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  1. Trailer Hitch
  2. CURT
  3. 2 Inch Hitch
  4. Class III
  5. 3500 lbs GTW
  6. Concealed Cross Tube
THIS ITEM IS NOT A FIT FOR
1999 Lexus LX 470
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CURT

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

Part Number: 13538
In Stock
$290.80
Retail:$470.72
You Save: $179.92
Trailer Hitch
Not Confirmed to Fit

1999 Lexus LX 470

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Trailer Hitch 13538 - 2 Inch Hitch - CURT
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etrailer Installation
We'll connect you with nearby partnered installers who know this exact setup.
This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Powder coated steel is sturdy and corrosion resistant. Great Prices for the best trailer hitch from CURT. Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" part number 13538 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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  • Reviews (63)
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CURT Trailer Hitch - 13538

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Standard 2" Receiver: Works with bike racks, cargo carriers, and Class III towing gear
  • Tows up to 3,500 lbs (GTW): Handles small campers, boats, and utility trailers safely
  • Holds up to 350 lbs (TW): Supports hitch-mounted accessories without strain or flex
  • Bolt-On Install: Mounts directly to frame using included hardware—no welding needed
  • Powder-Coated Steel: Gloss black finish over base coat resists rust for long-term durability
Made in USA

Features to know about

Get More Out of Your Setup: Tow, Haul, and Carry with Confidence

This Curt Class III trailer hitch receiver gives you the 2" x 2" opening most accessories are built for—bike racks, cargo carriers, and ball mounts all fit right in. It’s rated for a maximum 3,500 lbs gross trailer weight and 350 lbs tongue weight, so it’s built for small campers, utility trailers, and everyday hauling. The square-tube design keeps things sturdy while maintaining solid ground clearance that works well for most towing and cargo applications.

Built to Last in Real-World Conditions: Fully Welded Steel with Protective Coating

The hitch is made from fully welded steel and finished with a gloss black powder coat layered over a protective base coat. That combination adds strength and rust resistance so it can handle regular exposure to road grime and weather. The precision, robotic welding improves fit and strength where it counts, giving you a hitch that feels as tough as it looks.

Simple Bolt-On Install: Designed for a Precise Fit with No Welding Required

This custom-fit hitch bolts right to the frame using included hardware—no drilling or welding needed. The mounting points line up with existing holes for an easier install whether you’re doing it in the driveway or on a lift. Cleaning out existing weld nuts helps the bolts thread smoothly, especially if there’s rust buildup from age or weather, and once it’s in place, everything stays tight and aligned.

Specs

Dimensions

  • Receiver opening: 2" x 2"

Weight and Capacity

  • Rating: Class III
  • Maximum gross trailer weight: 3,500 lbs
  • Maximum tongue weight: 350 lbs

Warranty

  • Limited lifetime warranty:

13538 Curt Class 3 Trailer Hitch Receiver

Similar to Draw-Tite 75471

Installation Details 13538 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.8

63 reviews
Review sort icon
This fully welded trailer hitch receiver bolts onto your vehicle's frame with no welding required. Powder coated steel is sturdy and corrosion resistant.

by:

Great trailer hitch. Best to use a M10 1.25 tap to clean the rusted holes prior to mounting.



by:

Thank you for your wonderful service I will prefer you to other's if in need. Thanks again for your service.



by:

Trailer hitch installation was very easy. Recommend on an older vehicle to get a tap and chase the threads prior to installation. Made the job a 20 minute project!



by:

What looked like an easy job, took a bit more time. The product would have bolted on in 10 minutes, but the shipping anchor was still attached to the vehicle. That required the removal of the muffler, and heat shied to access a 3rd bolt. Once put back together, the hitch bolted on in 10 minutes.



by:

We received our Trailer Hitch promptly, even sooner than expected! It seems to be very good quality. We attached the hitch last night and it was fairly easy. The videos helped the process a lot.

Thank you!



by:

Great hitch. Fits car exactly. Install was tough because of years' worth of corrosion under the car. That is not anything to do with the hitch itself, just an fyi if you are doing a diy install.



by:

This hitch looks great...looks as though it was professionally installed at the manufacturer.
It was extremely easy to install and in under 15 minutes I was towing my trailer. All hardware was included and no modifications were needed to complete the install.



by:

No hardware or instructions we're included. Very disappointed with this purchase.

