CURT 12201 Receiver Hitch Installation Guide
- June 13, 2024
- Curt
Table of Contents
12201
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
12201 Receiver Hitch
Safety glasses should be worn at all times while installing this product.
YEARS: 2018-PRESENT
MAKE: CHEVROLET/GMC
MODEL: EQUINOX/TERRAIN
STYLE: SUV
WARNING: NEVER EXCEED YOUR VEHICLE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED TOWING
CAPACITY For more information log onto
www.curtmfg.com & for helpful towing tips log onto
www.hitchinfo.com
WEIGHT CARRYING:
TRAILER WEIGHT : 3,500 LBS.
TONGUE WEIGHT: 525 LBS.
WARNING:
ALL NON-TRAILER (WHEEL-LESS) LOADS APPLIED TO THIS PRODUCT MUST BE SUPPORTED
BY 18050 STABILIZING STRAPS. PLEASE SEE THE CURT CATALOG OR VISIT US ONLINE AT
WWW.CURTMFG.COM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
PRO INSTALL TIME: 30 MIN.
NOVICE INSTALL TIME: 60 MIN.
IF YOU ARE HESITANT TO UNDERTAKE THIS TASK ON YOUR OWN, CONTACT AN AUTHORIZED
CURT INSTALLER FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE.
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: MODERATE
| EASY | MODERATE | CHALLENGING |
|---|---|---|
| NO DRILL | ||
| FISHWIRE HARDWARE | ||
| LOWER EXHAUST | ||
| HOLE ENLARGEMENT |
VEHICLE PHOTO:
REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO
HITCH ILLUSTRATION:
MAKE SURE YOUR HITCH MATCHES
PERIODICALLY CHECK THIS RECEIVER HITCH TO ENSURE ALL FASTENERS ARE TIGHT AND
ALL STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS ARE SOUND
CURT Manufacturing LLC. warrants this product to be free of defects in
material and/or workmanship at the time of retail purchase by the original
purchaser. If the product is found to be defective, CURT Manufacturing LLC.
may repair or replace the product at their option, when the product is
returned, prepaid, with proof of purchase. Alteration to, misuse of, or
improper installation of this product voids the warranty. CURT Manufacturing
LLC.’s liability is limited to repair or replacement of products found to be
defective, and specifically excludes liability for incidental or consequential
loss or damage.
For more information log onto www.curtmfg.com
This product complies with safety specifications and requirements for
connecting devices and towing systems of the state of New York,
V.E.S.C.Regulation V-5 and SAE J684.
INSTALLATION WALKTHROUGH:
Parts List
ITEM| QTY| PART NUMBER| DESCRIPTION
1| 6| 10-10287| BOLT, CAR,1/2-13 UNC,1-1/2,GRD8,YZ
2| 6| 20-00062| NUT,SER-FLANGE,1/2-13 UNC,GRD8,YZ
3| 6| CM-SP6| .250 x 1.00 x 3.00″ SQUARE HOLE SPACER
4| 6| 1_2 FISHWIRE| 1/2″ FISHWIRE
-
Locate and remove the (2) torx screws from the rear fascia. Save for reinstallation.
-
Lower the exhaust by removing the (4) bolts from each of the rear exhaust hanger brackets (2 per side) using a 15mm socket.
-
Finish lowering the exhaust by removing the exhaust rubber isolator in front of the muffler.
Note: Be sure to support the exhaust.
Slightly enlarge the center mounting point on both the driver and passenger side frame rails to allow the hardware to fit.
-
Utilizing the access hole, fishwire (1) 1/2″ carriage bolt and (1) spacer into each of the three mounting holes in both frame rails.
-
Raise hitch into position and secure the hitch to the vehicle using (6) 1/2″ hex flange nuts.
-
Torque the 1/2″ hardware to 110 ft-lb.
Reinstall exhaust and fascia screws from step 1.
For more information log onto www.curtmfg.com
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
relationship 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 excoed 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 hitch. Do not use this on
a class 1 or 2 hitch, 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 ts 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 weightrating.
