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Complete CURT Class 3 2" trailer hitch and 4-flat custom wiring kit engineered for the 1997 - 2003 Ford F-150 New body. 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 F150, F150 Heritage and F250 (see application info to verify vehicle compatibility). It provides a weight carrying capacity of 6,000 lbs. GTW and 600 lbs. TW. It is also compatible with a weight distribution hitch for level towing and a rating of 10,000 lbs. WD and 1,000 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.
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 setup. 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 vehicle's electrical system and provides a standard 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 harness provides a 7-way RV blade connector socket and is designed to be a custom wiring harness for certain years of the Ford F150, F150 Heritage and F250 (see application info to verify fitment). 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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 - 2003 | Ford F-150 | New body |
The 97 - 03 Ford F-150 New body Curt 2", Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 7-way Wiring Kit 13038-1 (Part #CHW-1052) fits the following vehicles: 1997-2003 Ford F-150. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 97 - 03 Ford F-150 New body Curt 2", Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 7-way Wiring Kit 13038-1 (Part #CHW-1052) fits 1997-2003 Ford F-150 models. The 2003 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the 97 - 03 Ford F-150 New body Curt 2", Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 7-way Wiring Kit 13038-1 (Part #CHW-1052) is designed to fit the 1997-2003 Ford F-150.
The 97 - 03 Ford F-150 New body Curt 2", Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 7-way Wiring Kit 13038-1 (Part #CHW-1052) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Part number 13038 is designed for 1997–2003 Ford F-150 and F-250 Light Duty models with the new body style. Verify your vehicle year and body style match this range before purchasing.
No. Part number 13038 is specified only for 1997–2003 Ford F-150 and F-250 Light Duty models. Do not use on 2004 or newer vehicles.
No. The 13038 is designed for F-250 Light Duty only, not Heavy Duty models.
The kit includes 6 carriage bolts (1/2-13 UNC, 1-3/4" length, Grade 8, part number 10-10272), 6 square hole spacers (0.250 × 1.50 × 2.00", part number CM-SP1), and 6 serrated flange nuts (1/2-13 UNC, Grade 8, part number 20-00062).
No. All required fasteners are included: 6 carriage bolts, 6 spacers, and 6 nuts. No additional hardware is needed.
No. The manual explicitly states "NO DRILLING REQUIRED." The hitch uses existing holes in the frame.
1. Position the hitch against the frame and align the holes in the hitch with the existing holes in the frame. 2. Insert the 1/2" carriage bolts with the provided spacers and secure them with the serrated flange nuts. 3. Torque all fasteners to 110 lb-ft.
All fasteners must be torqued to 110 lb-ft.
The manual lists gross load capacity specifications for both weight-carrying and weight-distribution modes, but the specific values are not filled in on this copy of the manual. Contact Curt Manufacturing or consult your vehicle's owner manual for the exact capacity. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
Periodically check that all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound. The manual recommends regular inspection to ensure the hitch remains secure during use.
No. The manual explicitly states: "DO NOT EXCEED VEHICLE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDED TOWING CAPACITY." Always follow your vehicle manufacturer's limits regardless of the hitch capacity.
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 it at their option when returned prepaid with proof of purchase. Warranty is voided by alteration, misuse, or improper installation.
Yes, the 13038 is designed for 1997–2003 Ford F-150 and F-250 Light Duty with new body style. Verify your exact model year and body style.
No drilling required. The hitch uses existing frame holes.
Torque all fasteners to 110 lb-ft.
Yes. The kit includes 6 carriage bolts, 6 spacers, and 6 nuts. No additional hardware is needed.
No. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity, regardless of hitch capacity.
Periodically check that all fasteners are tight and structural components are sound.
The Curt 55242 is designed for Ford F-150 Light Duty and Ford F-150 Heritage models equipped with a factory 4-flat connector. Verify your vehicle has the factory 4-flat connector before purchasing. If your F-150 does not have this factory connector, this product will not be compatible.
