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1996 - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
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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 1996 - 2002 Toyota 4Runner. 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 Toyota 4Runner (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 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 Toyota 4Runner (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 - 2002 | Toyota 4Runner | — |
The 96 - 02 Toyota 4Runner Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13157 (Part #5W-CHW-2839) fits 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner models. The 2002 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The 96 - 02 Toyota 4Runner Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13157 (Part #5W-CHW-2839) fits the following vehicles: 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
Yes, the 96 - 02 Toyota 4Runner Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13157 (Part #5W-CHW-2839) is designed to fit the 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner.
The 96 - 02 Toyota 4Runner Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13157 (Part #5W-CHW-2839) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, Curt part number 13157 is designed for 1996–2002 Toyota 4Runner models in both 2WD and 4WD configurations.
The manual specifies gross load capacity for both weight-carrying and weight-distribution modes, but the specific values are not filled in on the document provided. Contact Curt Manufacturing or consult your vehicle's owner manual for the exact capacity. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
The kit includes: four 1/2-13 UNC hex head cap screws, 1-1/2 inches long, grade 5 (part 10-10035); four 1/2-inch conical tooth washers (part 30-00149); one CM-NP3W weldnut plate weldment; and one CM-NP4W weldnut plate weldment. Installation also reuses the vehicle's existing M12 bolts and tow hooks.
Yes. Step 1 of the installation requires you to remove the tow hooks from the vehicle frame. These are reinstalled in step 3 after positioning the hitch and aligning the side brackets with the existing tow hook holes.
No. The manual explicitly states "NO DRILLING REQUIRED." The hitch uses existing M12 bolt holes in the frame rails and existing holes in the hitch body.
1. Remove tow hooks from vehicle frame. 2. Position weldnut plates inside the frame as shown in the diagram. 3. Raise hitch into position, align side brackets with existing tow hook holes, and reinstall existing M12 bolts and tow hooks. 4. Insert 1/2-inch bolt and conical tooth washer through the rearmost existing hole in the hitch; thread into weldnut plate and hand-tighten only. 5. Insert 1/2-inch bolt and conical tooth washer through the foremost existing hole in the hitch; thread into spacer block and hand-tighten only. 6. Torque all fasteners to final specification.
All M12 fasteners must be torqued to 79 lb.-ft. This is the final torque value applied in step 6 after all bolts are hand-tightened and positioned.
All 1/2-inch fasteners must be torqued to 75 lb.-ft. This includes the bolts inserted through the rearmost and foremost holes in the hitch that thread into the weldnut plate and spacer block.
Hand-tighten only during steps 4 and 5. Do not apply full torque until step 6, after all bolts are inserted and positioned. This allows proper alignment of the hitch before final tightening.
Periodically check that all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound. The manual emphasizes this as an ongoing maintenance requirement, not just a one-time post-installation check.
Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. The manual states this as a critical safety requirement. While the hitch has its own load ratings, your vehicle's manufacturer specifications take precedence.
Curt Manufacturing warrants the product to be free of defects in material and workmanship at the time of retail purchase by the original purchaser. If defective, Curt may repair or replace the product at their option when returned prepaid with proof of purchase. Warranty is voided by alteration, misuse, or improper installation. Curt's liability is limited to repair or replacement and excludes incidental or consequential loss or damage.
1996–2002 Toyota 4Runner, both 2WD and 4WD.
No drilling required. The hitch uses existing frame holes.
M12 fasteners: 79 lb.-ft. 1/2-inch fasteners: 75 lb.-ft.
Yes, remove them in step 1 and reinstall them in step 3 after positioning the hitch.
Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. Periodically check that all fasteners remain tight.
Yes, the Curt 55341 Custom Wiring Harness is designed for Toyota 4Runner vehicles in the SUVs, Mini & Full-Sized Vans category. However, you should verify compatibility with your specific model year and trim level by checking the vehicle owner's manual or contacting the vehicle manufacturer, as the manual does not specify which model years are supported.
The Curt 55341 has two amperage ratings: Signal Circuits are rated at 3.0 amps per side, and Tail/Running Circuits are rated at 6.0 amps total. You must not exceed these ratings or your tow vehicle's lamp load rating, whichever is lower, as exceeding the rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating and potential fire.
You will need a ratchet, socket set, and panel trim removal tool. Additionally, you may need a drill with a 3/32" bit if a suitable existing grounding point is not available near the taillight connector.
The harness includes a custom wiring harness with yellow and green wire ends, a white ground wire with ring terminal, a black converter box, a provided screw for grounding, double-sided tape for the converter box, a 4-flat connector with dust cover, and cable ties for securing loose wires.
The custom wiring harness has two ends: the end with the yellow wire connects behind the driver side rear access panel (S3), and the end with the green wire connects behind the passenger side rear access panel (S4). Both connect to the vehicle's taillight wiring harness connectors, which are located behind the interior trim panels.
First, open the tailgate and remove the fasteners securing the rear scuff panel. Pull the scuff panel out at the bottom and then up, taking care not to damage the alignment tabs. Then remove the upper fasteners securing the driver- and passenger-side interior trim panels and carefully pry them rearward to set them aside.
Locate the vehicle's taillight wiring harness connectors behind the removed trim panels. Separate the connectors from the taillight housing, taking care not to damage the locking tabs. Insert the custom wiring harness end (yellow wire for driver side, green wire for passenger side) between the separated connectors. Make sure the connectors are fully inserted with locking tabs in place.
Drilling is required only if a suitable existing grounding point is not available near the taillight connector. If you must drill, create a 3/32" pilot hole in an area free of rust, dirt and paint. Before drilling, check for hidden items behind or under any surface to avoid damage and personal injury.
Locate a suitable grounding point near the taillight connector, such as an existing screw with nut in the vehicle frame. If no suitable point exists, drill a 3/32" pilot hole. The area must be free of rust, dirt and paint. Secure the white ground wire using the ring terminal and the provided screw.
Locate a flat spot inside the vehicle near the taillight and adhere the black converter box using the provided double-sided tape.
When in use, route the 4-flat to the center of the vehicle and out of the trunk. When not in use, roll it up and store in a convenient, out-of-the-way location inside the trunk. Secure any loose wires with the provided cable ties.
All installation steps must be followed to ensure the wiring harness functions properly. Test for proper function by using a test light or by connecting a properly wired trailer. If the harness does not function, review all steps to ensure connectors are fully seated with locking tabs in place and the ground wire is securely fastened.
Reinstall all items removed during installation, including the rear scuff panel and interior 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.
Yes, the Curt 55341 is designed for Toyota 4Runner vehicles. Verify your specific model year with the vehicle manufacturer.
Signal Circuits: 3.0 amps per side. Tail/Running Circuits: 6.0 amps total. Do not exceed these ratings or your vehicle's lamp load rating, whichever is lower.
Ratchet, socket set, panel trim removal tool, and a drill with 3/32" bit (if drilling is required for the ground wire).
Drilling is required only if no suitable existing grounding point is available near the taillight connector. If drilling is needed, a 3/32" pilot hole is required.
Yellow wire end connects to the driver side (S3), green wire end connects to the passenger side (S4). White wire is the ground wire.
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