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1996 - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
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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 - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder. 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 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 (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 Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Altima sedan and Infiniti QX4 (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 - 2004 | Nissan Pathfinder | — |
The 96 - 04 Nissan Pathfinder Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13088 (Part #5W-CHW-2537) fits 1996-2004 Nissan Pathfinder models. The 2004 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The 96 - 04 Nissan Pathfinder Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13088 (Part #5W-CHW-2537) fits the following vehicles: 1996-2004 Nissan Pathfinder. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
Yes, the 96 - 04 Nissan Pathfinder Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13088 (Part #5W-CHW-2537) is designed to fit the 1996-2004 Nissan Pathfinder.
The 96 - 04 Nissan Pathfinder Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13088 (Part #5W-CHW-2537) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Curt part number 13088 is designed for 1997–2004 Infiniti QX4 SUV and 1996–2004 Nissan Pathfinder. Check your vehicle's year and model against these ranges. If your vehicle falls outside these years or is a different model, this hitch is not compatible.
When used as a weight-carrying hitch, the gross load capacity is 5,000 lbs trailer weight and 500 lbs tongue weight. When used as a weight-distribution hitch, the gross load capacity is 6,000 lbs trailer weight and 600 lbs tongue weight. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
The hitch weight is 36 lbs.
The hitch includes 8 hex head cap screws (HHCS) M12×1.25, 35 mm length, class 10.9, zinc-plated (part number 10-10275) and 8 washers, S-CON, 1/2 inch, zinc-plated (part number 30-00149). These fasteners are used to attach the hitch to the vehicle frame.
No. The installation notes state 'NO DRILLING REQUIRED' for this hitch.
1. Remove the tow hooks from the vehicle frame. 2. Raise the hitch into position and insert the fasteners as shown in the diagram. 3. Torque all fasteners to 86 lb.-ft. The diagram indicates fastener placement on the driver side and passenger side frame rails.
All fasteners must be torqued to 86 lb.-ft.
Yes. The first installation step is to remove the tow hooks from the vehicle frame before raising the hitch into position.
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 6,000 lbs trailer weight and 600 lbs tongue weight as a weight-distribution hitch, but your vehicle's limits may be lower.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure that all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound. This helps maintain safe operation and prevent loosening due to vibration and use.
Curt Manufacturing warrants this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship at the time of retail purchase by the original purchaser. If the product is found to be defective, Curt may repair or replace it at their option when returned prepaid with proof of purchase. Alteration, misuse, or improper installation voids the warranty. Curt's liability is limited to repair or replacement of defective products and excludes incidental or consequential loss or damage.
Yes, if your vehicle is a 1997–2004 Infiniti QX4 or 1996–2004 Nissan Pathfinder. Check your vehicle year against these ranges.
No drilling is required. The hitch uses existing frame attachment points.
Torque all fasteners to 86 lb.-ft.
Weight-carrying: 5,000 lbs trailer, 500 lbs tongue. Weight-distribution: 6,000 lbs trailer, 600 lbs tongue. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended capacity.
Eight M12×1.25 hex head cap screws (35 mm length, class 10.9) and eight 1/2-inch washers.
Periodically check that all fasteners are tight and structural components are sound.
Yes, the Curt 55361 is designed for the Nissan Altima. It is a passenger car application (P-type) that mounts behind the driver and passenger side taillight housings inside the trunk. Installation requires removing plastic thresholds and accessing the taillight connectors through the trunk.
Yes, the Curt 55361 is compatible with the Nissan Pathfinder. It is an SUV application (S-type) that mounts behind the driver and passenger side taillight housings. Installation requires removing the rear door, plastic threshold, and taillight assembly to access the connectors.
Yes, the Curt 55361 is compatible with the Infiniti QX4. It is an SUV application (S-type) that mounts behind the driver and passenger side taillight housings. Installation requires removing the rear door, plastic threshold, and taillight assembly to access the connectors.
