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Complete CURT Class 3 2" trailer hitch and 4-flat custom wiring kit engineered for the 1997 - 1999 Ford F-250LD New body, excluding 20" spare tire. 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.
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 F150 and F250 (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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 - 1999 | Ford F-250LD | New body, excluding 20" spare tire |
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.
Yes, Curt part 55256 is designed for Ford F-150 and Ford F-250 trucks. The manual does not specify model years, so contact Curt Manufacturing or your retailer to confirm your specific year and generation are covered.
Curt part 55256 is a T-connector trailer wiring harness for Ford F-150 and F-250 trucks. It connects to the vehicle's factory taillight wiring to provide trailer lighting connectors.
The taillight wiring harness is located under the vehicle on the driver's side, at location T3 behind the bumper. It will have connectors similar to those on the T-connector.
Locate the vehicle's taillight wiring connectors under the driver's side at location T3 behind the bumper. Separate the vehicle's connectors carefully without damaging the locking tabs. Insert the T-connector between the separated connectors, ensuring both connectors are fully inserted with locking tabs in place.
The manual warns to separate the vehicle's connectors carefully to avoid damaging the locking tabs. If tabs are damaged during separation, the connectors may not stay fully inserted. Contact Curt Manufacturing or a dealer for replacement connector guidance.
Drilling is optional. You must establish a ground connection for the white wire. If a suitable grounding point exists near the connector—such as an existing screw with nut in the vehicle's frame—use that. If not, drill a 3/32" hole and secure the white wire using the eyelet and screw provided.
Drill a 3/32" hole for the ground wire. Secure the white wire using the eyelet and screw provided with the kit.
Before drilling, verify that no miscellaneous items are hidden behind or under the surface where you plan to drill. This includes wiring, fuel lines, brake lines, and other components. Drilling into hidden items can cause damage and personal injury.
Route the 4-flat connector to the center of the vehicle and secure it in a convenient, out-of-the-way location. Secure any loose wires with the cable ties provided.
The kit includes an eyelet, a screw for grounding the white wire, and cable ties for securing loose wires.
Curt 55256 is designed for Ford F-150 and F-250. Confirm your specific model year with the manufacturer or retailer.
Drilling is optional. Use an existing frame screw if available; otherwise, drill a 3/32" hole for the ground wire.
Verify no hidden items (wiring, fuel lines, brake lines) are behind or under the surface before drilling to avoid damage and injury.
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