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1996 - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
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Complete CURT Class 3 2" trailer hitch and 5-flat wiring kit (with 4-way to 5-way adapter for surge brakes) engineered for the 1997 - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer. 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 certain years of the Ford Explorer, Mazda Navajo and Mercury Mountaineer (see application info to verify vehicle compatibility). It provides a weight carrying capacity of 4,000 lbs. GTW and 400 lbs. TW. It is also compatible with a weight distribution hitch for level towing and a rating of 6,000 lbs. WD and 600 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 Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer (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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 - 2001 | Mercury Mountaineer | — |
The 96 - 01 Mercury Mountaineer Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13540 (Part #5W-CHW-2427) fits the following vehicles: 1996-2001 Mercury Mountaineer. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
Yes, the 96 - 01 Mercury Mountaineer Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13540 (Part #5W-CHW-2427) is designed to fit the 1996-2001 Mercury Mountaineer.
The 96 - 01 Mercury Mountaineer Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13540 (Part #5W-CHW-2427) fits 1996-2001 Mercury Mountaineer models. The 2001 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The 96 - 01 Mercury Mountaineer Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13540 (Part #5W-CHW-2427) 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.
Yes, the Curt 55345 is designed for Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer vehicles in the SUV, mini and full-sized van category. The harness connects to the taillight assemblies on both the driver and passenger sides. Verify your vehicle matches these applications before purchasing.
The Curt 55345 is a custom wiring harness that connects to your vehicle's taillight assemblies to provide trailer lighting circuits. It includes a converter box and a 4-flat connector for trailer use. The harness integrates with your vehicle's existing taillight wiring to supply signal and tail/running light power to a trailer.
You will need a Phillips screwdriver, a flat blade screwdriver, and a panel trim removal tool. If you need to drill a grounding hole, you will also need a drill with a 3/32" bit. All other required hardware, including the screw for the ground wire, double-sided tape, cable ties, and 4-flat dust cover, are provided.
The harness connects behind the taillight assemblies on both sides of the vehicle. On the driver side, insert the harness end with the yellow wire between the top two separated connectors and the brown wire between the bottom connectors. On the passenger side, use the harness end with the green wire and repeat the same connection sequence. The converter box is mounted inside the vehicle near the taillight using double-sided tape.
Open the vehicle tailgate and remove the Phillips screws securing the taillight assembly. Carefully pull the taillight rearward, taking care not to damage the alignment tabs on the back. Once removed, you can access the taillight wiring harness connectors behind the housing.
Separate the top two connectors from the taillight housing first, taking care not to damage the locking tabs. Insert the custom wiring harness end with the appropriate coloured wire between the separated connectors: yellow wire between the top connectors, brown wire between the bottom connectors on the driver side; green wire on the passenger side. Ensure the connectors are fully inserted with locking tabs in place.
You may be able to use an existing screw with a nut in the vehicle frame as a grounding point. If no suitable existing point is available, you will need to drill a 3/32" pilot hole. The area must be free of rust, dirt and paint. Before drilling, check for miscellaneous items that may be hidden behind or under any surface to avoid damage and personal injury.
The battery connection must be fuse-protected with a maximum 10-amp fuse. Exceeding this rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating and potential fire. Do not exceed the product rating or the tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower.
Signal circuits are rated at 3.0 amps per side. Tail and running light circuits are rated at 6.0 amps total. Do not exceed these ratings or the tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower.
The harness includes wires in the following colours: yellow (driver side top connectors), brown (driver side bottom connectors), green (passenger side), and white (ground wire). The black power wire connects to the vehicle battery. Route the 4-flat connector to the centre of the vehicle and out of the trunk when in use, or roll up and store in the trunk when not in use.
Locate a suitable grounding point near the connector, such as an existing screw with a nut in the vehicle frame, or drill a 3/32" pilot hole if needed. The area must be free of rust, dirt and paint. Secure the white ground wire using the ring terminal and the provided screw. Before drilling, check for hidden items behind or under surfaces to avoid damage.
Locate a flat spot inside the vehicle near the taillight and adhere the black converter box using the provided double-sided tape. The converter box should be positioned in a secure location where it will not be disturbed during vehicle use.
When in use, route the 4-flat connector to the centre of the vehicle and out of the trunk. When not in use, roll it up and store it in a convenient, out-of-the-way location inside the trunk. Secure any loose wires with the provided cable ties to prevent tangling and damage.
All steps must be followed to ensure the wiring harness functions properly. Once installed, test for proper function by using a test light or by connecting a properly wired trailer. This will verify that all circuits are working correctly before using the harness in service.
Do not exceed the product rating or the tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower. The signal circuits are rated at 3.0 amps per side and the tail/running circuits at 6.0 amps total. Exceeding these ratings can cause loss of warranty, overheating and potential fire. Check your vehicle owner's manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer for your specific lamp load rating.
Reinstall all items removed during installation, including the taillight assemblies and any trim panels. Install the provided 4-flat dust cover to help prevent corrosion. Test the harness for proper function using a test light or a properly wired trailer before using it in service.
The kit includes the custom wiring harness with connectors in yellow, brown, and green; a white ground wire with ring terminal; a black power wire; a converter box; a 4-flat connector with dust cover; double-sided tape for mounting the converter box; cable ties for securing loose wires; and a screw for the ground wire connection.
Yes, the Curt 55345 is designed for Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer vehicles in the SUV, mini and full-sized van category.
You need a Phillips screwdriver, flat blade screwdriver, panel trim removal tool, and a drill with 3/32" bit if drilling a ground hole. All fasteners and hardware are provided.
Drilling is optional. You may use an existing screw with a nut in the vehicle frame as a grounding point. If no suitable point exists, drill a 3/32" pilot hole in an area free of rust, dirt and paint. Always check for hidden items before drilling.
The battery connection must use a 10-amp maximum fuse. Exceeding this rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating and potential fire.
Signal circuits are rated 3.0 amps per side; tail/running circuits are rated 6.0 amps total. Do not exceed these ratings or the tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower.
Test for proper function using a test light or by connecting a properly wired trailer. All installation steps must be completed before testing.
Route the black power wire from the vehicle battery as shown on the included CME-PCL-INS sheet. Refer to that document for specific routing instructions for your vehicle.
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