Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
CURT
Verify Fitment
Select your vehicle to confirm this part fits.
1996 Mercury Mountaineer Fits beneath factory 1-1/4" receiver
Confirmed to Fit
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Complete CURT Class 3 2" trailer hitch and 4-flat custom wiring kit engineered for the 1996 Mercury Mountaineer Fits beneath factory 1-1/4" receiver. Vehicle-specific fit, plug-and-play installation, all hardware and instructions included.
This custom kit fits the following vehicles:
All Hardware and Installation Instructions Included!
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, Mazda Navajo and Mercury Mountaineer (see application info to verify vehicle compatibility). It provides a weight carrying capacity of 4,000 lbs. GTW and 400 lbs. TW. It is also compatible with a weight distribution hitch for level towing and a rating of 6,000 lbs. WD and 600 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.
CURT custom wiring connectors are the easiest way to outfit your vehicle with a CURT trailer wiring connection. They are built with some of the most advanced technology in the industry, and each one is custom-fitted to work with a specific make and model. Some automotive manufacturers install a special socket on the vehicle to be used for vehicle-to-trailer wiring. Although this special socket is not equipped on every vehicle, a CURT custom wiring connector -- also called a T-connector -- utilizes the socket for simple, stress-free installation. Rather than requiring you to cut, splice and solder into your vehicle's wiring system, the custom wiring connector uses a single OEM-compatible plug and instantly provides a standard, universal vehicle-to-trailer wiring connection, typically in the form a 4-way flat. All CURT custom wiring connectors are made vehicle-specific for the easiest possible installation and the best fit. This particular plug-in connector provides a 4-way flat socket and is designed to be a custom wiring option for certain years of the Ford Explorer, Ford Ranger, Mercury Mountaineer and Mazda B2500, B3000 and B4000 (factory tow package required; to verify your vehicle compatibility, see application info). It comes with all necessary hardware to establish a solid connection. It also comes with a dust cover to keep the connector socket clean when not in use. To ensure long-lasting reliability, all CURT custom wiring connectors are thoroughly tested for optimal functionality. Stress is the last thing you should feel when towing a trailer -- whether you're hauling your RV to that favorite camping destination, your ATVs up to the hunting grounds or your fishing boat to the new hidden hotspot. At CURT, we think your towing equipment should add to the enjoyment of your experience, not detract from it.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Mercury Mountaineer Fits beneath factory 1-1/4" receiver | — |
Yes, Curt part number 13540 is designed for 1991–2001 Ford Explorer 4-door models. Your 1998 Explorer is within this range and is a compatible application.
No. Curt part number 13540 is designed for 1991 and later Ford Explorer models. Your 1989 Explorer is not listed as a compatible application.
Yes, Curt part number 13540 is compatible with 1996–2001 Mercury Mountaineer models.
Yes, Curt part number 13540 is compatible with 1991–1994 Mazda Navajo SUV models. Your 1992 Navajo is within this range.
No. Curt part number 13540 is designed for 1991–2001 Ford Explorer 4-door models. The 2004 Explorer is outside this range and is not a compatible application.
Yes, Curt part number 13540 is compatible with 1991–2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2-door models.
The kit includes: two 9/16"-12 UNC grade 8 hex cap screws (1-1/2" long); two 0.250" × 1.38" × 1.50" round-hole spacers; four 0.250" × 1.50" × 2.00" square-hole spacers; two 9/16" lock washers; two 9/16"-12 UNC grade 8 hex nuts; four 1/2"-13 UNC grade 8 serrated-flange nuts; and four 1/2"-13 UNC grade 8 carriage bolts (1-3/4" long).
No. For 1995 and later models, no drilling is required. The hitch uses existing holes in the vehicle frame. For 1994 and prior models, you must drill 1/2" holes through the frame rails using the hitch bracket as a template.
Yes. For 1994 and prior models, you must drill 1/2" holes through the frame rails. Use the hole in the hitch bracket as a template.
You must drill 1/2" holes through the frame rails. Use the hole in the hitch bracket as a template to mark the location.
