Does the Curt 13550 fit 2002-2005 Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, and Lincoln Aviator?

Yes, the Curt 13550 is designed for 02-05 Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, and Lincoln Aviator.

Can I use both an OEM hitch and the Curt 13550 receiver hitch at the same time?

No. Do not use both receivers at the same time. The manual explicitly warns that using both the OEM hitch and the aftermarket receiver hitch simultaneously may overload and cause damage to the vehicle.

What is the gross load capacity of the Curt 13550 when used as a weight-carrying hitch?

When used as a weight-carrying hitch, the gross load capacity is 5,000 lbs trailer weight and 500 lbs tongue weight. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.

What is the gross load capacity of the Curt 13550 when used as a weight-distribution hitch?

When used as a weight-distribution hitch, the gross load capacity is 8,000 lbs trailer weight and 800 lbs tongue weight. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.

What hardware is included with the Curt 13550?

The kit includes: 6 flat washers (1/2"), 2 carriage bolts (1/2"-13 UNC, 1-3/4", Grade 8), 2 serrated flange nuts (1/2"-13 UNC, Grade 8), 6 hex cap screws (M12×1.75, 45 mm, Class 10.9), 2 square hole spacers (0.250" × 1.50" × 2.00"), and 2 pieces of 1/2" fishwire.

Is drilling required to install the Curt 13550?

No. The manual states "NO DRILLING REQUIRED." The hitch uses existing frame holes and fastener locations.

Do I need to remove the factory bumper brackets to install the Curt 13550?

Yes. Step 1 of the installation requires you to remove 3 existing bumper bracket nuts (if present) and 3 M12 or M14 bolts from each side of the frame before installing the hitch.

What is the purpose of the fishwire in the Curt 13550 installation?

The fishwire is used to guide the carriage bolts and square hole spacer through the end of the frame during installation (Step 2). Two pieces of 1/2" fishwire are included in the kit.

What is the torque specification for M14 fasteners on the Curt 13550?

All M14 fasteners must be torqued to 136 ft-lb.

What is the torque specification for M12 fasteners on the Curt 13550?

All M12 fasteners must be torqued to 79 ft-lb.

What is the torque specification for 1/2" fasteners on the Curt 13550?

All 1/2" fasteners must be torqued to 110 ft-lb.

Do I need to reuse factory fasteners when installing the Curt 13550?

Yes. Step 4 requires you to reinstall factory fasteners. If your vehicle has M14 factory fasteners, reinstall them as-is. If your vehicle has M12 factory fasteners, install the supplied M12 fasteners and then reinstall the factory M12 nuts.

What maintenance is required after installing the Curt 13550?

Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure that all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound. This is an ongoing maintenance requirement to ensure safe operation.

What is the maximum towing capacity I should use with the Curt 13550?

Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. The hitch itself supports up to 5,000 lbs trailer weight and 500 lbs tongue weight as a weight-carrying hitch, or 8,000 lbs trailer weight and 800 lbs tongue weight as a weight-distribution hitch, but your vehicle's limits may be lower.

Does the Curt 13550 fit my 2003 Ford Explorer?

Yes, the Curt 13550 is designed for 2002-2005 Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, and Lincoln Aviator.

What torque values apply to the Curt 13550?

M14 fasteners: 136 ft-lb; M12 fasteners: 79 ft-lb; 1/2" fasteners: 110 ft-lb.

What is the towing capacity of the Curt 13550?

Weight-carrying: 5,000 lbs trailer / 500 lbs tongue. Weight-distribution: 8,000 lbs trailer / 800 lbs tongue. Do not exceed your vehicle's manufacturer towing capacity.

Can I use both the factory hitch and the Curt 13550 at the same time?

No. Using both receivers simultaneously may overload and damage the vehicle.

What maintenance does the Curt 13550 require?

Periodically check that all fasteners are tight and structural components are sound.

CURT

02 - 05 Mercury Mountaineer Fits beneath factory 1-1/4" receiver 2in. CURT Trailer Hitch + Ball Mount + Cover + Lock Kit HWA1944

Name: 02 - 05 Mercury Mountaineer Fits beneath factory 1-1/4" receiver 2in. CURT Trailer Hitch + Ball Mount + Cover + Lock Kit HWA1944
Brand: CURT
SKU: HWA1944
Price: 496.75 USD
Availability: InStock

Verify Fitment

Select your vehicle to confirm this part fits.

