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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®.'
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1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 - 2025 | Porche Macan | Excluding S |
The CURT 59236 is a powered taillight converter that converts your vehicle's taillight signals to a 4-flat trailer connector. It allows you to connect a trailer with a 4-flat plug to your vehicle's existing taillight wiring. The converter reads your vehicle's brake, turn, and tail light signals and outputs them through the 4-flat connector for the trailer to use.
The CURT 59236 is designed for SUVs, vans, passenger cars, and trucks with 12-volt negative ground electrical systems. The manual provides wiring location guides for three vehicle types: SUVs and vans (S), passenger cars (P), and trucks (T). You must verify your vehicle has a 12-volt negative ground system before installation. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual to confirm your electrical system type.
The CURT 59236 works with four vehicle wiring types: two-wire (combined stop and turn signal with independent tail signal), three-wire (independent stop, turn and tail signals), PWM-ST (combined stop and tail signal with independent turn signal), and PWM-STT (combined stop, turn and tail signal). You must identify your vehicle's wiring type before installation by probing the taillight connectors with a multimeter or test light while activating each light circuit. The manual provides a detailed chart on page 2 to help you determine your vehicle's wiring type.
Required tools are: test light, utility knife, electrical tape, wire crimper, paper, wire stripper, and pen. You may also need a multimeter (as an alternative to a test light) to determine your vehicle's wiring type. A drill with a 3/32" bit is needed if you must create a new grounding point, and a screwdriver is required to secure the ground wire. Proper tools will improve installation quality and reduce installation time.
The CURT 59236 includes: a black converter box, a white ground wire with ring terminal, a 12-gauge power wire with ring terminal, snap locks for connecting input wires to vehicle harness, provided cable ties, double-sided tape for mounting the converter, a screw for the ground wire connection, a 4-flat dust cover, and a fuse holder with 15-amp maximum fuse. The manual shows a hardware photo on page 1 for reference.
Yes, you must disconnect the negative battery terminal before beginning installation. This is a required safety step. Look up the battery location in your vehicle's owner's manual. Be sure to fasten the disconnected negative wire down and away from the battery during the installation process. Reconnect the negative battery terminal only after all other installation steps are complete.
With the vehicle running and all lights off at the back, probe the taillight connectors (still connected to the vehicle) using a multimeter set to DC volts or a test light. Ignore any wires carrying less than two volts (multimeter) or that do not illuminate the test light bulb. Then activate each light circuit (left turn, right turn, brakes, tail) one at a time and probe the remaining wires. Match your results to the chart on page 2 titled 'Determining Vehicle Wiring Types' to identify whether your vehicle is two-wire, three-wire, PWM-ST, or PWM-STT. This determines which converter wires connect to which vehicle wires.
Use the snap locks provided to attach the converter's input wires to your vehicle's taillight harness wires. The connection depends on your vehicle's wiring type. For two-wire systems: green wire to right stop/turn, red wire to ground (white wire), yellow wire to left stop/turn, brown wire to tail. For three-wire: green to right turn, red to stop, yellow to left turn, brown to tail. For PWM-ST: green to right turn, red to stop/tail, yellow to left turn, brown to ground. For PWM-STT: green to right turn/stop/tail, red to ground, yellow to left turn/stop/tail, brown to ground. Refer to the Wiring Installation table on page 3.
Mount the black converter box on a flat spot inside the vehicle near the taillight using the provided double-sided tape. The area should be clean and suitable for adhesive mounting. Ensure the location allows easy access to the wires and does not interfere with vehicle operation or maintenance.
Locate a suitable grounding point near the converter, such as an existing screw with nut in the vehicle frame. The area must be free of rust, dirt, and paint. Secure the white ground wire using the ring terminal and the provided screw. If no suitable existing screw is available, drill a 3/32" pilot hole in a clean area of the vehicle frame and use the provided screw. Before drilling, check for hidden items behind or under any surface to avoid damage and personal injury.
