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1995 - 2001 Ford Explorer
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| Main Body Shape | Round |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Mount Type Description | Blank |
| Receiver Tube Size | 2 IN |
| Side Application Type Description | Blank |
| Tongue Weight (TW) | 400 LB |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts) |
| Weight Carrying Capacity (WC) | 4,000 LB |
| Weight Distribution (WD) | 6,000 LB |
| Weight Distribution Tongue Weight (WDTW) | 600 LB |
| Finish | GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT |
| Electrical System Type | 2W |
| Finish | N/A |
| Material | Blank |
| Mount Type Description | Blank |
| Output Type | 4-Way Flat |
| Side Application Type Description | Blank |
| T-Connector Location | S7 |
| Warranty | One-Year Limited Warranty |
| Ball Diameter | 2 IN |
| 10282 | Yes |
| Color | Black |
| Drop | 2 IN |
| Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) | 7,500 LB |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Receiver Tube Size | 2 IN |
| Shank Diameter | 2 IN |
| Tongue Weight (TW) | 750 LB |
| Truckload Dom Pickup Location | Eau Claire, Wi |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts) |
Notes:
Notes:
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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1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 - 2001 | Ford Explorer | — |
Yes, the 95-01 Ford Explorer 2 CURT Trailer Hitch + Assure Proportional Brake Controller Kit HBCW835 (Part #HBCW835) is designed to fit the 1995-2001 Ford Explorer.
The 95-01 Ford Explorer 2 CURT Trailer Hitch + Assure Proportional Brake Controller Kit HBCW835 (Part #HBCW835) fits 1995-2001 Ford Explorer models. The 2001 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The 95-01 Ford Explorer 2 CURT Trailer Hitch + Assure Proportional Brake Controller Kit HBCW835 (Part #HBCW835) fits the following vehicles: 1995-2001 Ford Explorer. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 95-01 Ford Explorer 2 CURT Trailer Hitch + Assure Proportional Brake Controller Kit HBCW835 (Part #HBCW835) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
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.
The kit includes: one 30 amp auto-resetting circuit breaker, two #10 ring terminals, two 3/8" ring terminals, two 1/2" ring terminals, three 12-10 gauge butt connectors, 10 feet of 10 ga black/white duplex wire, 20 feet of 10 ga blue cross-linked wire, and eight 8.5" cable ties.
Yes, but with a critical difference: these vehicles require the stop signal wire to be spliced to the light green wire on the turn signal harness connector under the dash, not to the brake pedal switch. Do NOT connect to the red wire with green stripe, as serious damage may occur. All other vehicles connect to the brake pedal switch instead.
You will need: a test light, wire stripper/cutter, crimp tool, and 3/8" box end wrench. The test light is used to identify the cold (switched) side of the brake pedal switch.
Yes. The manual cautions to disconnect the tow vehicle's negative battery cable before installation. Reconnect it only in the final step after all wiring is complete.
Mount the 30 amp circuit breaker near the tow vehicle's positive battery terminal. This keeps the power wire run as short as possible and protects the circuit.
Use 10 gauge (10 ga) black wire from the duplex wire included in the kit. Strip 3/8" of insulation from each end. Crimp a #10 ring terminal to the end that attaches to the circuit breaker stud labeled 'BAT', and a 3/8" or 1/2" ring terminal (sized to fit your battery terminal) to the end that attaches to the positive battery terminal.
Feed the 10 ga duplex wire from the brake controller in the cockpit through the firewall into the engine compartment toward the battery. Cut to length as needed. At the battery end, crimp a 3/8" or 1/2" ring terminal to the white wire and a #10 ring terminal to the black wire. Attach the black wire to the circuit breaker stud labeled 'AUX' and tighten the nut with a 3/8" box end wrench.
When passing the duplex wire through the firewall into the engine compartment, use an existing grommet, add a new grommet, or fill the hole with silicone rubber to insulate and protect the wire. The same protection applies when passing the blue cross-linked wire through any sheet metal at the rear of the vehicle.