Fits the following vehicles:

Vehicle Specific

2002 - 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
Confirmed to Fit
- Fits beneath factory 1: 1/4" receiver

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This kit Includes:

Trailer Hitch
Trailer Hitch Hardware
Trailer Hitch Install Instructions
Ball Mount w/ Ball
Lock
Rubber Hitch Cover

Whatever your task at hand -- whether it's launching that boat before daybreak, setting up your camper before the rush or getting a final load to the dump before close -- CURT class 3 trailer hitches offer the strength needed for serious towing. They make it easy to hitch up and Bring It, offering a vehicle-specific fit and the weight capacity to handle a variety of trailers. Custom class 3 hitches are the most common type of receiver hitch for pickup trucks and SUVs. Because of their weight range, they are also found on full-size cars, crossovers and minivans. Each custom-fit class 3 hitch package is made for vehicle-specific mounting. This particular kit fits certain years of the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator and Mercury Mountaineer (see application info to verify vehicle compatibility). It provides a weight carrying capacity of 5,000 lbs. GTW and 500 lbs. TW. It is also compatible with a weight distribution hitch for level towing and a rating of 8,000 lbs. WD and 800 lbs. WDTW. CURT class 3 trailer hitches are typically used to attach and haul utility trailers, boat trailers, campers, snowmobile or ATV haulers and more (NOTE: Never exceed the lowest-rated towing component). Each class 3 hitch has a 2" receiver tube and is tested in accordance with SAE J684 for safety. To ensure that CURT class 3 receiver hitches have what it takes for serious trailering, they are designed using a hands-on approach and are constructed with rugged, high-strength steel and precise welding. We also protect our class 3 hitches in a co-cured finish of liquid A-coat and black powder coat for superior resistance to rust, chipping and UV damage.

Rated to 5,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 500 lbs. tongue weight
Compatible with weight distribution hitch (8,000 lbs. WD / 800 lbs. WDTW)
Engineered with a vehicle-specific design for a custom fit
Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J684
Precisely welded for superior strength and fit
Protected by a durable high-gloss black powder coat finish
Co-cured in a rust-resistant liquid A-coat, inside and out
Equipped with an open-back receiver for easy cleaning
Limited lifetime warranty (one-year finish, one-year parts)
Made in USA (may include imported hardware)

Specifications

Finish	GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
Main Body Shape	Round
Material	Carbon Steel
Mount Type Description	Blank
Receiver Tube Size	2 IN
Side Application Type Description	Blank
Tongue Weight (TW)	500 LB
Warranty	Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Weight Carrying Capacity (WC)	5,000 LB
Weight Distribution (WD)	8,000 LB
Weight Distribution Tongue Weight (WDTW)	800 LB

Ball Mount

CURT towing starter kits are the all-in-one accessory package to accompany your trailer hitch, equipping you with the necessary components to hitch up and hit the road. Each towing starter kit includes a ball mount and a hitch pin or hitch lock, eliminating the need to purchase these items separately and removing the stress of needing to find components of matching size. This CURT towing starter kit features a class 2 ball mount #45521 with a 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" shank to fit a class 1 or 2 trailer hitch. CURT class 2 ball mounts are CNC-formed and robotically welded for clean, accurate weld lines. This class 2 features a powder coat finish and comes with a pre-torqued, chrome-plated 2" trailer ball. It offers a 3-1/4" drop, a gross trailer weight capacity of 3,500 lbs. and a tongue weight rating of 350 lbs. Also included in this towing starter kit is a CURT hitch pin & clip #21403. This hitch pin features a 1/2" diameter and is constructed from solid steel to ensure reliable strength. It also comes with a zinc finish and a grooved end that allows the clip to be inserted at any angle. All CURT 1/2" pins come with a 105-degree bend, making them easier to handle and operate when mounting your ball mount, and they will fit any CURT ball mount or hitch-mounted accessory with a 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" shank. For the new hitch owner and towing veteran alike, a CURT towing starter kit is the perfect accessory to Bring It.

Rated to 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight
Fits trailer hitches with a 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver tube opening
Factory-torqued trailer ball accepts 2" couplers
USA-made ball mount is CNC-formed and robotically welded for a perfect fit
2-5/8" rise or 3-1/4" drop for precise trailer leveling
1/2" hitch pin fits any 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver tube
Grooved pin allows clip attachment at any angle
Ball mount protected by a durable powder coat finish
Trailer ball features a polished chrome-plated finish
Limited lifetime warranty (one-year finish, one-year parts)

Specifications

Side Application Type Description	Blank
Tongue Weight (TW)	350 LB
Warranty	Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Drop	3-1/4 IN
Finish	GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)	3,500 LB
Material	Blank
Mount Type Description	Blank

02 - 05 Mercury Mountaineer Fits beneath factory 1-1/4" receiver 2in. CURT Trailer Hitch + Ball Mount + Cover + Lock Kit HWA1944

Additional information

Fits the following vehicles:

Ask a Question About This Product

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02 - 05 Mercury Mountaineer Fits beneath factory 1-1/4" receiver 2in. CURT Trailer Hitch + Ball Mount + Cover + Lock Kit HWA1944

Guaranteed Fitment

In-House Experts

Added Value

Nationwide Delivery

Additional information

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About CURT

We are the FIRST Name in Towing Products®

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In-House Experts

Added Value

Nationwide Delivery

Guaranteed Fitment

In-House Experts

Added Value

Nationwide Delivery

Recommended for your vehicle

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Ball Mount

Specifications

About CURT

We are the FIRST Name in Towing Products®

CURT Catalogs

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