Route the 12-gauge power wire from the converter to the vehicle battery location, avoiding pinch points and hot or rotating components. Use existing grommets or add a grommet when passing the wire through sheet metal to protect it from sharp edges; alternatively, use silicone for protection. At the battery, attach the ring terminal of the black power wire to the positive (+) battery terminal using a butt connector. Install the fuse holder with a 15-amp maximum fuse after all other steps are complete. The battery connection must be fuse-protected with a maximum 15-amp fuse to prevent overheating and potential fire.
Install the 15-amp fuse in the fuse holder only after all other installation steps are complete. This is the final step before testing. The fuse protects the battery connection and converter from overcurrent. Do not exceed a 15-amp fuse rating.
When in use, route the 4-flat connector to the center of the vehicle and out of the trunk. When not in use, roll up the connector and store it in a convenient, out-of-the-way location inside the trunk. Secure any loose wires with the provided cable ties to prevent tangling and damage. Install the provided 4-flat dust cover to help prevent corrosion.
Drilling is required only if you cannot find a suitable existing grounding point (such as an existing screw with nut in the vehicle frame) near the converter. If you must drill, create a 3/32" pilot hole in a clean area of the vehicle frame free of rust, dirt, and paint. Before drilling, check for hidden items behind or under any surface to avoid damage and personal injury. The modification is permanent.
The CURT 59236 has the following electrical ratings: signal circuits (left and right turn) are rated at 5.0 amps per side, and tail/running circuits are rated at 7.5 amps total. Do not exceed the product rating or your tow vehicle's lamp load rating, whichever is lower. Exceeding the product rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating, and potential fire. The product is designed for 12-volt negative ground systems only.
The power wire is 12-gauge (12 GA) or larger. This wire connects from the converter to the vehicle battery and must be routed carefully to avoid pinch points and hot or rotating components.
The maximum fuse rating is 15 amps. The battery connection must be fuse-protected with a 15-amp maximum fuse. Do not use a fuse larger than 15 amps, as exceeding the product rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating, and potential fire.
The converter has four input wires: green (right turn), red (brake), yellow (left turn), and brown (taillight). These wires connect to your vehicle's corresponding taillight signals using snap locks. The white ground wire connects to vehicle ground. The black power wire connects to the vehicle battery positive terminal. The specific connections depend on your vehicle's wiring type (two-wire, three-wire, PWM-ST, or PWM-STT).
Test the converter using either a test light or a trailer. With a test light: attach the ground lead to the exposed ground terminal of the 4-flat end, then activate the tow vehicle's left turn, right turn, tail, and brake lights one at a time. Probe the three receptacles of the 4-flat end to confirm proper functionality. With a trailer: mate the 4-flat with the trailer and run the same test using the trailer lights. If a trailer light function does not work, disconnect the trailer 4-flat, turn vehicle functions off, and recheck with a test light. If the test light shows good functionality, the issue is with the trailer, not the converter.
Do not exceed the CURT 59236 product rating or your tow vehicle's lamp load rating, whichever is lower. The product has signal circuit ratings of 5.0 amps per side and tail/running circuit ratings of 7.5 amps total. Exceeding these ratings can cause loss of warranty, overheating, and potential fire. Consult your vehicle owner's manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer for your vehicle's lamp load rating.
Before drilling, check for miscellaneous items that may be hidden behind or under any surface to avoid damage and personal injury. This includes fuel lines, electrical wiring, brake lines, and other components that could be damaged if drilled through. Take time to inspect the area thoroughly before making any holes.
When passing the 12-gauge power wire through sheet metal, use an existing grommet, add a new grommet, or apply silicone to protect the wire from sharp edges. This prevents the wire insulation from being cut or abraded, which could cause a short circuit or fire hazard.
After installation, perform the following checks: (1) Test the converter using a test light or trailer to confirm all light functions work properly (left turn, right turn, brake, tail). (2) Verify that the converter box is securely mounted with double-sided tape. (3) Confirm the ground wire is securely fastened with the ring terminal and screw. (4) Check that the power wire is properly routed and secured with cable ties, avoiding pinch points and hot components. (5) Verify the 15-amp fuse is installed in the fuse holder. (6) Ensure all loose wires are secured with cable ties. (7) Reinstall all items removed during installation.