In the cockpit, attach the black duplex wire to the brake controller's battery wire (typically black) and the white duplex wire to the brake controller's ground wire (typically white). Use either one of the supplied yellow butt connectors or solder the leads together and insulate with heat shrink tubing.
Locate the brake pedal switch on the back side of the vehicle's brake pedal. Use a test light or volt meter to identify the 'cold' or switched side—this terminal will only show power when the brake pedal is depressed. Attach the stop signal wire (typically red) from the brake controller to the cold side of the switch using a wire tap.
Locate the semi-circle turn signal harness connector on the steering column under the dash. It has two rows of wires: a row of four and a row of seven. Attach the stop signal wire (typically red) from the brake controller to the light green wire using a wire tap. Do NOT connect to the red wire with green stripe, as serious damage may occur.
Feed the 10 ga blue cross-linked wire from the brake controller to the trailer connector at the rear of the vehicle, taking up any slack in the wire. When passing through any sheet metal, use an existing grommet, add a new grommet, or fill the hole with silicone rubber to protect the wire.
Attach the blue cross-linked wire to the brake controller's electric brake wire (typically blue) using one of the supplied yellow butt connectors or by soldering and insulating with heat shrink tubing. At the rear of the vehicle, trim any loose blue wire and attach it to the trailer connector's electric brake terminal. Refer to the trailer connector's wiring diagram for the correct terminal location.
Secure any loose wires with the cable ties provided. Connect the black power wire from the circuit breaker to the positive side of the battery. Connect the white ground wire from the brake controller to the negative side of the battery. Finally, reconnect the tow vehicle's negative battery cable to the battery.
The circuit breaker is 30 amps and auto-resetting. It must be mounted near the positive battery terminal and connected directly to the positive battery terminal via the included black 10 gauge wire.
Use a 3/8" box end wrench to tighten the nuts on the circuit breaker studs labeled 'BAT' and 'AUX'.
The kit includes 10 feet of 10 gauge black/white duplex wire for the battery and brake controller connections, and 20 feet of 10 gauge blue cross-linked wire for the electric brake signal to the trailer connector.
Black wire connects to the positive battery and circuit breaker. White wire connects to the brake controller ground and negative battery. Red wire is the stop signal wire from the brake controller. Blue wire is the electric brake signal wire. The manual notes these are 'typically' these colours but recommends confirming with your brake controller documentation.
Yes. You can solder the leads together and insulate with heat shrink tubing as an alternative to using the supplied yellow butt connectors. This applies to connections between the duplex wire and the brake controller wires, and between the blue cross-linked wire and the brake controller.
The black power wire must connect directly to the positive battery terminal via the 30 amp circuit breaker. Connecting to the fuse panel or any other accessory wiring may damage vehicle wiring and cause trailer brake failure. The circuit breaker protects the circuit and must be the only protection between the battery and the brake control system.
Do NOT connect the stop signal wire to the red wire with green stripe on the turn signal harness. Serious damage may occur. Connect only to the light green wire. Also, do not connect to the brake pedal switch on these vehicles; use the turn signal harness instead.
The kit is universal but requires an existing trailer connector and brake controller. 1989-1991 Ford E & F-Series with ABS use a different stop signal connection (turn signal harness instead of brake pedal switch). Consult your brake controller documentation for compatibility.
No drilling is required. The kit connects to existing components: the battery, brake controller, brake pedal switch (or turn signal harness on 1989-1991 Ford E & F-Series with ABS), and trailer connector.
Do NOT connect the stop signal wire to the red wire with green stripe on the turn signal harness—serious damage may occur. Connect to the light green wire instead, and do not use the brake pedal switch.
Connecting to the fuse panel or accessory wiring may damage vehicle wiring and cause trailer brake failure. The 30 amp circuit breaker must be the only protection between the battery and the brake control system.
Yes, Curt part 55251 fits Ford Explorer models equipped with a factory tow package. The connector is designed for vehicles with a factory 4-flat connector. Check your vehicle owner's manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer to confirm your Explorer has the tow package.