The Curt 55361 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. Do not exceed these ratings or the tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower, as exceeding the product rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating and potential fire.
Three tools are required: a Phillips screwdriver, a flat blade screwdriver, and a panel trim removal tool. These are used to remove fasteners, thresholds, and trim panels during installation.
The Curt 55361 includes a custom wiring harness with yellow and green wire ends for driver and passenger side connections, a white ground wire with ring terminal, a black converter box, double-sided tape for mounting the converter box, cable ties for securing loose wires, and a 4-flat dust cover.
Open the vehicle trunk and remove the three screws securing each plastic threshold on both sides of the vehicle. Pull back the felt liner to locate the vehicle taillight wiring harness connectors, which may be wrapped in foam. Separate the connectors from the taillight housing carefully, taking care not to damage the locking tabs.
Open the rear door and remove the plastic threshold. Remove the screws securing the taillight and carefully pull it rearward to remove it. Partially remove the rear interior trim panel on both sides of the vehicle behind the taillights. Look for a square access hole behind the taillights. Locate the vehicle taillight wiring harness connectors (which may be wrapped in foam) and separate them from the taillight housing, taking care not to damage the locking tabs.
Starting on the driver side, route the connectors with the yellow wire from inside the vehicle through the hole behind the taillight to the outside taillight connectors. Insert the custom wiring harness end with the yellow wire between the separated connectors. Make sure the connectors are fully inserted with locking tabs in place. Repeat this process on the passenger side using the harness end with the green wire.
Locate a suitable grounding point near the connector, such as an existing screw with nut in the vehicle frame. If no suitable point exists, drill a 3/32" pilot hole for the provided screw. The area should be free of rust, dirt and paint. Secure the white ground wire using the ring terminal and provided screw. Before drilling, check for miscellaneous items that may be hidden behind or under any surface to avoid damage and personal injury.
Locate a flat spot inside the vehicle near the taillight. Adhere the black converter box using the provided double-sided tape. The converter box should be mounted in a location that is accessible but out of the way.
When in use, route the 4-flat to the center of the vehicle and out of the trunk. When not in use, roll up and store in a convenient, out of the way location inside the trunk. Secure any loose wires with the provided cable ties. Install the provided 4-flat dust cover to help prevent corrosion.
Do not exceed the product rating: Signal Circuits are limited to 3.0 amps per side, and Tail/Running Circuits are limited to 6.0 amps total. You must also not exceed the tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower. Exceeding these limits can cause loss of warranty, overheating and potential fire.
All steps must be followed to ensure the wiring harness will function properly. Once installed, test for proper function by using a test light or connecting a properly wired trailer. If you need more detailed testing information, check your vehicle owner's manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer.
The Curt 55361 fits the Infiniti QX4, Nissan Altima, and Nissan Pathfinder. Installation method varies by vehicle type: Altima uses trunk access, while Pathfinder and QX4 require rear door and taillight removal.
You need a Phillips screwdriver, flat blade screwdriver, and panel trim removal tool. No power tools or drilling equipment is required unless you need to drill a 3/32" pilot hole for the ground screw.
Signal Circuits: 3.0 amps per side. Tail/Running Circuits: 6.0 amps total. Do not exceed these ratings or the tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower.
Drilling is not required if a suitable existing grounding point (screw with nut in the vehicle frame) is available near the taillight connector. If no existing point is available, you may drill a 3/32" pilot hole for the provided ground screw.
No. On the Altima, you only need to remove the plastic thresholds from both sides of the trunk and pull back the felt liner to access the taillight connectors. The taillight itself does not need to be removed.
Yes. You must remove the taillight assembly to access the connectors. Remove the screws securing the taillight and carefully pull it rearward. You will also need to partially remove the rear interior trim panel to access the square hole behind the taillight.
Exceeding the product rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating and potential fire. Do not exceed the Signal Circuit rating (3.0 amps per side) or Tail/Running Circuit rating (6.0 amps total), or the tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower.
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