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Complete CURT Class 5 2" trailer hitch and 4-flat custom wiring kit engineered for the 1997 Ford F-250 Old body, excluding 10" drop bumper and 1973 - 1979 crew cab. 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!
When we came to the limits of towing capacity, we wanted to know what else was out there. What could we discover off the beaten path? So, we kept going. CURT class 5 Xtra Duty hitches begin a class of their own, beyond class 4 and beyond anything the standards dictate. They are designed for the hard road where only full-size pickup trucks, vans and SUVs dare to tread. They are capable of pulling almost any heavy-duty trailer, including toy haulers, dump trailers, logging trailers, small yacht trailers and more (NOTE: Never exceed the lowest weight capacity of any towing component). This particular Xtra Duty class 5 trailer hitch offers a gross trailer weight capacity of 16,000 lbs. and an extra-high tongue weight capacity of 2,400 lbs. It features a 2" x 2" receiver tube opening to accept a ball mount or hitch-mounted accessory, such as a cargo carrier or winch mount. It is designed to be a custom-fit trailer hitch for certain years of the Dodge D100, D150, D200, D250, C300, D350, Ram 1500, 2500 or 3500 and Ford Bronco, F100, F150, F250, F250 HD or F350 (to verify compatibility with your vehicle, see application info). For a little extra towing power and stability, this class 5 hitch can also be used in combination with a weight distributing hitch. It is rated for 17,000 lbs. WD and 2,400 lbs. WDTW. In our drive to create a more powerful hitch, CURT has not neglected the finer details. Our class 5 trailer hitches are welded with precision and go through multiple stages of cleaning to create a smooth surface that is ready to accept our co-cured finish. To protect them from corrosion, chipping and UV damage, these hitches are immersed in a liquid A-coat and then finished in a high-quality black carbide powder coat. They come with grade-8 mounting hardware for solid installation.
If your vehicle is not equipped with wiring for towing a trailer, CURT custom wiring is the ideal solution. A custom wiring harness -- also called a T-connector -- is a simple, plug-and-play electrical device that plugs into your automotive electric system and provides a standard, universal trailer wiring connection. This is done using two or more vehicle-specific, OEM-compatible connectors to plug into the taillight assembly, eliminating the need for cutting, splicing and soldering during installation. Custom wiring harnesses are made vehicle-specific, and while they are not available for all vehicles, they do offer one of the fastest, easiest and most secure ways to wire a vehicle for towing. This particular plug-in harness provides a 4-way flat connector socket and is designed to be a custom wiring harness to fit certain years of the Ford E150, E250, E350, E450, E550 and Econoline Super Duty, Ford Escort, Expedition, Excursion, Explorer, Sport Trac, Focus, Ranger and F150, Lincoln Aviator and Navigator and Mercury Mountaineer and Tracer (to verify your vehicle compatibility, see application info). It comes with all necessary wiring components to establish a reliable trailer wiring connection, as well as a dust cover to keep the connector clean when not in use. You have a picture in mind of your next destination -- maybe it's the boat landing at your favorite fishing spot, maybe it's a campsite that overlooks one of nature's masterpieces, or maybe it's the next big jobsite. However, turning that picture into a reality takes more than just daydreaming. It takes a solid connection and the right amount of power. CURT custom wiring is made with some of the most sophisticated technology in the industry and is designed to install with ease, giving you a long-lasting electrical connection for your towing hitch setup.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Ford F-250 | Old body, excluding 10" drop bumper and 73: 79 crew cab |
Yes, the Curt 15300 fits 1973–92 Ford F-Series trucks. Your 1985 F-150 is within this range. Installation requires lowering the spare tire and drilling six holes in the frame: two for 9/16" hardware and four for 1/2" hardware.
Yes, the Curt 15300 fits 1993–97 Ford F-Series trucks, which includes the 1995 F-250. Installation involves using the hitch slot as a guide over the stock rivet, checking for existing 1/4" holes that may need enlargement to 9/16", and drilling additional 1/2" holes.
Yes, the Curt 15300 fits 1978–97 Ford Bronco Full Size. Installation requires lowering the spare tire, drilling six holes (two for 9/16" hardware, four for 1/2" hardware), and using fishwire hardware on the two forward holes on each side due to tight gas tank clearance. If the bumper interferes, loosen and reposition it upward.
