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CURT
Shank
Always the correct part
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Always the correct part
We know our products
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Free Shipping!
Free Shipping
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Includes shank only (accessories sold separately)
Includes shank only (accessories sold separately)
Receiver Tube Size (Inches): 2 IN
Finish: BLACK POWDER COAT
WC / TW (Pounds): 500 LBS
WC Tongue Weight (Pounds): 500 LBS
Gross Trailer Weight (Pounds): 5,000 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 18402 is designed for 1-1/4" receiver hitches. However, the manual does not specify which vehicle makes, models or years are compatible. Contact CURT product support at 877.287.8634 or check curtmfg.com to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle.
No. The manual explicitly states: "Do not install this product on a trailer or towed vehicle." The 18402 is designed for installation on the towing vehicle only.
You need a torque wrench and a 3/4" socket. The manual lists these as the only required tools.
No. The support strap is sold separately. It is required when bike racks or cargo carriers are used with the 1-1/4" ActiveLink shank. Failure to use a support strap will void the warranty of the bike rack and trailer hitch.
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 5,000 lbs. Tongue weight (TW) capacity is 500 lbs. Never exceed these capacities or the vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
No. The manual states: "This product is not designed for off-road use."
No. The clevis pin is removed in Step 2, after the shank is already inserted into the receiver tube and secured with the anti-rattle bolt. The pin is removed to allow insertion of the ActiveLink accessory.
The package 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.
Yes. The manual states: "Before you begin installation, read all instructions thoroughly." This will help you understand the full assembly process and any warnings or cautions that apply.
Insert the ActiveLink shank (#1) into the vehicle receiver tube. Secure it with the anti-rattle bolt (#2), flat washer (#3), and lock washer (#4). Tighten the bolt firmly until no movement of the shank is noticed, not to exceed 64 ft-lbs. Do not over-tighten. Then install the hair pin clip (#5).
1. Insert the ActiveLink shank into the receiver tube and secure with the anti-rattle bolt, flat washer, and lock washer (tighten to 64 ft-lbs max), then install the hair pin clip. 2. Remove the clevis pin from the shank's channel and insert the ActiveLink accessory, 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 and snap the wire loop onto the pin. 4. Thread the anti-rattle handwheel into the shank and tighten until no movement is noticed.
Thread the anti-rattle handwheel into the ActiveLink shank and tighten until no movement of the accessory's support tube is noticed. Do not over-tighten, as this may damage the shank's insert.
The hair pin clip (#5) is installed after the anti-rattle bolt is tightened. It secures the bolt in place. The manual does not provide additional detail on its specific function beyond installation.
Only if the chosen accessory has an opening at the bottom of its support tube and is designed to tilt. To tilt: undo the support strap (if used), remove the clevis pin, and loosen the anti-rattle handwheel. Support the accessory and actuate its release handle to allow it to tilt downward. A tab on the underside of the shank will engage with the accessory's support tube to prevent disconnection. Do not attempt to tilt accessories such as cargo carriers that are not designed to tilt, as this may damage the shank and accessory.
Return the accessory to its upright transport position, re-install the clevis pin, and tighten the anti-rattle handwheel (#6). Do not transport the ActiveLink accessory in the tilted position.
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 and/or property damage and will void the warranty of the bike rack and trailer hitch. The support strap is sold separately.
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/or product damage. Plan accordingly and ensure you have adequate assistance.
Yes. The manual states: "Remove this accessory before entering automatic car washes."
It is your 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. Additionally, never exceed the vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity or the product's weight capacity (5,000 lbs GTW, 500 lbs TW).
Yes. Always be mindful of accessories extending beyond the vehicle when operating. This helps prevent damage to the accessory and other vehicles or property.
Yes. Periodic inspection of your product should be performed to ensure all hardware and/or components remain secure. This helps maintain safe operation and prevents loosening of fasteners over time.
To register your purchase, get copies of product warranties, or provide feedback, visit warranty.curtgroup.com/surveys. You can also visit www.curtmfg.com for a full-color copy of the instruction manual, helpful videos, guides, and more.
The installation difficulty is rated as Easy. However, the manual notes that installation difficulty levels are based on time and effort involved and may vary depending on the installer's level of expertise, condition of the vehicle, and proper tools and equipment.
No. The manual states: "Do not modify or use this accessory for purposes other than for which it was designed." Modification may compromise safety and void the warranty.
Over-tightening the handwheel may damage the shank's insert. If the handwheel is already damaged, do not continue tightening. Contact CURT product support at 877.287.8634 for assistance. When reinstalling or replacing, tighten the handwheel only until no movement of the accessory's support tube is noticed, then stop.
Check that the anti-rattle bolt is tightened firmly until no movement of the shank is noticed, not to exceed 64 ft-lbs. Also ensure the anti-rattle handwheel is tightened until no movement of the accessory's support tube is noticed. If movement persists after proper tightening, the clevis pin may not be fully inserted or the wire loop may not be snapped onto the pin. Verify all fasteners are secure and re-tighten as needed.
Attempting to tilt an accessory such as a cargo carrier that is not intended to tilt may damage the ActiveLink shank and accessory. Only accessories with an opening at the bottom of the support tube and designed for tilting should be tilted. If damage has occurred, contact CURT product support at 877.287.8634 for warranty evaluation and repair options.
Verify that your vehicle has a 1-1/4" receiver hitch. The 18402 is designed for 1-1/4" receivers only. If your receiver is a different size (such as 1.25", 2", or 2.5"), the shank will not fit. Contact CURT product support at 877.287.8634 to confirm compatibility with your specific vehicle, or check curtmfg.com for fitment information.
| 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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