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2018 - 2024 Jeep Compass
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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) | 350 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 - 2024 | Jeep Compass | — |
The 18 - 24 JEEP Compass -- 1.25in. CURT Trailer Hitch + Ball Mount + Cover + Lock Kit by CURT HWA1540 (Part #HWA1540) fits 2018-2024 Jeep Compass models. The 2024 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the 18 - 24 JEEP Compass -- 1.25in. CURT Trailer Hitch + Ball Mount + Cover + Lock Kit by CURT HWA1540 (Part #HWA1540) is designed to fit the 2018-2024 Jeep Compass.
The 18 - 24 JEEP Compass -- 1.25in. CURT Trailer Hitch + Ball Mount + Cover + Lock Kit by CURT HWA1540 (Part #HWA1540) fits the following vehicles: 2018-2024 Jeep Compass. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 18 - 24 JEEP Compass -- 1.25in. CURT Trailer Hitch + Ball Mount + Cover + Lock Kit by CURT HWA1540 (Part #HWA1540) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, CURT 12174 is designed for 2017.5–present Jeep Compass SUV models. The manual confirms this application. If your Compass is a tow hook equipped model, follow the alternative installation path (steps 5, 6, 8, and 9 only), which uses the existing 14mm hex bolts from the vehicle frame.
CURT 12174 is rated for a maximum of 3,500 lbs trailer weight and 350 lbs tongue weight when used as a weight-carrying hitch. You must never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. The manual emphasizes this as a critical safety requirement.
CURT 12174 is designed for use with ball mount #45521 (euro mount). Optional ball mount configurations are available: #45571 (1 7/8" ball) and #45572 (2" ball). Consult CURT's catalog or website for compatibility details.
Yes. All non-trailer (wheel-less) loads applied to this hitch must be supported by CURT 18050 stabilizing straps. Failure to properly support non-trailer loads will void the product warranty. See the CURT catalog or visit www.curtmfg.com for further information.
Required tools are: T30 Torq bit, 13mm socket, 15mm socket, 3/4" socket, 6" socket extension, ratchet, torque wrench, pliers, die grinder, aviation shears or tin snips, tape measure, masking tape, marker, and safety glasses. The manual lists these as essential for proper installation.
The kit includes: (6) 1/2"-13 UNC carriage bolts, grade 8, 1-3/4" long (part 10-10272); (2) M8×1.25 hex cap screws, 45mm, class 10.9 (part 10-10464); (6) 1/2"-13 UNC serrated flange nuts, grade 8 (part 20-00062); (6) 0.250" × 1.00" × 2.50" square hole spacers (part CM-SP10); and (6) 1/2" fishwires (part 1_2 FISHWIRE). All fasteners are provided; no factory hardware is reused for the main hitch attachment.
Temporary exhaust removal is recommended to ease installation. You must remove the (1) nut on each of the (2) rearward most exhaust hanger brackets using a 13mm socket. Support the exhaust before removing the nuts to prevent damage. To fully remove the exhaust, loosen the nut at the bolted connection in the middle of the vehicle with a 15mm socket. The exhaust is reinstalled in step 9.
You must: (1) Remove (2) T30 screws attaching the bumper fascia to body mounts and save them for reinstallation; (2) Remove (3) sheet metal nuts holding the heat shield, remove the heat shield, and trim the exhaust attachment tabs from it, then reinstall the heat shield center; (3) Trim a 2 1/2" side-to-side and 2 5/8" lengthwise cutout from the bumper cover using aviation shears or tin snips. These dimensions are reference only—check hitch location on your vehicle before trimming.
Yes. You must use a die grinder to enlarge the rearward most holes in the bottom of the frame to allow the supplied carriage bolts and spacers to pass through. Remove any plastic hole covers first. This is a permanent modification to the vehicle frame.
Using pliers, bend the (2) small locator tabs flat on each exhaust bracket or remove them entirely. Then reinstall the exhaust hanger and replace the factory hardware with an M8 tap bolt on each side. These modifications allow the hitch to fit without interference.
Two people may be required to ease installation. The manual notes this as a helpful consideration, particularly when raising the hitch into position and managing the bumper cover.
The installation is rated as CHALLENGING. The manual requires removal and modification of the exhaust, heat shield, and bumper cover; die grinder work; and precise measurement and trimming. If you are hesitant to undertake this task, contact an authorized CURT installer for assistance. Technical support is available at 877-287-8634.
Torque all 1/2" fasteners (carriage bolts and flange nuts) to 110 lb-ft. Torque all M8 fasteners (exhaust bracket bolts) to 23 lb-ft. The manual does not specify a torque value for M14 fasteners in the context of this hitch; the reference to 126 lb-ft for M14 appears in the general specifications but is not used in the 12174 installation steps.
Thread fishwires into the hitch mounting holes and raise the hitch into mounting position with the main body on the rearward side of the bumper fascia body mounts. Pull downward on the rear bumper cover approximately 5" to accomplish getting the hitch in position. Once positioned, remove the fishwires and install the (6) 1/2" hex flange nuts provided.
Standard installation sequence: (1) Remove bumper fascia screws; (2) Remove exhaust hanger nuts and support exhaust; (3) Remove and modify heat shield; (4) Enlarge frame holes and fishwire carriage bolts and spacers; (5) Mark and trim bumper cover cutout; (6) Modify exhaust brackets and reinstall with M8 bolts; (7) Raise hitch into position using fishwires and bumper cover; (8) Install flange nuts and torque fasteners; (9) Reinstall exhaust and bumper fascia screws. For tow hook equipped models, skip steps 2–3 and follow steps 5, 6, 8, and 9 only.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure all fasteners are tight and all structural components are sound. This ongoing maintenance is critical to safe operation. The manual emphasizes this as a regular maintenance requirement, not a one-time check.
Wear safety glasses at all times while installing this product. Support the exhaust before removing hanger nuts to prevent damage. Use proper tools to improve installation quality and reduce time. If you are hesitant to undertake this task, contact an authorized CURT installer. Technical support is available at 877-287-8634.
Yes. CURT 12174 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.
CURT Manufacturing 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 may repair or replace it at their option when returned prepaid with proof of purchase. Alteration to, misuse of, or improper installation voids the warranty. CURT's liability is limited to repair or replacement of defective products and excludes incidental or consequential loss or damage.
Yes, CURT 12174 is designed for 2017.5–present Jeep Compass SUV. Tow hook equipped models use an alternative installation path.
T30 Torq bit, 13mm/15mm/3/4" sockets, 6" extension, ratchet, torque wrench, pliers, die grinder, aviation shears, tape measure, masking tape, marker, and safety glasses.
Torque all 1/2" fasteners to 110 lb-ft and all M8 fasteners to 23 lb-ft.
Wear safety glasses at all times. Support the exhaust before removing hanger nuts. If hesitant, contact an authorized CURT installer at 877-287-8634.
Periodically check the hitch to ensure all fasteners are tight and all structural components are sound.
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