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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
2021 Lexus NX 300
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CURT

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

Part Number: C13281
In Stock
$222.43
Retail:$354.95
You Save: $132.52
Trailer Hitch
Not Confirmed to Fit

2021 Lexus NX 300

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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 C13281 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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  • Reviews (353)
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CURT Trailer Hitch - C13281

Highlights

  • Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
  • Standard 2" Receiver: Fits most bike racks, cargo carriers, and Class III towing gear
  • Tows up to 3,500 lbs (GTW): Handles small campers, boats, or utility trailers with ease
  • Holds up to 525 lbs (TW): Supports heavy-duty accessories without strain or flex
  • Bolt-On Installation: Mounts directly to frame with included hardware—no welding required
  • Rust-Resistant Finish: Gloss black powder coat over base coat helps prevent corrosion
Made in USA

Features to know about

Carry More and Tow with Confidence: Class III Strength with 2" Receiver

This Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver gives you room to bring your gear or tow small trailers without worry. It’s rated for a maximum 3,500 lbs gross trailer weight and 525 lbs tongue weight, so it can handle light campers, boats, or cargo carriers with ease. The 2" x 2" receiver opening works with most popular bike racks, ball mounts, and cargo trays, so your existing gear fits right in.

Install It Yourself Without Drilling: Bolt-On Design for an Easy Fit

You don’t need a lift or special tools to get this hitch on your vehicle. The fully welded design bolts straight to the frame using existing holes—no drilling or welding required. It comes with a complete hardware kit and clear step-by-step instructions, making it perfect for driveway installs. Everything lines up cleanly for a snug, secure fit that stays put once tightened down.

Built Tough to Last: Powder-Coated Steel Construction

The hitch is made from sturdy, square-tube steel that’s precision welded for strength. A gloss black powder coat is applied over a protective base coat to resist rust and corrosion, keeping it looking sharp even after years of road grime and weather exposure. The solid construction means it won’t flex or bend under normal use, giving you dependable support every time you tow or mount an accessory.

Keep It Low-Profile: Clean Look Under the Bumper

Once installed, only the receiver is visible for a tidy, factory-style appearance. The concealed cross tube keeps the setup looking neat without hanging too low or taking away from your vehicle’s style. You get all the utility of a heavy-duty hitch with a clean finish that blends right in when not in use.

Specs

Receiver Opening

  • Receiver opening: 2" x 2"

Rating

  • Class: III

Weight Capacity

  • Maximum gross trailer weight: 3,500 lbs
  • Maximum tongue weight: 525 lbs

Compatibility

  • Not rated for use with weight distribution systems

Warranty

  • Limited lifetime warranty

13281 Curt Class 3 Trailer Hitch Receiver

Compare to Draw-Tite 76074

Installation Details C13281 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.9

353 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:

Hitch partially broke out of box during shipping. Last hole didn’t lineup had to drift hole to allow bolt to thread. Other than those two issues it looks great and I’m sure it will do the job.



by:

Order was delivered with in two days even with a approaching holiday weekend. Installed in about a hour with a little help from my wife. Looks great, Thank you!



by:

Arrived quickly, well packaged, appears to be excellent quality construction. Priced fairly. Perfect fit…Install was simple no “hitches”. Although the instructions were adequate they are oversimplified and don’t tell you how to overcome some problems one might face due to corrosion and stubborn fasteners. But, you can find help with problems that might arise on you tube easily enough. I’ve ordered a lot of products from etrailer over the years and have been satisfied with all of them.



by:

Fits perfect and the instructions and video provided makes it easy to install. Took about 45 mins, did it without jacking the car up and without a lift. Done from the street. It will mostly be used for a bike carrier. Happy with the purchase



by:

Everything worked as planned. Technical support was even absolve on the weekend with some questions I had about the installation. The video could provide more visuals (or a note) about the process to install the bolts tightly one at a time as the unite needs to flex in to place.



by:

hi.
Attached some photo of my trailer
hitch installation on 2017 Kia Sportage SX
Easy to install and perfect fit



by:

Quick and easy ordering and fast delivery. Outstanding.



by:

Just installed the hitch without little trouble. Instructions were clear and [online] video was helpful as well. Haven’t given it a real test, just yet, this is why only 4 stars and not 5. However, it does look sturdy and high quality. So far, I’m satisfied with the hitch.



by:

I was heading out on vacation and needed a hitch for the trip. I had 5 days until my departure and checked U-Haul, Lowe’s, Home Depot and Amazon. The soonest any of those companies could get a hitch to me won’t have been 7-10 days. I found etrailer and placed my order, selecting 3 day delivery. The hitch arrived on time and fit like a glove. I was able to bolt it in and torque it down in under 30 minutes. Great ordering experience. I highly recommend etrailer.com



by:

