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CURT
Shank
Always the correct part
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Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Includes shank only (accessories sold separately)
Includes shank only (accessories sold separately)
Receiver Tube Size (Inches): 1-1/4 IN
Finish: BLACK POWDER COAT
WC / TW (Pounds): 350 LBS
WC Tongue Weight (Pounds): 350 LBS
Gross Trailer Weight (Pounds): 3,500 LBS
Installation Time Exact (Minutes): 0
Enjoy your active, outdoor lifestyle with less stress with the CURT ActiveLink system. This revolutionary towing technology allows you to swap out any accessory faster and easier than a traditional hitch setup. The secret is the uniquely engineered ActiveLink shank. This shank installs in your hitch receiver, just like a traditional ball mount. However, once installed, it provides a highly versatile, multi-function connection point. Bike rack, cargo carrier or none of the above ? the ActiveLink system provides a secure connection and allows for fast change-out of accessories whenever needed. At the bottom of the connection point is a bolt that provides a resting point for the accessory shank. Unlike a traditional hitch connection that requires you to get down near the underbelly of your vehicle to carefully line up the hitch pin holes, this pivot point lines the shank up exactly where it needs to be for a speedy and effortless connection. The CURT ActiveLink system also promotes a comfortable towing experience, featuring built-in anti-rattle features to suppress undesirable road noise. The components are made from high-strength steel and feature a weather-resistance powder coat finish.
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 888-634-9494One-Year Limited
Rediscover "Us" Time | Tested. Proven. Safe. Towing Products
The CURT 18401 is designed for 1-1/4" receiver hitches. Verify your vehicle has a 1-1/4" receiver before purchasing. The manual does not specify which vehicle models or years are compatible; contact CURT product support at 877.287.8634 or visit curtmfg.com for fitment confirmation.
You need a torque wrench and a 3/4" socket. These are the only tools listed as required in the manual.
Yes. A support strap is required when bike racks or cargo carriers are used with the 1-1/4" ActiveLink shank. Failure to use a support strap could result in injury, property damage, and will void the warranty of the bike rack and trailer hitch. The support strap is sold separately.
Tighten the anti-rattle bolt firmly until no movement of the shank is noticed, not to exceed 64 ft-lbs. Do not over-tighten.
Gross trailer weight (GTW) capacity is 3,500 lbs. Tongue weight (TW) capacity is 350 lbs. Never exceed these capacities or the vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
No. The CURT 18401 is not designed for off-road use. Do not install this product on a trailer or towed vehicle.
No. The CURT 18401 shank assembly inserts directly into the vehicle's existing receiver tube. No removal of the receiver hitch is required.
The CURT 18401 includes: one ActiveLink shank assembly, one anti-rattle bolt (1/2"-13), one flat washer (1/2"), one lock washer (1/2"), one hair pin clip, and one anti-rattle handwheel. A support strap is not included and must be purchased separately if you plan to use bike racks or cargo carriers.
1. Insert the ActiveLink shank (#1) into the vehicle receiver tube. 2. Secure it with the anti-rattle bolt (#2), flat washer (#3), and lock washer (#4). 3. Tighten the bolt firmly until no movement of the shank is noticed, not to exceed 64 ft-lbs. Do not over-tighten. 4. Install the hair pin clip (#5). The shank is now ready for accessory attachment.
1. Remove the clevis pin from the ActiveLink shank's channel. 2. Insert the ActiveLink accessory into the shank, resting the tube's notch on the bolt and sliding the latch into the shank's notch. 3. Insert the clevis pin into the shank, snapping the wire loop onto the pin. 4. Thread the anti-rattle handwheel into the shank and tighten until no movement of the accessory's support tube is noticed. Do not over-tighten the handwheel, as this may damage the shank's insert.
