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Complete CURT Class 3 2" trailer hitch and 4-flat custom wiring kit engineered for the 1997 Ford F-250 Old body with 10" drop bumper, excluding 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!
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 older years of Ford, GMC and Chevy pickup trucks (see application info to verify vehicle compatibility). It provides a weight carrying capacity of 6,000 lbs. GTW and 600 lbs. TW. It is also compatible with a weight distribution hitch for level towing and a rating of 10,000 lbs. WD and 1,000 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.
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 with 10" drop bumper, excluding 73: 79 crew cab |
Yes, part number 13099 is designed for 1963–1996 Ford Trucks (all full size, old body style only). Your 1985 F-150 is within this range and should be compatible.
Yes, part number 13099 is compatible with 1970–2000 Chevrolet & GMC Pickup (full size with 10" step bumper). Your 1995 C1500 is within this range, provided it has a full-size frame and a 10" step bumper.
No. Part number 13099 is designed only for 1963–1996 Ford Trucks (all full size, old body style only). It is not compatible with Ford trucks manufactured after 1996.
The manual specifies compatibility with 1970–2000 Chevrolet & GMC Pickup (full size with 10" step bumper). If your vehicle does not have a 10" step bumper, compatibility is not confirmed by the manual. Contact Curt Manufacturing or a fitment specialist to verify.
The kit includes: 6× 1/2–13 UNC carriage bolts, 1–3/4" long (part 10-10272); 6× 0.250 × 1.50 × 2.00" square hole spacers (CM-SP1); 6× 1/2–13 UNC serrated flange nuts (part 20-00062); 8× 7/16–14 UNC serrated flange nuts (part 20-00103); and 8× 7/16–14 UNC carriage bolts, 1–1/2" long (part 10-10282).
Yes. Step 1 of the installation instructions requires you to remove the spare tire from the vehicle before beginning installation. Note that the spare tire carrier may need to be relocated and/or modified to retain under-vehicle tire stowage after the hitch is installed. On some Ford Pickup models with a 16" spare tire, the spare tire cradle may also require adjustment.
Yes. Step 2 requires you to measure the vehicle frame width. The bracket orientation depends on frame width: for 34" frames, position the side bracket with mounting flanges pointing inboard; for 38" frames, position the bracket with mounting flanges pointing outboard.
Yes, drilling is required. Step 4 requires you to drill six 17/32" diameter holes in the vehicle frame using the slotted holes in the bracket as a guide. The manual recommends starting with a smaller bit and working up to 17/32". In some cases, it may be possible to use existing holes in the frame instead of drilling new ones.
Drill six 17/32" diameter holes in the vehicle frame. The manual recommends starting with a smaller bit and working up to 17/32" to ensure accuracy. Use the slotted holes in the bracket as a guide for hole placement.
Torque all 1/2" fasteners to 110 lb.-ft. and all 7/16" fasteners to 70 lb.-ft. These torque values are applied after the crosstube assembly is installed into the side brackets and all fasteners are hand-tightened.
No. Step 5 instructs you to install the side bracket mounting fasteners but explicitly states "Do not tighten at this time." The fasteners are tightened to final torque (110 lb.-ft. for 1/2" fasteners) only after the crosstube assembly is installed and all fasteners are in place (Step 7).
The crosstube assembly is attached using 7/16" × 1–1/2" carriage bolts and 7/16" serrated flange nuts (part 20-00103). Eight of each fastener are included in the kit. These fasteners are torqued to 70 lb.-ft. after installation.
The six 0.250 × 1.50 × 2.00" square hole spacers (part CM-SP1) are installed inside the vehicle frame when mounting the side brackets. They are placed between the frame and the bracket mounting fasteners to ensure proper spacing and load distribution.
Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. The hitch has its own capacity ratings (weight-carrying and weight-distribution modes), but the manual emphasizes that the vehicle's limit takes precedence. Consult your vehicle's owner manual for the maximum towing capacity.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure that all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound. The manual does not specify an exact interval, but regular inspection before towing is recommended to maintain safety and warranty coverage.
1963–1996 Ford Trucks (all full size, old body style only) and 1970–2000 Chevrolet & GMC Pickup (full size with 10" step bumper).
Yes. You must drill six 17/32" diameter holes in the vehicle frame. The manual recommends starting with a smaller bit and working up to 17/32". Existing frame holes may be reused if available.
Six 1/2–13 UNC carriage bolts, six square hole spacers, six 1/2–13 UNC flange nuts, eight 7/16–14 UNC flange nuts, and eight 7/16–14 UNC carriage bolts.
Torque all 1/2" fasteners to 110 lb.-ft. and all 7/16" fasteners to 70 lb.-ft.
Periodically check all fasteners to ensure they are tight and inspect all structural components for soundness.
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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