CURT 11638 Trailer Hitch Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- Curt
Table of Contents
- Level of Difficulty
- Weight Carrying Capacity
- Parts List
- Tools Required
- Product Photo
- SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
- Product Registration and Warranty
- ASSEMBLY
- Final Installed Image
- TOWING BASICS & SAFETY INFORMATION
- CUSTOMERS SUPPORT
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
CURT 11638 Trailer Hitch
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) | 2,000 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Tongue weight (TW) | 200 lbs. |
Parts List
| Item | Qty | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | Carriage bolt, 7/16″-14 x 1-1/4″ |
| 2 | 6 | Serrated-flange nut, 7/16″- 14 |
| 3 | 6 | Square-hole spacer, 1.75″ x .875″ x .25″ |
Tools Required
| Socket, 11/16″ | Fishier, 7/16″ (includes 6 qty) |
|---|---|
| Socket extension, 6″ | Flathead screwdriver |
| Torque wrench | Ratchet |
- For a tools reference guide visit curtmfg.com/trailer-hitch-installation
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:
- Lowering of the exhaust
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
List Item| Qty| Description
1| 6| Carriage bolt, 7/16″-14 x 1-1/4″
2| 6| Serrated-flange nut, 7/16″- 14
3| 6| Square-hole spacer, 1.75″ x .875″ x .25″
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.
FISHWIRE TECHNIQUE
Insert coiled end of fishwire tool through hitch mounting hole in vehicle frame rail and out the access hole. Pass coiled end of fishwire through spacer and thread bolt into coil. Kink wire to keep spacer seperate from bolt as shown.
Pull fishwire, spacer and bolt through frame and out mounting hole. Use fishwire to guide hitch during mounting and prevent loss of bolt or spacer inside frame rail.
Step 1
Lower the exhaust by removing the three rearmost exhaust hanger rods on both sides from the three rubber isolators.
The exhaust will be reinstalled in step 7.
Note: Use a stand to support the exhaust to prevent any damage.
Step 2
Remove the electrical harness from the frame rail. Move the electrical harness from under the bumper beam to above the bumper beam.
Step 3
Remove one rubber plug from the bottom of the frame rail on both sides.
The rubber plug will be reinstalled in step 7.
Step 4
Fishwire three 7/16″ carriage bolts (#1) and three spacers (#3) from the holes where the rubber plug was removed in step 3 to each of the three holes in the frame rail. Repeat on the other side of the vehicle.
Note: Do not pull the carriage bolts through the frame rail holes in this step.
Step 5
Raise the hitch over the exhaust on the passenger side first. Gently pull the bumper facia rearward, if needed. Feed the fishwires through the holes in the hitch on both sides. Raise the hitch into position and pull three 7/16″ carriage bolts (#1) through the holes in the hitch on both sides. Remove all fishwires and loosely secure with 7/16″ serrated-flange nuts (#2).
NOTICE
Be careful not to push the hardware into the frame when removing the fishwire.
It may help to remove a fishwire and secure the nut one bolt at a time
Step 6
Torque 7/16″ hardware to 59 lb-ft.
Note: If needed for ease of torqueing the hardware, remove two plastic clips from the wheel well underbody cover on both sides.
Step 7
Reinstall the exhaust, rubber plugs and plastic clips, if applicable.
Final Installed Image
TOWING BASICS & SAFETY INFORMATION
For information on safely towing your trailer, visit curtmfg.com /understanding-towing.
CUSTOMERS SUPPORT
CURTMFG.COM
PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634
11638-INS-RA
06/15/2022
ECN9688
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)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>