Only if the chosen accessory has an opening at the bottom of its support tube and is designed to tilt. To tilt: 1. Undo the support strap (if used). 2. Remove the clevis pin from the shank and loosen the anti-rattle handwheel. 3. Support the accessory and actuate its release handle, allowing it to tilt downward. A tab on the underside of the shank will engage with the accessory's support tube to prevent disconnection. To return to transport position, re-install the clevis pin and tighten the handwheel. Do not transport the accessory in the tilted position. Attempting to tilt an accessory not designed to tilt may damage the shank and accessory.
Remove the CURT 18401 accessory before entering an automatic car wash. The product is not designed to withstand the forces and spray of automatic car wash equipment.
Periodic inspection of the product should be performed to ensure all hardware and components remain secure. The manual does not specify a frequency; inspect regularly before each use and after long trips to verify that the bolt, washers, handwheel, and clevis pin remain tight and in place.
When transporting heavier bikes such as e-bikes and tilting the rack for rear vehicle access is necessary, a team lift may be required to prevent injury and product damage. Do not attempt to tilt or lower a loaded e-bike rack alone if it is too heavy.
It is the user's responsibility to adhere to all state and federal laws regarding obstruction of vehicle lighting (brake lights, taillights, turn signals, and backup lights) and license plate when using this accessory. Ensure the installed shank and any attached accessory do not obstruct these lights or the license plate.
Never exceed the vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity or the product's weight capacity. The CURT 18401 has a gross trailer weight (GTW) capacity of 3,500 lbs and a tongue weight (TW) capacity of 350 lbs. Your vehicle's towing capacity may be lower; always follow the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
Yes. CURT stands behind the CURT 18401 with industry-leading warranties. To get copies of the product warranty, register your purchase, or provide feedback, visit warranty.curtgroup.com/surveys. Note that the warranty of the bike rack and trailer hitch will be voided if a required support strap is not used with bike racks or cargo carriers.
Visit www.curtmfg.com for a full-color copy of the installation manual, as well as helpful videos, guides, and more. You can also contact CURT product support at 877.287.8634 for assistance.
Over-tightening the handwheel may damage the shank's insert. If the handwheel is difficult to turn or appears damaged, stop tightening immediately. Tighten only until no movement of the accessory's support tube is noticed. If the insert is already damaged, the shank may need to be replaced. Contact CURT product support at 877.287.8634 for assistance.
1. Verify the anti-rattle bolt is tightened firmly to 64 ft-lbs maximum using a torque wrench. 2. Confirm the hair pin clip is installed. 3. Check that the anti-rattle handwheel is tightened until no movement of the accessory's support tube is noticed. 4. Perform periodic inspection to ensure all hardware remains secure. If movement persists after these checks, the bolt may need retightening or the receiver tube may be damaged.
Not all accessories are designed to tilt. Attempting to tilt an accessory such as a cargo carrier that is not intended to do so may damage the ActiveLink shank and accessory. Verify that your specific accessory is designed for tilting before attempting. If it is designed to tilt, ensure the clevis pin is removed and the anti-rattle handwheel is loosened before attempting to tilt.
Do not transport the CURT 18401 accessory in the tilted position. The tilted position is intended only for temporary rear vehicle access. After accessing the rear of the vehicle, return the accessory to its upright transport position by re-installing the clevis pin and tightening the anti-rattle handwheel.
| Part # | Series Name | Number of Bikes | Capacity | Shank Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bike Racks | ||||
| 18410 | SE | Up to 2 | 90 lbs. | 2" included (1-1/4" sold separately, #18401) |
| 18411 | SE | Up to 4 | 180 lbs. | 2" included (1-1/4" sold separately, #18401) |
| 18412 | Ultra | Up to 4 | 180 lbs. | 2" included (1-1/4" sold separately, #18401) |
| Shanks | ||||
| 18401 | -- | -- | 3,500 / 350 lbs. | 1-1/4" |
| 18402 | -- | -- | 5,000 / 500 lbs. | 2" |
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