Yes, the Curt 55251 custom wiring connector is compatible with Lincoln Navigator models that have a factory tow package. Your Navigator must be equipped with the tow package to use this connector.
Yes, the Curt 55251 is compatible with Mercury Mountaineer models that have a factory 4-flat connector and tow package. Verify your Mountaineer has the factory tow package before purchasing.
Yes. The Curt 55251 is designed for vehicles with a factory tow package. All listed applications (Ford Explorer, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercury Mountaineer) require the tow package. Check your vehicle owner's manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer to confirm your vehicle has this package.
The Curt 55251 is a custom wiring connector that connects your vehicle's factory taillight wiring harness to a 4-flat trailer connector. It allows you to safely power trailer lights using your vehicle's existing electrical system.
The vehicle taillight wiring harness connector is located behind the passenger-side rear bumper. Refer to the wiring location diagram on page 1 of the installation instructions for the exact location on your vehicle model.
1. Locate the vehicle taillight wiring harness connector behind the passenger-side rear bumper. Remove the protective dust cover and clean any debris. 2. Insert the custom wiring connector into the vehicle connector, ensuring the connectors are fully inserted with locking tabs in place. 3. Route the 4-flat to the center of the vehicle and out of the trunk when in use. When not in use, roll up and store in the trunk. 4. Secure loose wires with the provided cable ties. 5. Install the provided 4-flat dust cover to prevent corrosion.
No. The Curt 55251 is inserted directly into the existing vehicle taillight wiring harness connector. You do not remove the factory connector; instead, you insert the custom wiring connector into it.
When not in use, roll up the 4-flat connector and store it in a convenient, out-of-the-way location inside the trunk. This protects it from damage and keeps it organized.
The Curt 55251 includes the custom wiring connector, a 4-flat dust cover, and cable ties for securing loose wires.
Do not exceed the product rating or your tow vehicle's lamp load rating, whichever is lower. Exceeding either rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating, and potential fire. Refer to your vehicle owner's manual for the tow vehicle lamp load rating, or contact the vehicle manufacturer for the specific product rating.
Test the connector for proper function using a test light or by connecting a properly wired trailer. This ensures the wiring connector is functioning correctly before towing.
Route the 4-flat connector to the center of the vehicle and out of the trunk when in use. This ensures proper cable routing and prevents damage to the connector or wiring.
The provided cable ties are used to secure any loose wires during installation. This keeps the wiring organized and prevents tangling or damage.
The provided 4-flat dust cover helps prevent corrosion of the connector. Installing it protects the connector from moisture and debris, extending its lifespan.
Before inserting the custom wiring connector, locate the vehicle taillight wiring harness connector behind the passenger-side rear bumper. Remove the protective dust cover and clean any debris from the connector to ensure a proper connection.
The custom wiring connector is fully inserted when the locking tabs are in place. Ensure the connectors are fully seated before proceeding with the installation.
The Curt 55251 fits Ford Explorer, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercury Mountaineer models equipped with a factory tow package.
No drilling is required. The connector inserts directly into the existing vehicle taillight wiring harness connector behind the passenger-side rear bumper.
No tools are required for installation. The manual lists 'None' under Tools Needed.
Do not exceed the product rating or tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower. Exceeding either can cause loss of warranty, overheating, and potential fire.
Test the connector using a test light or by connecting a properly wired trailer to verify proper function.
The 4-way flat electrical adapter converts a vehicle's 4-way flat trailer connector to other trailer connector types (6-way round, 7-way RV blade, or dual 4-way flat). This allows you to tow trailers with different connector styles. Single-output models (57184, 57183, 57185, 57626, 57676) convert to one connector type; dual-output models (57604, 57624, 57672, 57674, 57102) provide two different connector outputs simultaneously.
Yes. Your vehicle must be equipped with a 4-way flat trailer connector. If your vehicle does not have one, you will need to install a custom wiring harness or other 4-way flat trailer connector before installing this adapter.