Periodic inspection of all wires and connections should be performed to ensure there is no visible damage or loose connections. Check the converter box mounting, ground wire connection, power wire routing, and all snap lock connections. Look for signs of corrosion, especially on the 4-flat connector. Install and maintain the provided 4-flat dust cover to help prevent corrosion when the connector is not in use.
Pulsing trailer lights every two seconds indicate that the lamp circuits exceed the product's ratings (5.0 amps per side for signals, 7.5 amps total for tail/running) or there is a wiring issue with the trailer. The converter's short circuit, overload, and thermal protection activate to prevent damage. Check that your vehicle's lamp load does not exceed the converter's ratings. If the vehicle lights are within rating, disconnect the trailer and inspect its wiring for faults or excessive lamp loads.
First, disconnect the trailer 4-flat connector from the vehicle. Turn off the corresponding light function on the vehicle (left turn, right turn, brake, or tail). Use a test light to probe the 4-flat receptacles to check if the converter is sending the signal. If the test light shows the signal is present, the problem is with the trailer wiring or lights, not the converter. If the test light shows no signal, recheck your vehicle wiring type identification and verify that the converter input wires are correctly connected to the vehicle taillight harness using the Wiring Installation table on page 3.
Check that the 15-amp fuse is installed in the fuse holder and is not blown. Verify that the black power wire is securely connected to the vehicle battery positive (+) terminal using the ring terminal and butt connector. Confirm that the white ground wire is securely fastened to a clean, rust-free grounding point on the vehicle frame using the ring terminal and screw. Ensure the negative battery terminal is reconnected. If the fuse is blown, check for a short circuit in the power wire routing or a wiring error in the converter connections.
The CURT 59236 fits SUVs, vans, passenger cars, and trucks with 12-volt negative ground electrical systems. You must identify your vehicle's wiring type (two-wire, three-wire, PWM-ST, or PWM-STT) using the test procedure on page 2 before purchase. Consult your vehicle owner's manual to confirm your electrical system type.
Yes, you must disconnect the negative battery terminal before beginning installation and reconnect it only after all other steps are complete.
Perform periodic inspection of all wires and connections to ensure no visible damage or loose connections. Maintain the 4-flat dust cover to prevent corrosion.
The CURT 13612 is designed for Audi Q5 models. However, the installation procedure varies depending on whether your Q5 has a bumper fascia hitch access panel. Models with the access panel have a simpler installation, while those without require trimming of the lower fascia panel. Verify your specific model year and configuration before purchasing, as the manual does not specify which model years are compatible.
The CURT 13612 is designed for Porsche Macan models. Installation procedures vary by model variant: Macan S and Turbo models require trimming of the lower fascia panel to specific dimensions (4-1/4" and 6-1/2" as shown in Step 11), while GTS models require trimming 'as necessary.' The manual does not specify which model years are compatible.
The CURT 13612 has a gross trailer weight (GTW) capacity of 5,000 lbs. and a tongue weight (TW) capacity of 750 lbs. Never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity, as that is the limiting factor for your specific vehicle.
Required tools are: 10mm socket (deep well), 17mm socket, T-25 Torx bit socket, T-30 Torx bit socket, socket extension (6"), ratchet, torque wrench, panel trim removal tool, rotary tool, tape measure, and tape. A tools reference guide is available at curtmfg.com/trailer-hitch-installation.
Yes. The installation requires temporary removal of the rear fascia and trunk panel. The bumper fascia must be completely removed to access the frame rails and install the hitch. The fascia is reinstalled in the final step after the hitch is secured.
Yes. Step 1 requires removal of the trunk floor panel and storage tray if equipped. This provides access to the scuff plate and other components that must be removed to reach the fascia fasteners.
