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2020 - 2024 Ford Explorer
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This fits: 2020-2024 Ford Explorer All
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 and Lincoln Aviator (see application info to verify vehicle compatibility). It provides a weight carrying capacity of 6,000 lbs. GTW and 600 lbs. TW. 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
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Ford Explorer All Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2" Receiver, Select Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator

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®.'
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Yes, the 2020-2024 Ford Explorer All CURT Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2" Receiver + 2" Ball + 1-7/8" Ball Kit (Part #CHD-13438-001) is designed to fit the 2020-2024 Ford Explorer.
The 2020-2024 Ford Explorer All CURT Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2" Receiver + 2" Ball + 1-7/8" Ball Kit (Part #CHD-13438-001) fits the following vehicles: 2020-2024 Ford Explorer. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 2020-2024 Ford Explorer All CURT Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2" Receiver + 2" Ball + 1-7/8" Ball Kit (Part #CHD-13438-001) fits 2020-2024 Ford Explorer models. The 2024 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The 2020-2024 Ford Explorer All CURT Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2" Receiver + 2" Ball + 1-7/8" Ball Kit (Part #CHD-13438-001) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, CURT part number 13438 is designed for 2020-present Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs. Confirm your vehicle year and model match this range before purchasing.
Yes, CURT part number 13438 is designed for 2020-present Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer SUVs. Confirm your vehicle year and model match this range before purchasing.
The CURT 13438 is rated for a maximum of 6,000 lbs trailer weight and 600 lbs tongue weight when used as a weight-carrying hitch. You must never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity, which may be lower than the hitch rating.
Required tools are: ratchet, torque wrench, 6" socket extension, 7mm/10mm/21mm sockets, aviation shears, power drill with 1/4" drill bit, marker, tape measure, safety glasses, and plastic rivet gun. Using proper tools will greatly improve installation quality and reduce installation time.
Two people may be required to ease installation. The manual recommends reading all instructions thoroughly before beginning and notes that using proper tools will greatly improve the quality of the install and reduce the time required.
No, the CURT 13438 requires no frame drilling. It uses fishwire hardware to route fasteners through existing access holes and mounting holes on the frame.
Yes, trimming is required. You must trim the rear fascia and wire track using aviation shears. The trim diagram shows approximate dimensions of 4.75" and 3.5". All dimensions are approximate, so you must confirm fit prior to trimming. You must also remove the heat shield and wheel well fasteners to access the installation area.
Yes, you must lower the exhaust by removing one fastener on the outside of each frame rail using a 10mm socket, and remove two exhaust isolator hangers using the Rubber Isolator Removal Diagram as reference. You must support the exhaust to avoid damage during this process.
If an underbody panel is present, you must remove it by removing eight fasteners using a 10mm socket and four plastic fasteners. Set the panel aside for reinstallation after the hitch is installed.
Remove the M16 bumper bolt in the frame on each side using a 21mm socket. Return these bolts to the vehicle owner—they are not part of the hitch installation.
Fishwire two 1/2" carriage bolts and two CM-SP6 spacers into the access hole and out the mounting holes on each side. Do not reinstall the rearward most frame rail nut. Reinstall the trimmed heat shield after fishwiring the hardware.
Torque the 1/2" hardware to 75 ft-lbs. This is applied after raising the hitch into position.
Torque the M16 hardware to 146 ft-lbs. This is applied after raising the hitch into position.
Reinstall vehicle components using steps 1–5 in reverse order. This means reinstalling the M16 bumper bolts, wheel well fasteners and heat shield, exhaust isolator hangers and exhaust fasteners, and finally the underbody panel if it was present.
If a kick sensor is present, remove four of the six rivets using a drill along the rear fascia, starting from the driver side, to avoid damaging the kick sensor while trimming. Replacement rivets are included in the hardware kit. When raising the hitch into position, it will be positioned between the upper and lower kick sensor wires.
Safety glasses must be worn at all times while installing this product.
All non-trailer loads applied to this product must be supported by CURT 18050 stabilizing straps. Failure to properly support non-trailer loads will void the product warranty.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure all fasteners are tight and all structural components are sound. This ongoing inspection helps maintain the integrity and safety of the installation.
The kit includes: four 1/2-13 UNC 1-1/4" grade 8 carriage bolts (10-10278), four serrated flange nuts 1/2-13 UNC grade 8 (20-00062), four 0.250 x 1.00 x 3.00" square hole spacers (CM-SP6), four 1/2" fishwire (1_2 FISHWIRE), four M6 black nylon rivets (10-10401), two M16x2 35mm class 10.9 hex cap screws (10-10403), and two M16 flat washers (30-00185).
When trimming the fascia and wire track using aviation shears, move the sensor wire out of the wire track to avoid cutting it. If a kick sensor is present, remove four of the six rivets using a drill along the rear fascia, starting from the driver side, before trimming to avoid damaging the kick sensor.
Yes, the CURT 13438 is designed for 2020-present Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs.
The CURT 13438 is rated for 6,000 lbs trailer weight and 600 lbs tongue weight. Never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
No, the CURT 13438 requires no frame drilling. It uses fishwire hardware through existing frame access holes.
Yes, you must trim the rear fascia and wire track using aviation shears. Approximate trim dimensions are 4.75" and 3.5", but you must confirm fit prior to trimming.
Required tools: ratchet, torque wrench, 6" socket extension, 7mm/10mm/21mm sockets, aviation shears, power drill with 1/4" drill bit, marker, tape measure, safety glasses, and plastic rivet gun.
Torque 1/2" hardware to 75 ft-lbs and M16 hardware to 146 ft-lbs.
All non-trailer loads must be supported by CURT 18050 stabilizing straps. Failure to properly support non-trailer loads voids the warranty.
Yes, you must lower the exhaust by removing one fastener on each side using a 10mm socket and remove two exhaust isolator hangers. Support the exhaust to avoid damage.
1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 - 2024 | Ford Explorer | — |
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