- 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 that 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 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: sie Chain Breaking Force – Minimum
Class 1: 2,000 Ibs. (8.9 k
Class 2: 3,500 Ibs. (15.6 kN)
Class 3: 5,000 Ibs. (22.2 kN)
The strength rating of each length of 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:
CHEVROLET EQUINOX / GMC TERRAIN
GROSS LOAD CAPACITY WHEN USED AS A WEIGHT CARRYING HITCH: 3,500 LBS. TRAILER
WEIGHT & 525 LBS. TONGUE WEIGHT.
WARNING: ALL NON-TRAILER (WHEEL-LESS) LOADS APPLIED TO THIS PRODUCT MUST
BE SUPPORTED BY 18050 STABILIZING STRAPS.
WARNING: FAILURE TO PROPERLY SUPPORT NON-TRAILER LOADS WILL VOID
PRODUCT WARRANTY
WARNING: DO NOT EXCEED VEHICLE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED TOWING
CAPACITY
FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ONTO WWW.CURTMFG.COM
HAVING INSTALLATION QUESTIONS? CALL TECHNICAL SUPPORT AT
1-877-287-8634
Parts List
ITEM| QTY| PART NUMBER| DESCRIPTION
1| 6| 10-10287| BOLT, CAR,1/2-13 UNC,1-1/2,GRD8,YZ
2| 6| 20-00062| NUT,SER-FLANGE,1/2-13 UNC,GRD8,YZ
3| 6| CM-SP6| .250 x 1.00 x 3.00″ SQUARE HOLE SPACER
4| 6| 1_2 FISHWIRE| 1/2″ FISHWIRE
HOLE
ENLARGEMENT DIAGRAM
TOOLS REQUIRED
RATCHET
15 mm, 3/4″ SOCKETS
6″ SOCKET EXTENSION
T15 TORXBIT SOCKET
PRY BAR
TORQUE WRENCH
ROTARY TOOL
SAFETY GLASSES
HITCH WEIGHT: 28 LBS.
INSTALL TIME
PROFESSIONAL: 30. MINUTES
NOVICE (DIY): 65 MINUTES
INSTALL NOTES:
– NO DRILL
– FISHWIRE HARDWARE
– TEMPORARY LOWER EXHAUST
– ENLARGE HOLE REQUIRED
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 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 spray 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 SEPARATE 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 / SPACER
INSIDE FRAME RAIL.
**NOTE: SOME VEHICLES MAY FISHWIRE THROUGH END OF FRAME**
INSTALLATION STEPS
-
Locate and remove the (2) torx screws from the rear fascia. Save for reinstallation.
-
Lower the exhaust by removing the (4) bolt from each of the rear exhaust hanger brackets (2 per side) using a 15mm socket.
-
Finish lowering the exhaust by removing the exhaust rubber isolator in front of the muffler.
Note: Be sure to support the exhaust.
Slightly enlarge the access hole on both the driver and passenger side frame rails to allow the hardware to fit. -
Utilizing the access hole, fishwire (1) 1/2″ carriage bolt and (1) spacer into each of the three mounting holes in both frame rails.
-
Raise hitch into position and secure the hitch to the vehicle using (6) 1/2″ hex flange nuts.
-
Torque the 1/2″ hardware to 110 ft-lb. Reinstall exhaust and fascia screws from step 1.
PERIODICALLY CHECK THIS RECEIVER HITCH TO ENSURE THAT ALL FASTENERS ARE TIGHT
AND THAT ALL STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS ARE SOUND.
CURT Manufacturing LLC., warrants this product to be free of defects in
material and/or workmanship at the time of retail purchase by the original
purchaser. If the product is found to be defective, CURT Manufacturing LLC.,
may repair or replace the product, at their option, when the product is
returned, prepaid, with proof of purchase. Alteration to, misuse of, or
improper installation of this product voids the warranty. CURT Manufacturing
LLC.’s liability is limited to repair or replacement of products found to be
defective, and specifically excludes liability for incidental or consequential
loss or damage.
This product complies with safety specifications and requirements for
connecting devices and towing systems of the state of New York,
V.E.S.C.Regulation V-5 and SAE J684.
12/29/2021