Both convert a 4-way flat connector to a 7-way RV blade. The difference is that 57185 includes a mounting bracket, while 57184 does not.
Both convert a 4-way flat connector to a 6-way round. The difference is that 57626 includes a mounting bracket, while 57183 does not.
Curt offers three dual-output models that provide both a 4-way flat and a 7-way RV blade output: part numbers 57672, 57674, and 57102. All three include a mounting bracket.
Curt offers two dual-output models that provide both a 4-way flat and a 6-way round output: part numbers 57604 and 57624. Both include a mounting bracket.
You will need: a 1/8" drill bit, drill, Phillips screwdriver, wire stripper, cutting tool, terminal crimpers, and a test light. The manual also lists three self-tapping screws (#10 - 1/2") as required, though these are not included with the product.
No. The three self-tapping screws (#10 - 1/2") used to attach the mounting bracket are not included and must be purchased separately.
Mount the combination harness in a location on the tow vehicle that is within reach of the trailer's wiring harness and near the center of the vehicle. The mounting bracket (if included) should be attached to the vehicle's bumper or other suitable surface.
Yes. You must drill two 1/8" holes: one for the grounding point and one (or more) for the mounting bracket. Before drilling, you must check for brake lines, fuel lines, wiring and other components that may be hidden behind or under the surface to avoid damage.
No. You must never attach the mounting bracket directly to the hitch by cutting, welding or drilling into the hitch. Mount it to the vehicle's bumper or other suitable surface instead.
The adapter uses four wires: Yellow (auxiliary or back-up lights), Blue (electric brakes), Black (positive power with appropriate inline fuse), and White (ground). All wires except black and white must be connected using 12 gauge (minimum) wire and butt connectors to the appropriate vehicle functions.
The white wire is the ground connection. It must be attached with a ring terminal to a 1/8" hole drilled in a suitable grounding point on the vehicle using a #10 - 1/2" self-tapping screw. This ground connection is required for the harness to work properly. The white wire on the vehicle's 4-way flat connector does not support the ground (-) functions of the combination harness.
Yes. The black wire (positive power) must be connected with an appropriate inline fuse. The manual does not specify the fuse amperage rating.
Use 12 gauge (minimum) wire for all connections. The manual specifies this minimum gauge for the remaining wires (yellow, blue, and black) when connecting to appropriate vehicle functions.
Failing to properly ground the product can cause loss of warranty, overheating and potential fire. The white wire must be securely attached to a clean grounding point using a #10 - 1/2" self-tapping screw in a 1/8" hole. The area must be clean of dirt, debris or undercoating.
Before drilling, you must check for brake lines, fuel lines, wiring and any other components that may be hidden behind or under the surface. Drilling into these components can cause damage and personal injury.
Do not exceed the product rating or the tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower. Exceeding either rating can cause damage or unsafe operation.
Confirm proper function with a test light or by using a properly functioning trailer. This verifies that all connections are working correctly before towing.
Secure any loose wires using cable ties or equivalent product to prevent them from moving, catching on components, or becoming damaged.
Your vehicle must have a 4-way flat trailer connector. If it does not, you will need to install a custom wiring harness or other 4-way flat connector first. Check the part number table to confirm the adapter converts to the connector type you need.
You must purchase three #10 - 1/2" self-tapping screws for the mounting bracket. You will also need an appropriate inline fuse for the black (positive power) wire; the manual does not specify the amperage.
Yes, you must drill two 1/8" holes: one for grounding and one for the mounting bracket. Before drilling, check for brake lines, fuel lines and wiring behind the surface. Never drill into the hitch.
Yellow = auxiliary/back-up lights; Blue = electric brakes; Black = positive power (needs inline fuse); White = ground (must be properly grounded or warranty is void and fire risk exists). Use 12 gauge minimum wire and butt connectors.
Proper grounding of the white wire is critical. Failing to ground it properly can cause loss of warranty, overheating and fire. The grounding point must be clean of dirt, debris and undercoating.
Test with a test light or by using a properly functioning trailer to confirm all connections work. Secure loose wires with cable ties.
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