clips behind the wheel liner may ease removal. Remove the newly exposed bolt using a 10mm socket.
Repeat on the other side of the vehicle.

Step 3
Locate the electrical connectors on each side of the vehicle at the rear of the tire behind the bumper cover. Disconnect the connectors by pulling the tab on the vehicle side of the connector towards the front
of the vehicle and then push it down.

Step 4
With the rear lift gate open, use a flathead screwdriver to remove the two black plugs in the bumper cover. Remove the bolts with a 10mm socket.

Step 5
Remove the taillight cover by removing the plug if equipped and pull straight rearward on the panel.
Note: Removing the taillight may ease installation on some models. To remove, use a T-30 torx bit to remove the bolt securing it in place and gently pulling the light rearward. Set aside for reinstallation

Step 6
Remove the bumper cover by gently pulling it away from the vehicle starting at the wheel well and working towards the rear. Set aside for reinstallation.

Step 7
On L models: Remove the two bolts from each exhaust hanger on the outside of the vehicle using a 13mm socket.
On Non-L models: Remove one bolt from each exhaust hanger on the bottom of the frame rail using a 13mm socket.

Step 8
Remove the rear bumper beam by removing two bolts from the outside and a bolt from the bottom of each frame rail using a 21mm socket. Return the bumper beam and fasteners to the vehicle owner.

Step 9
Insert the hitch side plates into the end of the frame rails and loosely secure with the supplied 1/2″ carriage bolts (#2) and serrated-flange nuts (#3) by reaching in the end of the frame rail to install the bottom bolts.
Use fishwires for the side bolts if required.
On L models: Use the set of holes farthest from the main body.
On Non-L models: Use the set of holes closest to the main body. Insert 5/16″ carriage bolts (#5) in to the smaller slots on the bottom of the side plates. Reinstall the exhaust using 5/16″ serrated-flange nuts (#6).

Step 10
Torque 1/2″ hardware to 110 ft-lbs.
Torque 5/16″ hardware to 178 in-lbs.
Reinstall the bumper cover following steps 1-7 in reverse order.

Step 11
When not in use, the hitch can be hidden behind the factory bumper cover.

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 • 13525-INS- RA • 12/06/2022 • ECN10335 • PAGE 5

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

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