CURT 13496 Trailer Hitch Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- Curt
Table of Contents
13496
INSTALLATION 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) | 2,000 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Tongue weight (TW) | 200 lbs. |
Parts List
| Item | Qty | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | Carriage bolt, 1/2-13″ UNC, 1-1/4″, grade 8 |
| 2 | 4 | Serrated flange nut, 1/2″-13 UNC, grade 8 |
| 3 | 4 | Square hole spacer, 1/4″ x 1″ x 3″ |
Tools Required
| Ratchet | Fishwire, 1/2″ (includes 4 qty) |
|---|---|
| Socket, 3/4″ | Tape measure |
| 6″ Socket extension | Die grinder |
| Torx bit, T-10, T-25 | Tape |
| Torque wrench | Reciprocating saw/ Rotary tool |
- 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 lower fascia
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 | 4 | Carriage bolt, 1/2-13″ UNC, 1-1/4″, grade 8 |
| 2 | 4 | Serrated flange nut, 1/2″-13 UNC, grade 8 |
| 3 | 4 | Square hole spacer, 1/4″ x 1″ x 3″ |
HOLE
ENLARGEMENT
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. REVERSE PULL FISHWIRE TECHNIQUE
Attach the fishwire to the carriage bolt and slide the spacer onto the fishwire.
Push the bolt through the hole followed by the spacer, as shown.
Pull the bolt back into position, protruding from the frame. Step 1
From behind the driver-side wheel well, remove the screw using a T-25 torx
bit.
Remove the retaining screw using a T-10 torx bit from the retaining clip from
the lower fascia. Finish removing the retaining clip that connects the lower
fascia to the trunk pan.
Repeat on the other side of the vehicle.
Note: To assist in the removal of the retaining clip, compress the tabs
that are accessible from behind / above the lower fascia. 
Step 2
Use a utility knife to remove the underbody coating from the holes in the
frame to allow the hardware to pass through the holes within the frame. Step
3
Fishwire the carriage bolt (#1) and square hole spacer (#3) into each frame
rail through an access hole in each frame rail to the forwardmost mounting
hole. The access hole may need to have the coating removed and / or be
enlarged slightly to allow the hardware to pass through. Reverse fishwire the
hardware through the access hole into the frame rail.
Step 4
Trim the lower fascia using the trim diagram as a reference. 
Step 5
Raise the hitch into position. Pull downward and rearward on the lower fascia
to allow room for the hitch to pass between the fascia panel and trunk pan.
Make sure to guide the fishwire through the holes in the hitch. Remove
fishwire and secure the hitch using the supplied 1/2″ flange nuts (#2).
Note: Be careful not to push the hardware into frame. 
Step 6
Torque all 1/2″ hardware to 110 ft-lbs. Step 7
Reinstall both retaining clips and screws in lower fascia that were removed in
Step 1.
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
13496-INS-RA
12/13/2021
ECN9115
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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