CURT 13523 Trailer Hitch Instruction Manual

: June 13, 2024
: Curt

Table of Contents

Level of Difficulty
Weight Carrying Capacity
Parts List
Tools Required
Product Photo
NOTICE
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 13523 Trailer Hitch Instruction 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.

Weight Carrying Capacity

Gross trailer weight (GTW): 3,500 lbs.
Tongue weight (TW): 525 lbs.

Parts List

Item	Qty	Description
1	1	Trailer hitch
2	6	Hex bolt, M12
3	6	Conical-toothed washer, 1/2″

Tools Required

Socket, 10mm	Exhaust removal pliers
Socket, 19mm	Tape measure
Socket extension, 6″	Tape
Ratchet	Plastic trim tools
Torque wrench	Panel trim removal tool
Hex bits, 5mm or 3/16″	Reciprocating saw / Rotary tool
Flathead screwdriver	Safety glasses
Phillips screwdriver	—

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

WARNING
Never exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended towing capacity

Product Photo

CAUTION
Use caution when trimming underbody panels

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 and trimming of the underbody panel

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	Hex bolt, M12
3	6	Conical-toothed washer, 1/2″

Assembly Instruction

WELDNUT CLEANING
To remove debris from weldnuts in frame, spary lubricant or compressed air into the hole.

For heavy debris, use a wire brush. Take care not to damage threads.
Assembly Instruction

CONICAL TOOTHED WASHER ORIENTATION

RUBBER ISOLATOR REMOVAL DIAGRAM

This technique can be used if exhaust hanger removal pliers are not available. Using a 5/8″ open end wrench, slide the wrench up to the rubber isolator, cradling the hanger rod as shown.

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 lubricant or soapy water on the hanger rod and the rubber isolator helps removal.

Step 1

Remove the bottom appearance panel and mud flaps. Use a Phillips screwdriver, panel removal tool and a 10mm socket to remove the rivets and screws from the bottom panel on the driver side. Remove the mud flaps from each side of the vehicle, if present. Set the hardware aside for reinstallation.
Assembly Instruction

Step 2
Beginning removing the bumper fascia using a panel removal tool. Remove the two plastic rivets located in the bottom center of the bumper fascia. If the vehicle has a hands-free lift gate, there will be six total plastic rivets to remove.
Assembly Instruction

Step 3
Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the three screws from each rear wheel well liner.
Assembly Instruction

Step 4
Open the trunk and use a 3/16″ or 5mm hex bit to remove the two screws on each side, if present.
Assembly Instruction

Step 5
Using plastic trim tools, carefully remove the plastic fascia working from the outside in.

Step 6
Disconnect each side of the wiring harness from the fascia, if present.

Step 7
Lower the exhaust by removing the rubber hangers that secure the exhaust.

NOTICE

Be sure to support the exhaust before removing it from the rubber hangers.

Step 8
Carefully raise the hitch into position and slide it over the exhaust pipe on the passenger side. Loosely install an M12 hex bolt (#2) and conical-toothed washer (#3).
Assembly Instruction