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| Finish | GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT |
| Main Body Shape | Square |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Mount Type Description | Blank |
| Receiver Tube Size | 1-1/4 IN |
| Side Application Type Description | Blank |
| Tongue Weight (TW) | 300 LB |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts) |
| Weight Carrying Capacity (WC) | 3,500 LB |
| 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 |
CURT offers a variety of high-quality trailer hitches and accessories for select vehicle models. Find the perfect fit for your towing needs at TowUniverse.
CURT, a Lippert brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit hitches, and each one is designed, welded, and coated in Wisconsin.
CURT is also a leader in flat towing products, as well as 5th wheel, gooseneck, and weight distribution hitches, ball mounts, electrical components, cargo solutions, and other towing accessories.
For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products®.'
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-94941 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 - 2019 | Ford Taurus | Sedan |
The 10 - 19 Ford Taurus Sedan 1.25in. CURT Trailer Hitch + Ball Mount + Cover + Lock Kit by CURT HWA981 (Part #HWA981) fits 2010-2019 Ford Taurus models. The 2019 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the 10 - 19 Ford Taurus Sedan 1.25in. CURT Trailer Hitch + Ball Mount + Cover + Lock Kit by CURT HWA981 (Part #HWA981) is designed to fit the 2010-2019 Ford Taurus.
The 10 - 19 Ford Taurus Sedan 1.25in. CURT Trailer Hitch + Ball Mount + Cover + Lock Kit by CURT HWA981 (Part #HWA981) fits the following vehicles: 2010-2019 Ford Taurus. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 10 - 19 Ford Taurus Sedan 1.25in. CURT Trailer Hitch + Ball Mount + Cover + Lock Kit by CURT HWA981 (Part #HWA981) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, the CURT 12296 is designed for Ford Taurus including SHO models from 2010 to current, sedan body style only. Confirm your vehicle matches this specification before purchase. The hitch is designed for use with ball mount #45518/D-18.
The CURT 12296 is rated for a maximum trailer weight of 3,500 lbs and tongue weight of 300 lbs when used as a weight-carrying hitch. However, you must never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity, which may be lower. Always verify your vehicle's limits before towing.
No, drilling is not required. The hitch uses existing holes in the Ford Taurus frame rails and an existing weld nut. Installation uses the fishwire technique to route carriage bolts through access holes in the frame rails.
You do not need to fully remove the exhaust, but you must lower it. Remove the upper exhaust hanger brackets from the rubber isolators and remove the exhaust hangers near the exhaust split forward of the mufflers from their rubber isolators. Support the exhaust to avoid damage during installation. The rubber isolators must be saved and reinstalled after the hitch is mounted.
You will need: 10mm, 18mm, and 19mm sockets; an 8-inch socket extension; a ratchet; a torque wrench; safety glasses; and spray lubricant. A 10mm socket removes the driver side exhaust isolator bracket bolts, an 18mm socket removes the passenger side bracket bolts, and a 19mm socket secures the hitch fasteners.
Two people may be required to ease installation. The manual notes that using proper tools and having assistance will improve installation quality and reduce time required.
Torque all 1/2-inch hardware to 110 ft-lbs. Torque all M12 hardware to 79 ft-lbs. The 1/2-inch hardware includes the carriage bolts and flange nuts; the M12 hardware is the hex bolt with conical toothed washer that secures the forward-most hole on the passenger side.
The fishwire technique routes the carriage bolts and spacers through the frame rail access holes and into the existing holes in the frame rail before the hitch is positioned. Two 1/2-inch fishwires are included. The driver side bolt is fished forward through the access hole into the existing forward hole. The remaining bolts are reverse-pulled through the rearmost access holes. Detailed diagrams are provided in the manual.
The kit includes: 3× 1/2-13 UNC carriage bolts (1-1/4 inch, grade 8); 3× CM-SP10 spacers (0.250 × 1.00 × 2.50 inch square hole); 3× 1/2-13 UNC serrated flange nuts (grade 8); 1× M12×1.75×35mm hex bolt (class 10.9); 2× 1/2-inch fishwires; and 1× 1/2-inch conical toothed washer. All hardware is yellow zinc plated.
Yes. The rubber isolators removed from the upper exhaust hanger brackets in Step 1 must be saved and reinstalled in Step 10. After the hitch is secured, raise the exhaust into position and reinstall the muffler hangers in the isolators, then attach the rubber isolators to the hanger tabs in the hitch side plates. Spray lubricant or soapy water will ease installation of the isolators onto the mount tabs.
1. Remove upper exhaust hanger brackets from rubber isolators and save isolators. 2. Support exhaust and remove forward exhaust hangers from isolators. 3. Remove driver side exhaust isolator bracket (10mm socket, 2 bolts). 4. Remove passenger side exhaust isolator bracket (18mm socket, 2 bolts). 5. Fishwire 1/2-13 carriage bolt and spacer through driver side access hole. 6. Reverse-pull fishwire carriage bolts and spacers into rearmost access holes on both sides. 7. Maneuver hitch into position between exhaust and bumper cover, aligning fishwired hardware with hitch holes. 8. Secure hitch with 19mm socket using 3× flange nuts and 1× M12 hex bolt with washer. 9. Torque 1/2-inch hardware to 110 ft-lbs and M12 hardware to 79 ft-lbs. 10. Reinstall rubber isolators and raise exhaust into position.
Wear safety glasses at all times during installation. Support the exhaust system to avoid damage when removing the isolators and hangers. Take care not to push the fishwired hardware into the frame rails when positioning the hitch. The manual recommends reading all instructions thoroughly before beginning and contacting an authorized CURT installer if you are hesitant to undertake the installation yourself.
CURT strongly recommends the use of auxiliary stabilizing straps for all non-trailer (wheel-less) loads applied to this hitch. Failure to properly support non-trailer loads with auxiliary stabilizing straps will void the product warranty. Refer to the CURT catalog or visit www.curtmfg.com for further information on compatible straps.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure that all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound. The manual does not specify a retorque interval, but regular inspection of fastener tightness is essential for safe operation.
The CURT 12296 is designed for use with ball mount #45518/D-18. Verify compatibility with your chosen ball mount before purchase.
CURT Manufacturing Inc. warrants the product to be free of defects in material and workmanship at the time of retail purchase by the original purchaser. If defective, CURT may repair or replace the product at their option when returned prepaid with proof of purchase. Warranty is voided by alteration, misuse, or improper installation. CURT's liability is limited to repair or replacement and excludes incidental or consequential loss or damage.
Yes, it fits 2010–current Ford Taurus including SHO sedans. It is designed for use with ball mount #45518/D-18.
No drilling is required. The hitch uses existing frame rail holes and an existing weld nut.
You need 10mm, 18mm, and 19mm sockets; an 8-inch extension; a ratchet; a torque wrench; safety glasses; and spray lubricant.
No, but you must lower it by removing the upper exhaust hanger brackets and forward exhaust hangers from their rubber isolators, and supporting the exhaust system.
Torque all 1/2-inch hardware to 110 ft-lbs and all M12 hardware to 79 ft-lbs.
Maximum 3,500 lbs trailer weight and 300 lbs tongue weight, but never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
Yes, CURT strongly recommends auxiliary stabilizing straps for all non-trailer loads. Failure to use them voids the warranty.
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