Good instructional video. Perfect Fit. Used my motorcycle jack to lift in place. Used channel locks to get rubber Muffler mounts off. An hour later, I'm going biking!



by:

ETRAILER came through again!!!! No one had the Curt hitch I needed for my 2017 Kia Sportage, called ETRAILER and once again they were right on top of things it arrived at my door on time and I installed in 30 min same day!!!!!! Customer service is awesome!! Ellen stayed in touch with me every step of the way!! This is the second time I have needed a hard to find item and ETRAILER was there!!! Great company thank you all!!!



by:

Hitch came with no problems shipping. Small hole on corner of package but hitch not damaged. Instructions easy to follow. I lubricated the bolt holes before installing bolts. Just need wife to help hold in place to get a few bolts started. Was done in maybe an hour? (I took my time). Very well made, glad I got the two inch stronger one. Now waiting on the wiring to ship.



by:

I bought this for my 2017 Kia Sportage. It is a perfect fit and looks absolutely fantastic. The wiring harness is left in the spare tire area inside the vehicle and has a nice long cord that easily comes out of the trunk and stays perfectly new until I need it. I don't think there is anything better for this vehicle.



by:

Perfect fit for my 2019 Kia Sportage was able to install by myself with no ramps or jack stands the instruction video is very helpful I only had to remove the 2 muffler rubber holders once you get a bolt in one side it is easy to get others started very easy no drilling and even less expensive then a universal mount that may require drilling highly recommend



by:

This review is for the Curt trailer hitch installed onto a 2020 KIA Sportage. I did back the car onto 2 bricks to give me an extra 2" of working space. The exhaust hangers were sprayed with soapy water and came off without the need for any tools. I laid on my back and lifted the hitch to start one of the vertical bolts then with the hitch suspended and me holding, I installed the bolt on the opposite side. It was down hill from there, total working time was 45 mins. I don't think it would be any faster with a second person. This will be great to hold my bike carrier. Looking at the photo you can hardly tell that it is there. Great product and easy install. Michael S.



by:

This hitch is well made. Purchased this over others as it is made by a local company in the state I live in and I will always support the local economy.

Actual install wasn't too difficult. Curts instructions mention cleaning out the weld nuts in vehicle frame with a wire brush. Our vehicle had a lot of salt corrosion in the weld nuts so had to run a 10mm tap through all the holes to completely open them back up. Once that cleanup was complete installation was a breeze, looks good and will definitely do what we purchased it to do.



by:

My wife and I took about 45 min to do the hitch and about 1 1/2 hrs to do the electric. Take your time on the electric and be patient, so you can do it right.
Like that you can just plug the T harness right into your car lights.
Would recommend to watch etrailer great videos to install hitch and lights.
On the Sportage I used a low rise hitch ball and turned it upside down, so I could have good clearance from bumper. I can also see my hitch from my backup camera,so I can backup right to the hitch



by:

I Have purchased a CURT trailer hitch assembly in the past so I know the CURT brand is reliable and made well. I bought from etrailer in the past as well and trust them to deliver quality products and for a secure transaction. The installation was a breeze and fit perfectly into my 2021 Sportage’s factory drilled and tapped chassis. etrailer.com has easy to understand video tutorials on how to install them. etrailers price was competitive which was the deal closer. Thank you



by:

Great hitch very very very fast shipper and super easy to install. Installed by myself in less than 30min. I will definitely buy and recommend etrailer to everyone I know.

Bfodor profile picture

Bfodor

8/25/2020

Awesome hitch plus it looks good

Bfodor profile picture

Bfodor

8/25/2020

Awesome hitch no rattles and no rust very happy



by:

6 years later and still good!



by:

The hitch was exactly as described. Installed easily enough. I’ve used it extensively since it’s installation with my trailer I purchased the day after I ordered this hitch. Their video for installation of the hitch was extremely helpful. Couldn’t be happier!



by:

Arrived a day ahead of schedule, easily installed by myself with a floor jack. Perfect fit on 2018 Kia Sportage. Will be ordering the next one for our 2018 Sorento.

Tj G. profile picture

Tj G.

9/6/2020

Perfectly, no issues, high quality and no rust



by:

The hitch works great and was glad you included the anti-wobble clap with the order. The price was great and after a year using it to tote my bike around, it still performs great.