Gwendolyn Y. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Gwendolyn Y.

10/10/2024

Hey Peter! Have you had a chance to look inside the hitch opening? The hardware bag is usually tapped to the inside of the hitch along with the instructions. If you can not find it, let me know!



by:

Let me start out and say, it was easy to install and wire up, but that's just me.... and Hyundai....

I don't plan on towing anything over 1200 lbs. 50-100 miles one way, I don't drive fast..

I don't like the transitions between parts (weld), made it hard to use my torque wrench, had to be there.

The wiring was long enough, but wish the control box (?) was closer to the wheel well end.



by:

Great trailer, once installedInstallation is straightforward but not nearly as easy as portrayed. Bolt holes were rusted and would not thread without numerous applications of WD40 & repeated trial runs. Even then, bolts never threaded smoothly. MUST use a ratchet with a 10" extension, ideally a 1/2" drive (I used 3/8") & LOADS of torque (i.e., steel pipe on ratchet handle) to drive bolts home. Bolt head takes 11/16" socket. Access from under car is extremely awkward. Positioning hitch is impossible by yourself and challenging even for two people. I built up a wooden platform & used serial shims to get hitch in position. Whole installation took several hours... hardly 30 minutes! ONCE installed, hitch performs well & looks great. Little more play between hitch & my bike rack than I'd like, but that may be the bike rack, & is easily overcome with a small wooden shim.



by:

Hitch and wiring arrived on time and installed EXACTLY as shown in the installation videos. The only way this could have been easier would have been to pay 4 times as much to have one installed by someone else.
Thanks eTrailer!



by:

First off, I called and talked to Carla, she was so helpful. Gave her my info on my wife's santa fe, and presto we were in buisness. I explained that I needed it asap (really asap) and she told me it would be no problem. I called at 4:45 cst, and they got it out that day!!
I got it 2 days before I expected it. I am in awe of these guys! So got the Curt Hitch and Wireing harness, read the directions and 1 hour later I am done... how cool is that?!
I will be recommending etrailer.com to all my friends, like my dad did for me.



by:

Shipping was slower than expected, but order arrived well-packed and in excellent condition. I ordered the wrong harness (my fault), but the hitch installed easily per the clear video instructions (great tip to clean out the frame threads!).



by:

Product arrived at my front door in a very timely period considering the Christmas rush. Installation took a little bit more than 30 minutes because I did it without help, but once I got the bolts started in the holes it was like clockwork. The hitch fit exactly without having to make any modifications to the vehicle. Installaing the wiring harness was a breeze, it was an exact fit for the vehicle and the informational video was exact and to the point. The finished job looks great and like it was done professionally. Thanks for a great product, great price, timely delivery and an easy installation.



by:

I purchased a curt hitch and the wiring harness for my 08 santa fe.
The installation couldn't have gone better. Watching the video on the harness was a real help. Since then the product has performed well.
I am very pleased with your products and the ease of this purchase.
Thanks Steve S.



by:

This trailer hitch is as great now as when I purchased it, I expected it to be a great hitch and it did not dissapoint it was a very good price shipping was fast as well. If you are thinking of buying from here go ahead you won't be dissapointed.



by:

This trailer hitch is as great now as when I purchased it, I expected it to be a great hitch and it did not dissapoint it was a very good price shipping was fast as well. If you are thinking of buying from here go ahead you won't be dissapointed.



by:

Very easy installation. I routed the wiring through the back tray, just need a groument to finish it off. The most time involved the weld nuts due to corrosion and dirt. I had to eventually tap the nuts to clean and re-thread them.



by:

Whenever possible I try to buy a product made in the USA. This hitch costs a few dollars more than many imports. It is well worth the extra cost. Solidly built and easy to install. An installation tip. My 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe had a shipping tie down hook installed on the passenger side which must be removed prior to installation of the hitch. The bolt securing the hook is hidden by the muffler. Also, kudos to etrailer. The carton in which the hitch was shipped took a serious beating. A brush I ordered along with the hitch was missing. Although it was probably the responsibility of the shipping company, Etrailer promptly replaced the brush. Excellent customer service.



by:

Trailer hitch I put on my SUV works great. No problems what so ever since installed.
Carries my bike rack with 3 bikes with ease. Very strong and durable product.
For me I give this product a 5 for excellent. Would recommend to anyone out there that wants the ease of putting on and off the bike rack whenever your ready to go ride.
Diane O.



by:

Fantastic price, quick delivery! What a deal! etrailer.com provided the only way I could afford to have a trailer hitch on my 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. Thanks, etrailer.com!