Yes, on Audi Q5 models only. Step 4 requires unstrapping and removing the air compressor, then removing the styrofoam air compressor bracket using two retainers. This step is skipped for Porsche Macan models.
Yes, on Audi Q5 models only. Step 5 requires removing one M6 nut holding the fuse box in place using a 10mm socket, then lifting the fuse box out of the way. The electrical connectors remain in place; do not disconnect them. The fuse box is set aside during installation and reinstalled later.
Yes, on Audi Q5 models only. Step 5 requires disconnecting the power outlet electrical connector on the backside of the passenger-side interior panel before removing that panel.
Yes. Step 6 requires removing four T-25 torx screws per side from both the driver- and passenger-side wheel well liners to access the fascia fasteners. For Porsche models, gently pull the wheel well liner towards the wheel to access the fascia fasteners.
Yes. Step 8 requires carefully disconnecting all electrical connectors from the bumper fascia before setting it aside. For Porsche Macan models, also disconnect the washer hose from the fascia.
To remove debris from weldnuts in the frame, spray lubricant or compressed air into the hole. For heavy debris, use a wire brush. Take care not to damage the threads. This cleaning should be done before sliding the hitch into the frame rails.
Step 10: Slide the hitch into the frame rails, aligning the hitch mounting slots with the retaining bracket holes on each side. Place the retaining brackets back in position and reinstall the two M10 bolts per side. Torque the M10 bolts to 44 ft-lbs.
Trimming is required for some models. Audi Q5 models without a bumper fascia hitch access panel require trimming of the lower fascia panel. Porsche Macan S and Turbo models require trimming to specific dimensions: 4-1/4" and 6-1/2" as shown in Step 11. Porsche Macan GTS models require trimming 'as necessary.' Audi Q5 models with a hitch access panel do not require trimming; instead, remove the access panel using two T-25 torx screws.
A rotary tool is required to trim the fascia panel. The manual lists a rotary tool in the Tools Required section.
Torque the M10 bolts to 44 ft-lbs. These bolts secure the retaining brackets and hitch to the frame rails.
Torque M6 fasteners to 7 ft-lbs. This applies to fasteners used during reassembly of the bumper fascia and other components.
Torque T-30 fasteners to 3 ft-lbs. This applies to fasteners used during reassembly of the bumper fascia and other components.
Torque T-25 fasteners to 1.1 ft-lbs. This applies to fasteners used during reassembly of the bumper fascia and other components.
Safety glasses must be worn at all times while installing this product. Additionally, never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity when using the hitch.
Periodic inspection of the trailer hitch should be performed to ensure all mounting hardware remains tight and structural components are secure. The manual does not specify the inspection interval or detailed inspection procedures.
Yes. The installation difficulty level is rated as 'Difficult' based on the time and effort involved. The actual difficulty may vary depending on installer expertise, vehicle condition, and availability of proper tools and equipment. The installation requires removal of multiple interior and exterior components, including the bumper fascia, trunk panel, and on Audi models, the air compressor and fuse box.
The CURT 13612 is designed for Audi Q5 and Porsche Macan models. Installation procedures vary by model variant and whether your vehicle has a bumper fascia hitch access panel.
Gross trailer weight capacity is 5,000 lbs.; tongue weight capacity is 750 lbs. Never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
Required tools include 10mm and 17mm sockets, T-25 and T-30 Torx bit sockets, 6" socket extension, ratchet, torque wrench, panel trim removal tool, rotary tool, tape measure, and tape.
Trimming is required for Audi Q5 models without a hitch access panel and Porsche Macan S, Turbo, and GTS models. Audi Q5 models with an access panel require removal of the access panel instead of trimming.
M10 bolts: 44 ft-lbs; M6 fasteners: 7 ft-lbs; T-30 fasteners: 3 ft-lbs; T-25 fasteners: 1.1 ft-lbs.
Wear safety glasses at all times during installation. Never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. Perform periodic inspections to ensure all mounting hardware remains tight.
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