Dwayne profile picture

Dwayne

8/23/2023

This is an outstanding product. After a year of using it on my 2019 Kia Sportage, it has performed great. I have connected my bike hitch to it and have had no problems.



by:

Installed just as the videos showed on my 2019 Kia Sportage. I did not need to take off forward muffler hanger on my 2019 Kia Sportage... just the rear two.
From ordering to watching the recommended videos, great packaging and easy install with one person, thank you etrailer.com for an excellent experience. It took me 1 1/2 hours with no problems but I’m a very thorough worker:-)
Very happy I did it myself!
Using it for bike rack with the recommended straps.

Richard S. profile picture

Richard S.

7/17/2020

Perfect! Still very happy with my etrailer purchase



by:

The hitch looks good on my car. The video was great, we don't all own a motorized lift gate ??, easy to follow. The routing to the front was the worst part but was still not that bad. It ll definitely pull my wave runner. Thanks for the product!


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See what our Experts say about this CURT Trailer Hitch

  • Comparing Curt and etrailer Class III Trailer Hitches for a 2017 Kia Sportage
    If you will be using the trailer hitch for an accessory such as a bike rack or cargo carrier than I recommend the etrailer hitch # e72TR because it does not have the stabilization strap requirement for non-trailer loads like the Curt, # C13281. It also costs less. In fact, even if you were towing I would still recommend the etrailer hitch because it is at a better price point. While the designs of these 2 hitches are a little different how and where they install is about the same. I have...
    view full answer...
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  • Availability of Bike Rack with Ramp to Carry 75 lb E-Bike
    The bike rack with the highest weight capacity that has a ramp that can be utilized is the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202 but it can only handle up to 65 lb E-Bikes and I'm not sure if you'd be able to get your bike down that low. We do have the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE # HLY74FR which would be able to carry your 75 lb E-Bike but this doesn't have a ramp so you'd have to muscle the bike up to the bike rack. Because of this, the best option for your application is to use a motorcycle...
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Hardware for Curt Trailer Hitch on 2022 Kia Sportage EX
    Hey Joseph! I'm assuming you're looking for replacement hardware for the Curt # C13281. We do carry the hardware under the Replacement Hardware Kit # RHK. However, since this only uses bolts and washers, and you don't need spacer blocks, you can save some money by picking up the hardware locally. You need the following: 8 HHCS,M10x1.25,30,CL10.9,YZ Bolts 8 WASHER, S-CON,7/16,YZ
    view full answer...
  • Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2019 Kia Sportage
    For your 2019 Kia Sportage there are two hitch sizes available, 2 inch and 1-1/4 inch. Whenever available I recommend going with a 2 inch hitch since it will be stronger and more accessories are designed to fit that size. So the 2 inch hitch I would recommend for your 2019 Sportage would be the etrailer hitch part # e72TR because it has the best capacities, is the least visible, and unlike the Curt # C13281 it does not require the use of a stabilizer strap when carrying a non-supported...
    view full answer...
  • Difference Between Curt and etrailer Class III Trailer Hitches for 2022 Kia Sportage
    There are a few small differences between the etrailer # e72TR and the Curt # C13281 Class III hitches, both of which are confirmed fits for a 2022 Kia Sportage. Both hitches would install in a similar manner, and the installation shares the same level of difficulty. The etrailer has a higher capacity at 4500 lbs towing/675 lbs tongue weight while the Curt has a 3500 lb towing/525 lb tongue weight capacity. However, the capacity advantage isn't really relevant because the capacity will...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Best Hitch for a 2022 Kia Sportage for a Bike Rack and Cargo Carrier
    For your 2022 Kia Sportage I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13281. This hitch is made in the USA and has a bolt-on no drill installation. But more importantly for you it will provide you with a 2" receiver opening which is the most common size receiver used for hitch mounted accessories like bike racks, cargo carrier and ball mounts. I have also linked our selection of hitch mounted bike racks and hitch mounted cargo carriers that are compatible with the 2" hitch should you...
    view full answer...
  • Which Trailer Hitch Recommended for 2021 Kia Sportage
    Because it has a slightly higher tongue weight capacity than the Curt # C13281, I'd recommend going with the Draw-Tite Class III hitch, part # 76074. The Draw-Tite hitch has a 675 lb tongue weight capacity which makes it the perfect choice for carrying a bike rack or other hitch mounted accessory like a # C18151 cargo carrier. For a trailer wiring harness, I'd recommend the # 118698 trailer wiring harness, a ball mount like part # 2753 and for a trailer ball, use # 19261 for a 1-7/8 inch...
    view full answer...
  • Correct Hardware Kit For The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13281