Tracy K. profile picture

Tracy K.

6/25/2018

Still working perfectly after 1 year. No problems at all! Thanks!



by:

Thanks for following up. Yes it was delivered around lunch time. I will
install on Friday and leave a great review!
I did want to ask about the Plug-N-Tow (R) Vehicle Wiring Harness with
Powered Converter and 4 Pole Trailer Connector
I completely for got to include this in my order. I had it selected at one
point, but must have cleared the cart. Any chance I can get this with the
complimentary shipping as well?

Heather A. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Heather A.

10/19/2018

The wiring harness part you need for the 2007 Hyundai Santa fe is Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # 118415.



by:

The included bolts were slightly too short to engage the body threads, and I couldn’t use the provided washers. Fortunately, it’s only for a cargo rack, not for towing.



by:

No issues with the product. It has been installed for approx a year. No signs of rust. I recommend this product along with e trailer. The hitch arrived without the hardware inside the tube. With a call and short discussion, the fasteners arrived in a few days. I feel e trailer values their customers with the service I have received.

Craig R. profile picture

Craig R.

8/15/2019

still very satisfied with the hitch.



by:

I think Kim is great
And the best
My
shining Star at Etrailer


25
25

See what our Experts say about this CURT Trailer Hitch

  • Can Hitch Install on 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 3.3 AWD with Full Size Spare
    Yes you can install a hitch on your 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe that has a full size spare mounted underneath it. I attached a picture that our installers took that shows the spare able to fit with the Curt hitch # 13538 installed.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Bolt Holes are Too Small for Trailer Hitch Installation on a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
    What you are most likely experiencing is weld nuts on the vehicle that are packed with corrosion and/or road grime. This happens on any vehicle that has seen at least 1 winter. What you will need to do is clean out the weld nuts so the bolts can be threaded in freely. We have some helpful links that I have included that will help you clean out the weld nuts. You will need some spray lubricant like WD-40, a wire brush like # DW00254, and some patience. I have included a link to a video...
    view full answer...
  • Trailer Hitch Receiver Fit for 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
    There are a pair of trailer hitch receivers that fit your 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe, the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75471 and Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13538. These two hitches are similar in a lot of ways, but between the two I recommend going with the Curt hitch because it has both the best ground clearance and bumper clearance. This will give your '09 Santa Fe a sturdy, Class III hitch with a 2" receiver and won't require any type of drilling into your Hyundai's frame...
    view full answer...
  • Hitch for 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe That Wont Interfere w/ Full-Sized Spare Tire
    All the hitches offered for your vehicle will interfere with the spare to a small degree, but the spare tire will still fit. I spoke with my contacts at Curt Manufacturing, as well as Cequent Performance Products, who manufacture Draw-Tite brand hitches. I was told that the Draw-Tite # 75471 and the Curt # 13538 are all compatible with 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe models equipped with the spare tire. Although the hitch will prevent the spare from dropping straight down, the solution is very simple....
    view full answer...
  • How to Clean Weld Nuts to Install a Trailer Hitch
    I will be happy to help. Dirty/corroded weld nuts can be a pain but with enough elbow grease, wire brushes, and WD40 anything is possible. I have included a few links on hitch installation tips, cleaning weld nuts, and a video on cleaning weld nuts for you.
    view full answer...
  • Curt Class III Hitch Part # 13538 for 2008 Sante Fe
    When installed on a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe, the Curt Class III Hitch part # 13538 would look much the same as the Hidden Hitch model for that vehicle. The center of the cross tube section would be mostly concealed by the rear fascia, with the receiver and the end portions of the cross tube that curve around the dual exhausts being visible. The installation instructions do not mention the necessity of removing the spare tire, although removing it temporarily during installation can provide...
    view full answer...
  • 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Parts Needed to Tow a Trailer
    Great question Rasheed! We definitely have the parts you need to trailer tow with your 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, but as far as what comes with the OEM tow package for your vehicle goes, I was unable to find what exact parts Hyundai would install. Sometimes it's just a hitch and wiring, while other times it also includes a transmission cooler as well. With that being said, here are the parts I recommend for your Santa Fe: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13538 - T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness...