Yes, the Curt 15300 fits 1967–02 Dodge Full Size trucks, which includes the 1990 Dodge Ram. Installation involves enlarging existing 1/2" round holes at the rear of the frame to 9/16", installing 9/16" bolts, then drilling four additional 1/2" holes and installing 1/2" bolts. If the bumper interferes, loosen and reposition it upward.
No. The Curt 15300 is designed for 1967–02 Dodge Full Size trucks only. Your 2005 Dodge is outside this range and requires a different hitch model. Contact Curt Manufacturing technical support at 1-877-287-8634 for the correct part number for your vehicle.
If the bumper interferes with the receiver hitch on a 1978–97 Ford Bronco or 1967–02 Dodge Full Size, loosen the bumper brackets and reposition the bumper upward, then retighten the brackets.
Required tools are: torque wrench, ratchet, 9" extension, drill, center punch, 3/4" socket, 7/8" socket, and safety glasses.
The kit includes: four 1/2"-13 UNC carriage bolts (part 10-10288), two 9/16"-12 UNC carriage bolts (part 10-10328), four 1/2" flange nuts (part 20-00062), two 9/16" flange nuts (part 20-00104), six .250 × 1.50 × 2.00" square hole spacers (part CM-SP1), two .313 × 1.50 × 2.00" 9/16" square hole spacers (part CM-SP71), four 1/2" fishwire (part 1_2 FISHWIRE), and two 9/16" fishwire (part 9_16 FISHWIRE).
Yes. For all vehicle models (1973–92 Ford, 1993–97 Ford, 1978–97 Ford Bronco, and 1967–02 Dodge), the spare tire must be lowered before installation begins.
Professional installation takes approximately 30 minutes. DIY installation for a novice takes approximately 60 minutes.
Yes, drilling is required. The number and size of holes depends on your vehicle model. For 1973–92 Ford and 1978–97 Bronco, you drill six holes: two for 9/16" hardware and four for 1/2" hardware. For 1993–97 Ford, some models have existing 1/4" holes that may need enlargement to 9/16", plus additional 1/2" holes. For 1967–02 Dodge, you enlarge existing 1/2" round holes to 9/16" and drill four additional 1/2" holes.
Drill two rearmost holes to accommodate 9/16" hardware and four forward-most holes to accommodate 1/2" hardware. Use the large hole in the hitch as a guide, place the slot over the stock rivet on each side of the frame, center the hitch, and mark all six holes before drilling.
Yes. On 1978–97 Ford Bronco Full Size, the two forward holes on each side must be fishwired due to tight clearance with the gas tank. Feed the bolts through the frame access hole located next to the cross member. Take extra care around the gas tank when drilling.
1. Use the large slot in the hitch as a guide and place it over the stock rivet on each side of the frame. 2. Check if the rearmost holes in the hitch line up with small 1/4" holes in the vehicle frame. If yes, drill these out to 9/16"; if no, follow the 1973–92 Ford instructions. 3. Place 9/16" carriage bolts and square hole spacers through the frame in the drilled holes. 4. Raise the hitch over the bolts and secure with flange nuts, hand-tightening only. 5. Center the hitch and drill the remaining 1/2" holes using the hitch as a guide. The hitch must have 3 bolts on each side or failure may result. 6. Install 1/2" carriage bolts and square hole spacers in remaining holes and secure with flange nuts.
Torque all 1/2" hardware to 110 ft-lbs. Torque all 9/16" hardware to 130 ft-lbs.
The hitch weight is 52 lbs.
Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. The Curt 15300 hitch itself does not set the towing limit; your vehicle's manufacturer specifications do.
The hitch must have 3 bolts on each side or failure may result. This is a structural requirement for safe operation.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure that all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound.
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 Manufacturing may repair or replace the product at their option when returned prepaid with proof of purchase. Alteration to, misuse, or improper installation voids the warranty. Curt Manufacturing's liability is limited to repair or replacement of defective products and excludes liability for incidental or consequential loss or damage.
The Curt 15300 fits 1973–92 Ford F-Series, 1993–97 Ford F-Series, 1978–97 Ford Bronco Full Size, and 1967–02 Dodge Full Size trucks.
