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1987 - 2004 Dodge Dakota
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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
Available from Eau Claire, WI and Brampton, ON distribution centers only
Includes installation hardware
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Main Body Shape: Square
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): 30
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 Dodge Dakota (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
1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 - 2004 | Dodge Dakota | Drilling Required Installation Time: 30-60 minutes Visibility: Concealed |
The CURT Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2" Receiver, Select Dodge Dakota (Square Tube Frame) Trailer Hitch (Part #BKDK13280) fits the following vehicles: 1987-2004 Dodge Dakota. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The CURT Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2" Receiver, Select Dodge Dakota (Square Tube Frame) Trailer Hitch (Part #BKDK13280) fits 1987-2004 Dodge Dakota models. The 2004 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the CURT Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2" Receiver, Select Dodge Dakota (Square Tube Frame) Trailer Hitch (Part #BKDK13280) is designed to fit the 1987-2004 Dodge Dakota.
The CURT Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2" Receiver, Select Dodge Dakota (Square Tube Frame) Trailer Hitch (Part #BKDK13280) Drilling is required for installation. Typical installation time is 30-60 minutes. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The hitch weight is 36 lbs.
Yes, Curt part number 13280 is designed for 1987–2004 Dakota Pickup models.
When used as a weight-carrying hitch, the gross load capacity is 5,000 lbs. trailer weight and 500 lbs. tongue weight.
When used as a weight-distribution hitch, the gross load capacity is 8,000 lbs. trailer weight and 800 lbs. tongue weight.
Yes. Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure that all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound.
The kit includes: four 1/2-13 UNC 1-3/4" grade 8 bolts (part 10-10272), four 1/2-13 UNC grade 8 serrated flange nuts (part 20-00062), four 0.250 x 1.50 x 2.00" square hole spacers (part CM-SP1), two 7/16-14 UNC 1-1/2" grade 8 bolts (part 10-10282), and two 7/16-14 UNC grade 8 serrated flange nuts (part 20-00103).
Drilling is required for 1995 and earlier models, and for 1996 models. For 1997 and later models, the hitch aligns with existing holes and no drilling is required.
A 1/2" drill bit is required. For 1995 and earlier models, drill two holes into the bottom of each frame rail using the side bracket of the receiver as a template.
A 1/2" drill bit is required. For 1996 models, drill the forward attachment hole into the bottom of each frame rail using the side bracket of the receiver as a template.
A 1/2" drill bit is required for 1995 and earlier and 1996 models. A socket set or wrench set to tighten 1/2" and 7/16" fasteners is needed. A torque wrench is required to achieve the specified torque values of 110 lb.-ft. for 1/2" fasteners and 70 lb.-ft. for 7/16" fasteners.
All 1/2" fasteners must be torqued to 110 lb.-ft.
All 7/16" fasteners must be torqued to 70 lb.-ft.
Yes. Remove the rearmost bolt at the end of the frame on both sides. Note: On some models, the two rearmost bolts are connected with a plate. If so, remove and cut the plate midway between the bolts, discard the rearmost bolt, and reinstall the other.
1) Remove the rearmost bolt at the end of the frame on both sides (cut any connecting plate midway and discard the rearmost bolt). 2) Position the hitch and install 7/16" fasteners. 3) For 1995 and earlier models, drill two holes per side using the side bracket as a template; for 1996 models, drill the forward attachment hole per side; for 1997 and later, align with existing holes. 4) Install remaining 1/2" fasteners. 5) Torque all 1/2" fasteners to 110 lb.-ft. and all 7/16" fasteners to 70 lb.-ft.
The exhaust hanger may need to be repositioned during installation. Check clearance after positioning the hitch.
Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. The hitch capacity ratings are 5,000 lbs. trailer weight and 500 lbs. tongue weight for weight-carrying use, or 8,000 lbs. trailer weight and 800 lbs. tongue weight for weight-distribution use, but your vehicle's manufacturer limit may be lower.
Yes, the Curt 13280 is designed for 1987–2004 Dakota Pickup models.
Drilling is required for 1995 and earlier and 1996 models using a 1/2" bit. 1997 and later models use existing holes and require no drilling.
A 1/2" drill bit (for 1995–1996 models), socket or wrench set for 1/2" and 7/16" fasteners, and a torque wrench are required.
Torque all 1/2" fasteners to 110 lb.-ft. and all 7/16" fasteners to 70 lb.-ft.
Weight-carrying: 5,000 lbs. trailer, 500 lbs. tongue. Weight-distribution: 8,000 lbs. trailer, 800 lbs. tongue. Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
Yes, periodically check that all fasteners are tight and all 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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