Yes, the Curt 55242 custom wiring connector is compatible with Ford F-250 Light Duty models that have a factory 4-flat connector. Confirm your vehicle is equipped with the factory 4-flat connector before installation.
The Curt 55242 includes the custom wiring connector, a white ground wire with ring terminal, a provided screw for grounding, 30-amp maxi-fuses for the trailer tow electric brake and trailer tow battery charge circuits, and relays for the trailer tow backup lamp and trailer tow battery charge functions. A 7-way socket is also included but must be mounted separately using a bracket or electrical box (not included).
Yes. You must disconnect the negative battery cable in the engine compartment before proceeding with installation. This is required before accessing the vehicle power distribution box and inserting fuses and relays. Reconnect the negative battery cable only after all fuses and relays have been installed and all other steps are complete.
The vehicle wiring harness connectors are located under the rear of the vehicle, inside the driver side frame rail. The connector ends will be similar to those on the custom wiring connector. Handle them carefully to avoid damaging the locking tabs when separating them.
Locate the vehicle wiring harness connectors under the rear of the vehicle inside the driver side frame rail. Carefully separate the connectors without damaging the locking tabs. Insert the custom wiring connector between the separated connectors. The connector ends are designed to match, ensuring proper alignment.
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 grounding area must be free of rust, dirt and paint. Secure the white ground wire using the ring terminal and provided screw.
Drilling may be required. You must locate a suitable grounding point near the connector. If an existing screw with nut is available in the vehicle frame, no drilling is needed. If not, you must drill a 3/32" pilot hole for the provided ground screw. Before drilling, check for hidden items behind or under any surface to avoid damage and personal injury.
The pilot hole size is 3/32". This hole is drilled in the vehicle frame to accommodate the provided ground screw if a suitable existing screw with nut is not available. The grounding area must be free of rust, dirt and paint before drilling.
Mount the 7-way socket in an accessible location using a bracket or electrical box (not included). Secure any loose wires after mounting. The manual does not specify exact mounting locations, so choose a location that is easily accessible for trailer connection and protected from weather and road debris.
The power distribution box is located on the driver side of the engine compartment. The trailer tow relay block is attached to it. Open the cover(s) to access the relays and fuses. Consult your vehicle owner's manual for the exact location and layout specific to your model year.
Two 30-amp maxi-fuses are provided. One is for the TRAILER TOW ELECTRIC BRAKE circuit and one is for the TRAILER TOW BATTERY CHARGE circuit. Consult your vehicle owner's manual to locate the correct fuse positions in the power distribution box. Insert the fuses into the locations specified in your owner's manual.
Two relays are provided: the TRAILER TOW BACKUP LAMP RELAY and the TRAILER TOW BATTERY CHARGE RELAY. Consult your vehicle owner's manual to locate the correct relay positions in the trailer tow relay block attached to the power distribution box. Insert the relays into the locations specified in your owner's manual.
Do not exceed the product rating or the tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower. Exceeding the product rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating and potential fire. Check your vehicle owner's manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer for the specific lamp load rating of your vehicle.
After installation is complete, test for proper function by using a test light or by connecting a properly wired trailer. All steps must be followed to ensure the wiring connector functions properly. If the test light does not illuminate or the trailer does not function correctly, review each installation step to verify all connections are secure and all fuses and relays are properly installed.
The Curt 55242 fits Ford F-150 Light Duty, F-150 Heritage, and F-250 Light Duty models with factory 4-flat connectors. Verify your vehicle has this factory connector before purchasing.
Yes, disconnect the negative battery cable before accessing the power distribution box. Reconnect it only after all fuses and relays are installed.
Drilling may be required only for the ground wire. If no existing screw with nut is available in the vehicle frame, drill a 3/32" pilot hole. Always check for hidden items before drilling.
Two 30-amp maxi-fuses (trailer tow electric brake and battery charge) and two relays (backup lamp and battery charge) are included. Consult your owner's manual to locate where they install in the power distribution box.
Do not exceed the product rating or tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower. Exceeding the rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating and potential fire.
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