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CURT
Verify Fitment
Select your vehicle to confirm this part fits.
1991 - 2001 Ford Explorer
Confirmed to Fit
2001 - 2003 Ford Explorer Sport
Confirmed to Fit
1991 - 1994 Mazda Navajo
Confirmed to Fit
1997 - 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
Confirmed to Fit






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Always the correct part
We know our products
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Select your vehicle to find the exact plug-and-play parts that fit — no cutting or splicing.
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Trailer hitch weight ratings are limited to vehicle manufacturer's stated capacities
Includes installation hardware
Includes installation hardware
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Main Body Shape: Round
Receiver Tube Size (Inches): 2 IN
Finish: GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
WC / TW (Pounds): 400 LB / 4,000 LB
WD / WDTW (Pounds): 6,000 LB / 600 LB
Weight Carrying Capacity (Pounds): 4,000 LB
WC Tongue Weight (Pounds): 400 LB
Weight Distribution (Pounds): 6,000 LB
WD Tongue Weight (Pounds): 600 LB
Installation Difficulty: Novice
Installation Time Exact (Minutes): 35
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 Explorer, Mazda Navajo and Mercury Mountaineer (see application info to verify vehicle compatibility). It provides a weight carrying capacity of 4,000 lbs. GTW and 400 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.

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 888-634-9494Equip your vehicle for towing and hitch-mounted accessories with a dependable CURT 2" trailer hitch. Designed for a vehicle-specific fit, CURT receiver hitches provide a strong and secure connection point for towing trailers, carrying bikes, transporting cargo and using other compatible 2-inch hitch accessories.
Our selection of CURT 2-inch receiver hitches includes options for trucks, SUVs, crossovers, vans and passenger vehicles. Each hitch is engineered to match specific vehicle mounting points, helping provide a clean installation and dependable performance. Depending on the vehicle application, available options may include Class 3, Class 4 and heavy-duty receiver hitches with different gross trailer weight and tongue weight capacities.
A 2" x 2" receiver opening is one of the most common hitch sizes and works with a wide range of towing accessories, including ball mounts, bike racks, cargo carriers, hitch steps and tow hooks. When towing a trailer, you may also need a properly rated trailer ball, hitch pin, wiring harness, brake controller or weight distribution system.
CURT trailer hitches feature a durable black finish designed to help protect against rust, scratches and exposure to road conditions. Many models install using existing holes in the vehicle frame, although drilling, trimming or temporary removal of vehicle components may be required for certain applications.
Use our vehicle fitment tools to find the correct CURT 2" trailer hitch for your year, make and model. Always compare the hitch rating with your vehicle’s towing capacity and the ratings of every component in your towing setup. The maximum towing capacity is determined by the lowest-rated component.
Shop CURT 2-inch trailer hitches at TowUniverse for vehicle-specific fitment, trusted towing performance and access to the accessories needed to complete your towing setup.
Rediscover "Us" Time | Tested. Proven. Safe. Towing Products
4 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 - 2001 | Ford Explorer | Drilling Required Installation Time: 30-60 minutes Visibility: Exposed |
| 2001 - 2003 | Ford Explorer Sport | Drilling Required Installation Time: 30-60 minutes Visibility: Exposed |
| 1991 - 1994 | Mazda Navajo | Drilling Required Installation Time: 30-60 minutes Visibility: Exposed |
| 1997 - 2001 | Mercury Mountaineer | Drilling Required Installation Time: 30-60 minutes Visibility: Exposed |
The CURT Class 3 Hitch, 2", Select Explorer, Navajo, Mountaineer (Round Tube Frame) Trailer Hitch (Part #BKDK13540) fits 1991-2001 Ford Explorer models. The 2003 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the CURT Class 3 Hitch, 2", Select Explorer, Navajo, Mountaineer (Round Tube Frame) Trailer Hitch (Part #BKDK13540) is designed to fit the 1991-2001 Ford Explorer.
The CURT Class 3 Hitch, 2", Select Explorer, Navajo, Mountaineer (Round Tube Frame) Trailer Hitch (Part #BKDK13540) fits the following vehicles: 1991-2001 Ford Explorer; 2001-2003 Ford Explorer Sport; 1991-1994 Mazda Navajo; 1997-2001 Mercury Mountaineer. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The CURT Class 3 Hitch, 2", Select Explorer, Navajo, Mountaineer (Round Tube Frame) Trailer Hitch (Part #BKDK13540) Drilling is required for installation. Typical installation time is 30-60 minutes. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, Curt part number 13540 is designed for 1991–2001 Ford Explorer 4-door models. Your 1998 Explorer is within this range and is a compatible application.