Yes, drilling is required. The number and size of holes varies by vehicle model: 1973–92 Ford and 1978–97 Bronco require six holes (two 9/16", four 1/2"); 1993–97 Ford may have existing 1/4" holes to enlarge plus additional 1/2" holes; 1967–02 Dodge requires enlarging existing 1/2" holes to 9/16" and drilling four additional 1/2" holes.
Required tools: torque wrench, ratchet, 9" extension, drill, center punch, 3/4" socket, 7/8" socket, and safety glasses.
Torque all 1/2" hardware to 110 ft-lbs and all 9/16" hardware to 130 ft-lbs.
The Curt 55344 fits Ford F-150 Flareside, F-150 Crew Cab, and F-150 Heritage Flareside (old body) models. Fitment depends on your specific F-150 variant. Check your vehicle's model designation against the applications list to confirm compatibility.
The Curt 55344 is compatible with Ford Explorer Sport, Ford Explorer (4-door), and Ford Explorer Sport Trac models. It is not listed for other Explorer variants, so verify your specific model before purchasing.
Yes, the Curt 55344 is compatible with the Lincoln Navigator. It is also compatible with the Lincoln Aviator.
Yes, the Curt 55344 is compatible with the Ford Ranger.
The Curt 55344 is compatible with Ford Escort sedan and Ford Escort ZX2 models. It is also compatible with Ford Focus wagon (before 11/02). Verify your specific Escort variant matches the applications list.
You will need a Phillips screwdriver, flat blade screwdriver, and panel trim removal tool. These are the only tools specified in the installation instructions.
Yes. Step 1 requires you to remove both the driver and passenger side taillight assemblies to locate the vehicle taillight wiring harness connectors. This is necessary to access the connectors where the custom wiring harness will be plugged in.
For Vans, Expedition, and Navigator models, you must partially remove the rear interior plastic trim panels on the driver side and open the vehicle jack storage compartment to expose the openings to the taillight assemblies. You also need to remove the threshold cover plate between the rear doors.
For Escort and Tracker models, partially remove the trunk lining to expose the grommets accessing the taillights. Remove and slit the grommet to allow wires to pass into the taillight openings.
For F-150 Flareside models, locate the access hole into the taillight openings from underneath the vehicle. There will be an access hole on each side of the vehicle through which you can route the wiring harness.
Route the custom wiring harness end containing the green wire out from inside the vehicle through the taillight opening on the passenger side (Step 3). Then route the yellow wire across the vehicle under the threshold cover and out through the taillight opening (Step 5). Tuck the yellow wire under the threshold panel and secure it (Step 6).
Disconnect the vehicle's center black wiring harness connector from the taillight assembly, being careful not to damage the locking tabs. Plug the custom wiring harness connector (containing the green wire for the first connection, then the yellow wire for the second) between the separated halves of the vehicle connector. Repeat this process for both the green and yellow wire connectors.
The manual specifies that provided sealant should be used to seal the cut in the grommet and around all the wires after routing the harness through the taillight openings. However, the manual does not specify the sealant type or quantity.
The provided 4-flat dust cover should be installed to help prevent corrosion. It is installed as part of the final reassembly step after all other components have been reinstalled.
The manual warns that you must not exceed the product rating or the tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower. However, the specific product rating is not stated in the installation instructions. Check the product specification sheet or contact Curt Manufacturing for the exact rating.
Exceeding the product rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating, and potential fire. Do not exceed the product rating or tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower.
Test for proper function by using a test light or connecting a properly wired trailer. All steps must be followed to ensure the wiring harness will function properly before testing.
Yes. Before drilling, check for miscellaneous items that may be hidden behind or under any surface to avoid damage and personal injury. This is a critical safety step in the installation process.
The Curt 55344 fits Ford Econoline, Escort, Excursion, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, Focus wagon (before 11/02), Ranger, and Mercury/Lincoln models listed in the applications. Check your specific model variant against the applications list on page 1.
You need a Phillips screwdriver, flat blade screwdriver, and panel trim removal tool. No power tools or special equipment are required.
Yes, you must remove both driver and passenger side taillight assemblies to access the vehicle taillight wiring harness connectors where the custom harness plugs in.
Do not exceed the product rating or tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower. Exceeding the rating can cause overheating and potential fire, and will void the warranty.
Test for proper function using a test light or by connecting a properly wired trailer. Testing confirms all steps were followed correctly.
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