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Select your vehicle to find the exact plug-and-play parts that fit — no cutting or splicing.
This fits: 2002-2005 Ford Explorer Fits beneath factory 1.25 in. receiver hitch
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, Lincoln Aviator and Mercury Mountaineer (see application info to verify vehicle compatibility). It provides a weight carrying capacity of 5,000 lbs. GTW and 500 lbs. TW. It is also compatible with a weight distribution hitch for level towing and a rating of 8,000 lbs. WD and 800 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.
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 installation hardware
2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Ford Explorer Fits beneath factory 1.25 in. receiver hitch Class 3 Hitch, 2", Select Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer

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 888-634-9494Lifetime
1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 - 2005 | Ford Explorer | Fits beneath factory 1.25 in. receiver hitch |
The 2002-2005 Ford Explorer Fits beneath factory 1.25 in. receiver hitch CURT Class 3 Hitch, 2" (Part #CHD-13550-001) fits the following vehicles: 2002-2005 Ford Explorer. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 2002-2005 Ford Explorer Fits beneath factory 1.25 in. receiver hitch CURT Class 3 Hitch, 2" (Part #CHD-13550-001) fits 2002-2005 Ford Explorer models. The 2005 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the 2002-2005 Ford Explorer Fits beneath factory 1.25 in. receiver hitch CURT Class 3 Hitch, 2" (Part #CHD-13550-001) is designed to fit the 2002-2005 Ford Explorer.
The 2002-2005 Ford Explorer Fits beneath factory 1.25 in. receiver hitch CURT Class 3 Hitch, 2" (Part #CHD-13550-001) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The hitch weight is 37 lbs.
Yes, the Curt 13550 is designed for 02-05 Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, and Lincoln Aviator.
No. Do not use both receivers at the same time. The manual explicitly warns that using both the OEM hitch and the aftermarket receiver hitch simultaneously may overload and cause damage to the vehicle.
When used as a weight-carrying hitch, the gross load capacity is 5,000 lbs trailer weight and 500 lbs tongue weight. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
When used as a weight-distribution hitch, the gross load capacity is 8,000 lbs trailer weight and 800 lbs tongue weight. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
The kit includes: 6 flat washers (1/2"), 2 carriage bolts (1/2"-13 UNC, 1-3/4", Grade 8), 2 serrated flange nuts (1/2"-13 UNC, Grade 8), 6 hex cap screws (M12×1.75, 45 mm, Class 10.9), 2 square hole spacers (0.250" × 1.50" × 2.00"), and 2 pieces of 1/2" fishwire.
No. The manual states "NO DRILLING REQUIRED." The hitch uses existing frame holes and fastener locations.
Yes. Step 1 of the installation requires you to remove 3 existing bumper bracket nuts (if present) and 3 M12 or M14 bolts from each side of the frame before installing the hitch.
The fishwire is used to guide the carriage bolts and square hole spacer through the end of the frame during installation (Step 2). Two pieces of 1/2" fishwire are included in the kit.
All M14 fasteners must be torqued to 136 ft-lb.
All M12 fasteners must be torqued to 79 ft-lb.
All 1/2" fasteners must be torqued to 110 ft-lb.
Yes. Step 4 requires you to reinstall factory fasteners. If your vehicle has M14 factory fasteners, reinstall them as-is. If your vehicle has M12 factory fasteners, install the supplied M12 fasteners and then reinstall the factory M12 nuts.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure that all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound. This is an ongoing maintenance requirement to ensure safe operation.
Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. The hitch itself supports up to 5,000 lbs trailer weight and 500 lbs tongue weight as a weight-carrying hitch, or 8,000 lbs trailer weight and 800 lbs tongue weight as a weight-distribution hitch, but your vehicle's limits may be lower.
Yes, the Curt 13550 is designed for 2002-2005 Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, and Lincoln Aviator.
M14 fasteners: 136 ft-lb; M12 fasteners: 79 ft-lb; 1/2" fasteners: 110 ft-lb.
Weight-carrying: 5,000 lbs trailer / 500 lbs tongue. Weight-distribution: 8,000 lbs trailer / 800 lbs tongue. Do not exceed your vehicle's manufacturer towing capacity.
No. Using both receivers simultaneously may overload and damage the vehicle.
Periodically check that all fasteners are tight and structural components are sound.
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