No. Curt part number 13540 is designed for 1991 and later Ford Explorer models. Your 1989 Explorer is not listed as a compatible application.
Yes, Curt part number 13540 is compatible with 1996–2001 Mercury Mountaineer models.
Yes, Curt part number 13540 is compatible with 1991–1994 Mazda Navajo SUV models. Your 1992 Navajo is within this range.
No. Curt part number 13540 is designed for 1991–2001 Ford Explorer 4-door models. The 2004 Explorer is outside this range and is not a compatible application.
Yes, Curt part number 13540 is compatible with 1991–2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2-door models.
The kit includes: two 9/16"-12 UNC grade 8 hex cap screws (1-1/2" long); two 0.250" × 1.38" × 1.50" round-hole spacers; four 0.250" × 1.50" × 2.00" square-hole spacers; two 9/16" lock washers; two 9/16"-12 UNC grade 8 hex nuts; four 1/2"-13 UNC grade 8 serrated-flange nuts; and four 1/2"-13 UNC grade 8 carriage bolts (1-3/4" long).
No. For 1995 and later models, no drilling is required. The hitch uses existing holes in the vehicle frame. For 1994 and prior models, you must drill 1/2" holes through the frame rails using the hitch bracket as a template.
Yes. For 1994 and prior models, you must drill 1/2" holes through the frame rails. Use the hole in the hitch bracket as a template.
You must drill 1/2" holes through the frame rails. Use the hole in the hitch bracket as a template to mark the location.
1. Position the hitch against the bottom and sides of the vehicle frame, aligning holes in the hitch frame brackets with existing holes in the vehicle frame just forward of the bumper brackets. 2. Insert a 9/16" bolt through each hitch frame bracket and vehicle side frame; loosely secure with lock washer and hex nut on both sides. 3. Assemble 1/2" carriage bolts into square-hole spacers and position them to drop through existing holes in the vehicle cross-member and side frame. 4. Push the hitch assembly up against the bottom of the cross-member and end of the vehicle frame so the carriage bolts drop through the frame bracket holes. Tighten bolts at the end of each frame first, then the remaining bolts in the cross-member, then the 9/16" attachment bolts in the side frame last. 5. For 1994 and prior models, drill 1/2" holes through the frame rails using the hitch bracket as a template. 6. Torque 1/2" hardware to 110 lb-ft and 9/16" hardware to 150 lb-ft.
Torque the 1/2" hardware to 110 lb-ft.
Torque the 9/16" hardware to 150 lb-ft.
The manual does not provide the gross load capacity values. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. Contact Curt Manufacturing technical support at 1-877-287-8634 for capacity specifications.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure that all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound. This is essential for safe operation.
The manual lists both weight-carrying and weight-distribution capacity sections, but the values are blank. Contact Curt Manufacturing technical support at 1-877-287-8634 to confirm whether this hitch is rated for weight-distribution use.
The 13540 fits 1991–2001 Ford Explorer 4-door, 1991–2003 Ford Explorer Sport 2-door, 1991–1994 Mazda Navajo SUV, and 1996–2001 Mercury Mountaineer.
No drilling is required for 1995 and later models. For 1994 and prior models, you must drill 1/2" holes through the frame rails using the hitch bracket as a template.
Torque 1/2" hardware to 110 lb-ft and 9/16" hardware to 150 lb-ft.
The kit includes two 9/16" hex cap screws, two round-hole spacers, four square-hole spacers, two lock washers, two 9/16" hex nuts, four 1/2" serrated-flange nuts, and four 1/2" carriage bolts.
The manual does not list capacity values. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. Contact Curt technical support at 1-877-287-8634 for specifications.
Periodically check all fasteners are tight and structural components are sound.
Yes, a compatible bike rack, cargo carrier or other accessory with a 2" x 2" shank can generally be used. Make sure the accessory does not exceed the hitch’s tongue weight rating, the vehicle’s limits or the accessory manufacturer’s capacity. Account for the combined weight of the carrier and everything loaded onto it.
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