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CURT
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Select your vehicle to confirm this part fits.
2002 - 2005 Ford Explorer
Confirmed to Fit
2003 - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
Confirmed to Fit
2002 - 2005 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.
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): 500 LB / 5,000 LB
WD / WDTW (Pounds): 8,000 LB / 800 LB
Weight Carrying Capacity (Pounds): 5,000 LB
WC Tongue Weight (Pounds): 500 LB
Weight Distribution (Pounds): 8,000 LB
WD Tongue Weight (Pounds): 800 LB
Installation Difficulty: Novice
Installation Time Exact (Minutes): 40
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, Lincoln Aviator and Mercury Mountaineer (see application info to verify vehicle compatibility). It provides a weight carrying capacity of 5,000 lbs. GTW and 500 lbs. TW. It is also compatible with a weight distribution hitch for level towing and a rating of 8,000 lbs. WD and 800 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
3 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 - 2005 | Ford Explorer | No Drilling Required Installation Time: 30-60 minutes Fits beneath factory 1.25 in. receiver hitch Visibility: Exposed |
| 2003 - 2005 | Lincoln Aviator | No Drilling Required Installation Time: 30-60 minutes Fits beneath factory 1.25 in. receiver hitch Visibility: Exposed |
| 2002 - 2005 | Mercury Mountaineer | No Drilling Required Installation Time: 30-60 minutes Visibility: Exposed |
The CURT Class 3 Hitch, 2", Select Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer Trailer Hitch (Part #BKDK13550) fits 2002-2005 Ford Explorer models. The 2005 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The CURT Class 3 Hitch, 2", Select Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer Trailer Hitch (Part #BKDK13550) fits the following vehicles: 2002-2005 Ford Explorer; 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator; 2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
Yes, the CURT Class 3 Hitch, 2", Select Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer Trailer Hitch (Part #BKDK13550) is designed to fit the 2002-2005 Ford Explorer.
The CURT Class 3 Hitch, 2", Select Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer Trailer Hitch (Part #BKDK13550) Drilling is not required for installation. Typical installation time is 30-60 minutes. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The hitch weight is 37 lbs.
Yes, the Curt 13550 is designed for 02-05 Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, and Lincoln Aviator.
No. Do not use both receivers at the same time. The manual explicitly warns that using both the OEM hitch and the aftermarket receiver hitch simultaneously may overload and cause damage to the vehicle.
When used as a weight-carrying hitch, the gross load capacity is 5,000 lbs trailer weight and 500 lbs tongue weight. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
When used as a weight-distribution hitch, the gross load capacity is 8,000 lbs trailer weight and 800 lbs tongue weight. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
The kit includes: 6 flat washers (1/2"), 2 carriage bolts (1/2"-13 UNC, 1-3/4", Grade 8), 2 serrated flange nuts (1/2"-13 UNC, Grade 8), 6 hex cap screws (M12×1.75, 45 mm, Class 10.9), 2 square hole spacers (0.250" × 1.50" × 2.00"), and 2 pieces of 1/2" fishwire.
No. The manual states "NO DRILLING REQUIRED." The hitch uses existing frame holes and fastener locations.
Yes. Step 1 of the installation requires you to remove 3 existing bumper bracket nuts (if present) and 3 M12 or M14 bolts from each side of the frame before installing the hitch.
The fishwire is used to guide the carriage bolts and square hole spacer through the end of the frame during installation (Step 2). Two pieces of 1/2" fishwire are included in the kit.
All M14 fasteners must be torqued to 136 ft-lb.
All M12 fasteners must be torqued to 79 ft-lb.
All 1/2" fasteners must be torqued to 110 ft-lb.
Yes. Step 4 requires you to reinstall factory fasteners. If your vehicle has M14 factory fasteners, reinstall them as-is. If your vehicle has M12 factory fasteners, install the supplied M12 fasteners and then reinstall the factory M12 nuts.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure that all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound. This is an ongoing maintenance requirement to ensure safe operation.
Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. The hitch itself supports up to 5,000 lbs trailer weight and 500 lbs tongue weight as a weight-carrying hitch, or 8,000 lbs trailer weight and 800 lbs tongue weight as a weight-distribution hitch, but your vehicle's limits may be lower.
Yes, the Curt 13550 is designed for 2002-2005 Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, and Lincoln Aviator.
M14 fasteners: 136 ft-lb; M12 fasteners: 79 ft-lb; 1/2" fasteners: 110 ft-lb.
Weight-carrying: 5,000 lbs trailer / 500 lbs tongue. Weight-distribution: 8,000 lbs trailer / 800 lbs tongue. Do not exceed your vehicle's manufacturer towing capacity.
No. Using both receivers simultaneously may overload and damage the vehicle.
Periodically check that 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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