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1978 - 1987 Chevrolet El Camino
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Select your vehicle to find the exact plug-and-play parts that fit — no cutting or splicing.
This fits: 1978-1987 Chevrolet El Camino All
A CURT trailer hitch is the key to pursuing your passions, whether you're taking the family boat out for an afternoon on the water or packing up the mountain bikes for a day on the trails. This CURT class 2 hitch is perfect for towing a small trailer, such as a boat trailer, lightweight camper or utility trailer. It can also be used to mount a hitch cargo carrier or bike rack (never exceed the lowest-rated towing component). Like all CURT custom hitches, this class 2 trailer hitch is made for a vehicle-specific fit. It is engineered to seamlessly integrate with select years of the Buick Century, Buick Regal, Chevrolet El Camino, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, Pontiac Bonneville, Pontiac Grand Prix and Pontiac LeMans (see application info to verify fitment). It is rated for 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight. It is also equipped with 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" hitch receiver to accept the included ball mount. The ball mount that comes with this hitch kit has a 3/4" trailer ball hole and can be positioned in the drop or rise orientation for level towing with your specific trailer (trailer ball not included). Like all CURT custom receiver hitches, this class 2 hitch is designed, manufactured, finished and tested with the utmost care. It is engineered for a precise fit, easy installation, maximum towing strength and an integrated look on the vehicle. It is also tested to SAE J684 protocols for safety. This class 2 trailer hitch is finished with our industry-leading dual-coat process for unparalleled rust, chip and UV resistance. It is descaled for a smooth surface, submersed in liquid A-coat for rust prevention inside and out, covered with a highly durable powder coat, and finally co-cured for a dependable shield against the elements. This class 2 hitch comes with a ball mount, hitch pin and mounting hardware for a complete installation.
Trailer hitch weight ratings are limited to vehicle manufacturer's stated capacities
Not compatible for use with vertical hanging bicycles (bike racks that require the bicycles to be hung / mounted vertically)
Includes ball mount #45520, installation hardware, pin & clip
1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 Chevrolet El Camino All Class 2 Hitch, 1-1/4" Mount, Select Buick, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac

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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 - 1987 | Chevrolet El Camino | — |
The 1978-1987 Chevrolet El Camino All Class 2 Hitch, 1-1/4" Mount (Part #CHD-120053-004) fits the following vehicles: 1978-1987 Chevrolet El Camino. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 1978-1987 Chevrolet El Camino All Class 2 Hitch, 1-1/4" Mount (Part #CHD-120053-004) fits 1978-1987 Chevrolet El Camino models. The 1987 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the 1978-1987 Chevrolet El Camino All Class 2 Hitch, 1-1/4" Mount (Part #CHD-120053-004) is designed to fit the 1978-1987 Chevrolet El Camino.
The 1978-1987 Chevrolet El Camino All Class 2 Hitch, 1-1/4" Mount (Part #CHD-120053-004) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes. Model 12005 is designed for 77-88 Chevrolet Monte Carlo models, which includes your 1985 model year.
Yes. Model 12005 is designed for 78-81 Century Sedan and Wagon models, which includes your 1980 Sedan.
Yes, it fits 78-88 El Camino models. However, installation requires special steps: the bumper must be removed with the E/A assembly so the carriage bolts can be fishwired from the rear frame opening.
No. Model 12005 is designed for 78-87 Grand Prix models only. Your 1989 model year is outside the supported range.
The hitch is designed for use with ball mount #D-20 / 45520.
The manual specifies a gross load capacity of 3,500 lbs. trailer weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight when used as a weight-carrying hitch. However, you must not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity, which may be lower.
Yes. All non-trailer loads applied to this hitch must be supported by Curt stabilizing straps model 18050. Failure to properly support non-trailer loads will void the product warranty.
For most vehicles (Buick Regal, Century, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Olds Cutlass, Pontiac Bonneville and Grand Prix, Montana), no bumper removal is required. However, El Camino and Caballero models require the bumper to be removed with the E/A assembly so the carriage bolts can be fishwired from the rear frame opening.
You must remove three lower bolts that attach the E/A unit to the frame: two on the passenger side and one on the driver side. On station wagon models, remove the center-most bolt from the bottom of the bumper instead.
Yes. You must enlarge the E/A bolt holes with a 3/8" drill bit to accommodate the hitch mounting bolts.
You will need a 3/8" drill bit to enlarge the E/A bolt holes. A fishwire tool (included with the hitch) is used to route the 1/2" carriage bolts through the frame access holes. Standard wrenches or sockets will be needed to install and torque the fasteners.
The kit includes: 2 carriage bolts (1/2"-13 x 2 1/4"), 2 flat washers (1/2"), 1 fishwire tool (1/2"), 3 hex bolts (3/8"-16 x 1 1/4"), 6 washers (3/8"), 2 square hole spacers (CM-SP33), 2 hex nuts (1/2"-13), and 3 nylock hex nuts (3/8"-16).
Torque all 1/2" fasteners to 110 lb.-ft.
Torque all 3/8" fasteners to 45 lb.-ft.
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, so contact Curt technical support at 1-800-798-0813 for guidance on inspection frequency.
78-87 Buick Regal RWD, 78-81 Century Sedan/Wagon, 77-88 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 78-88 El Camino, 78-83 Olds Cutlass Ciera Cruiser, 78-88 Cutlass Supreme, 82-86 Pontiac Bonneville, 78-87 Grand Prix, and 78-81 Montana.
3,500 lbs. trailer weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
Yes. Enlarge the E/A bolt holes with a 3/8" drill bit.
Torque 1/2" fasteners to 110 lb.-ft. and 3/8" fasteners to 45 lb.-ft.
Yes. All non-trailer loads must be supported by Curt stabilizing straps model 18050. Failure to do so voids the warranty.
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