1. Position the hitch against the bottom and sides of the vehicle frame, aligning holes in the hitch frame brackets with existing holes in the vehicle frame just forward of the bumper brackets. 2. Insert a 9/16" bolt through each hitch frame bracket and vehicle side frame; loosely secure with lock washer and hex nut on both sides. 3. Assemble 1/2" carriage bolts into square-hole spacers and position them to drop through existing holes in the vehicle cross-member and side frame. 4. Push the hitch assembly up against the bottom of the cross-member and end of the vehicle frame so the carriage bolts drop through the frame bracket holes. Tighten bolts at the end of each frame first, then the remaining bolts in the cross-member, then the 9/16" attachment bolts in the side frame last. 5. For 1994 and prior models, drill 1/2" holes through the frame rails using the hitch bracket as a template. 6. Torque 1/2" hardware to 110 lb-ft and 9/16" hardware to 150 lb-ft.
Torque the 1/2" hardware to 110 lb-ft.
Torque the 9/16" hardware to 150 lb-ft.
The manual does not provide the gross load capacity values. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. Contact Curt Manufacturing technical support at 1-877-287-8634 for capacity specifications.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure that all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound. This is essential for safe operation.
The manual lists both weight-carrying and weight-distribution capacity sections, but the values are blank. Contact Curt Manufacturing technical support at 1-877-287-8634 to confirm whether this hitch is rated for weight-distribution use.
The 13540 fits 1991–2001 Ford Explorer 4-door, 1991–2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2-door, 1991–1994 Mazda Navajo SUV, and 1996–2001 Mercury Mountaineer.
No drilling is required for 1995 and later models. For 1994 and prior models, you must drill 1/2" holes through the frame rails using the hitch bracket as a template.
Torque 1/2" hardware to 110 lb-ft and 9/16" hardware to 150 lb-ft.
The kit includes two 9/16" hex cap screws, two round-hole spacers, four square-hole spacers, two lock washers, two 9/16" hex nuts, four 1/2" serrated-flange nuts, and four 1/2" carriage bolts.
The manual does not list capacity values. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. Contact Curt technical support at 1-877-287-8634 for specifications.
Periodically check all fasteners are tight and structural components are sound.
Yes, Curt part 55241 is designed for Ford Ranger. On the Ranger, the vehicle's factory tow harness connector is located on the driver's side behind the bumper.
Yes, Curt part 55241 is designed for Ford Explorer. On the Explorer, the vehicle's factory tow harness connector is located on the passenger's side behind the bumper.
Yes, Curt part 55241 is designed for Mazda B-Series Pickup.
Yes, Curt part 55241 is designed for Mercury Mountaineer.
On the Ford Ranger, the factory tow harness connector is located on the driver's side behind the bumper. It will have connection points similar to the harness connector you are installing.
On the Ford Explorer, the factory tow harness connector is located on the passenger's side behind the bumper. It will have connection points similar to the harness connector you are installing.
Remove the protective cap from the harness connector and insert it into your vehicle's factory tow harness connector located behind the bumper. Make sure the connectors are fully inserted with locking tabs in place.
Route the 4-flat connector to the center of the vehicle and secure it in a convenient out-of-the-way location. Secure any loose wires with the cable ties provided.
Before drilling, verify that miscellaneous items that may be hidden behind or under any surface are not present. This will avoid damage to hidden components and personal injury.
Curt 55241 fits Ford Explorer, Ford Ranger, Mazda B-Series Pickup, and Mercury Mountaineer.
The manual does not explicitly state whether drilling is required. It includes a warning to verify hidden items before drilling, suggesting drilling may be involved, but does not confirm this is a required step.
The manual does not specify what tools are required for installation.
On Sale Today
Original price was $398.90. Current price is $372.21.You save $26.69 (7%)
Free Shipping
Ships free on all orders
Authorized Dealer
Quick Ship
In stock and ready to ship — order now!
FREE ShippingFREE SHIPPING
Estimated delivery Tue, Aug 25 - Fri, Aug 28
Order before 2 PM EST Monday–Friday for same-day processing
Guaranteed safe & secure checkout
No reviews have been added for this product.