    view full answer...
  • Carrier is Hitting the Ground When Attached to 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Trailer Hitch
    We have a couple of potential options for you that can help, but there isn't a way to strengthen a hitch in regards to its capacity. So the first thing to do is check to ensure you aren't exceeding the tongue weight limit of the hitch that is on your 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. So just be sure your wife's wheelchair and I assume wheelchair carrier is no more than 350 lbs if your 2007 Santa Fe has the Curt Trailer Hitch # 13538 or 525 lbs if you have the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 75471. When...
    view full answer...
  • Will The Curt 13538 Allow Me To Store A Spare Tire Under A 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
    The Curt hitch # 13538 is the correct hitch for a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. It should allow for storage of a full size spare tire without any issue. We have installed this hitch here a 2009 Santa Fe and it all fit together fine. That said when we installed, the spare tire was fully inflated but we did not move it. I can see how getting it back into position could be tricky. In this case I am not aware of a work around. My recommendation would be to let as much air out of the tire as you...
    view full answer...
  • Solution for Trailer Hitch Install Bolts that Seem too Big
    The best and fastest way to clean out rusty weld nuts where a hitch installs on a vehicle frame is with a thread tap. This is a very common issue and the problem is that dirt and rust accumulates in the weld nuts making it seem like the bolts are too big to fit but in reality the weld nuts just need to be cleaned out.
    view full answer...
  • Trailer Hitch with Most Ground Clearance for a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
    When we installed the various trailer hitches available for the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe we found that the Curt hitch # 13538 was slightly higher than the Draw-Tite model # 75471. The Curt hitch measured 13-3/4 inches from the ground to the top of the receiver opening. The Draw-Tite was 13 inches. To the bottom of the receiver on the Curt hitch it will be approximately 2-1/4 inches less than 13-3/4 inches so approximately 11-1/2 inches. I have linked a video showing installation for you. If...
    view full answer...
  • Hitch for 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe to Allow Use of Swagman XTC-2 Bike Rack
    The Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack # S64670 that you referenced offers the versatility to work with either a 1-1/4-inch or 2-inch size hitch receiver. As it happens, all of the hitches we offer for your car are the sturdier 2-inch Class III variety and this is a good thing as it means the rack will not overload the hitch's capacity. As all three available hitches have the same capacity, I suggest the lowest-price unit from Curt, part # 13538. I have linked you to the written instructions...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Trailer Hitch and 4-Bike Rack for 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
    Hi there! To mount a 4-bike rack on your 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe I recommend the Curt # 13538 trailer hitch; this is a 2" hitch that will easily allow you to use a 4-bike rack. As for a bike rack, because you are carrying children's bikes that have smaller wheelbases, the best option is going to be a hanging rack. I highly recommend the Swagman Trailhead # S63380 which has a shank that will give you 3" of rise for additional ground clearance and is long enough to clear the distance from...
    view full answer...
  • Is Curt Trailer Hitch # 13538 Supposed to Hit Bottom of Bumper on a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
    I believe something is amiss either with the hitch or the attachment points on your 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited. When we installed Curt trailer hitch # 13538 on a 2009 Santa Fe, see video, we did not have this problem. The bumper remained in its normal position. If the vehicle had ever been hit or otherwise had something occur that moved the fascia position that could have affected the fit. Also, if the hitch had flexed in the shipping process at all then that could affect the fit as...
    view full answer...


Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Michael H
Expert Research:
Michael H
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Zack K
Video Edited:
Zack K
Employee Joshua S
Video Edited:
Joshua S
Employee Jacob T
Video Edited:
Jacob T
Employee Patrick B
Video Edited:
Patrick B
Employee Lindsey S
Written by:
Lindsey S
Employee Nicholas E
Test Fit:
Nicholas E
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Amanda M
Updated by:
Amanda M
Employee Kristina F
Updated by:
Kristina F
Employee Isabelle B
Updated by:
Isabelle B

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