    The bolt size of the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13281 hardware is HHCS,M10x1.25,30,CL10.9,YZ and the washer is S-CON,7/16,YZ. You'll need 8 bolts and eight washers. To make it easy you can order the Replacement Hardware Kit for Trailer Hitches # RHK which will come with the correct hardware for your Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13281. Above the "add to cart" button there is a "Hitch Item Number" box that you would fill in with "13281" and the "Manufacturer" box can be filled in...
    view full answer...
  • Trailer Wiring For 2019 Kia Sportage LX and How To Install It
    We do have plug and play wiring for a 2019 Kia Sportage LX part # 118698. This Tekonsha 4-pole flat wiring harness fits all models of the 2019 Sportage and easily plugs into your vehicle's wiring harness which is located in the rear cargo area behind the driver's side and passenger's side tail lights. The black wire does need to be attached to the positive side of the battery to provide power to the modulite converter which protects your vehicle's electrical system. The connections behind...
    view full answer...
  • Installation Instructions for the Curt Hitch # C13281 for a Kia Sportage?
    We definitely have a copy of the instructions for you! I went ahead and attached the full installation manual for the Curt Hitch # C13281. The panel removal steps start on the second page.
    view full answer...
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  • What Vehicle Does Trailer Hitch # CRT-13281 Fit
    From my research a CRT-13281 is the same trailer hitch as our # C13281 which fits a Kia Sportage from 2017 and up. If you have a different vehicle and need a trailer hitch let me know the year, make, and model.
    view full answer...
  • Best Trailer Hitch for a 2020 Kia Sportage SX Turbo
    The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13281 and etrailer Hitch Receiver part # e72TR are both fits for a 2020 Kia Sportage SX Turbo. They will actually work on all models. The Curt hitch is best for bike racks and cargo carriers and the etrailer hitch is best for towing.
    view full answer...
  • Comparing Curt and etrailer Hitches for 2018 Kia Sportage
    For your 2018 Kia Sportage the etrailer hitch part # e72TR and the Curt hitch part # C13281 are pretty similar but have some distinct differences. The Draw Tite is what I'd recommend for two reasons. If you plan to carry a bike rack or a cargo carrier the etrailer doesn't require you to use a stabilizer strap like the part # 18050 which the Curt does. Both hitches will be mostly concealed as they crosstube isn't visible and have great towing capacities. I attached a picture that points...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Number of Installation Bolts Required to Install Trailer Hitch on a 2017 Kia Sportage
    Good news! The Curt hitch # C13281 is a no drill application, which means the 4 bolt holes on the hitch are all that it takes to mount this hitch to your vehicle. These mounting holes are already predrilled on your vehicle's frame for easy installation. I do have one suggestion for you though. I would recommend the etrailer hitch # e72TR over the Curt brand because to be compliant with Curt's warranty you will need to use a stabilization strap like # 18050 on all non trailer loads, which...
    view full answer...
  • Choosing Between etrailer e72TR and Curt C13281 Class III Hitches for 2017 Kia Sportage
    The # C13281 and # e72TR Class III hitches are the exact same hitch, both are manufactured by Curt. The etrailer brand hitch has a matte powder coated finish, while the powder coat on the Curt hitch has a glossy finish. Some feel that the matte finish is a bit more desirable, as it tends to match the black underside of the bumper cover on the 2017 Sportage better which makes the hitch a little less visually obtrusive, but other than that (and the brand sticker affixed to it) the hitches...
    view full answer...
  • Trailer Hitch for a 2017 Kia Sportage to Carry Wheelchair Lift and Motorized Wheelchair
    According to the owner's manual for the 2017 Kia Sportage the vehicle itself has a tongue weight capacity of 220 pounds. Since the combined weight of the lift and chair is 182 pounds it is within the capabilities of the vehicle! For a trailer hitch if your Sportage is an EX or LX model I recommend etrailer hitch # e72TR but if you have an SX model the only option is Curt hitch # C13281. Per Curt warranty requirements, all non-trailer loads (bike racks, cargo carriers, etc) must be supported...
    view full answer...
  • Curt or etrailer Class III Trailer Hitch for a 2022 Kia Sportage
    I personally like the Curt Hitch # C13281 over the etrailer # e72TR for your 2022 Kia Sportage because the safety chain loops sit out to the side on the Curt but they sit under the receiver for the etrailer which means you'll have less ground clearance. Check out the attached photos to see what I'm talking about. If you don't already have a bike rack then I recommend checking out the RockyMounts WestSlope # RKY10222 which I really like for it's U-Shaped frame because it makes it much easier...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for Image 2 for
  • Recommended Hitch and Shipping Box Dimensions for a 2018 Kia Sportage
    I went out to the warehouse and measured the box we ship the Curt Trailer Hitch item # C13281 in. It is 58" x 8" x 26" and weighs 33 lbs. The Curt Trailer Hitch item # C13281 is confirmed to fit a 2018 Kia Sportage. It is custom fit and bolts to your Kia with included hardware. I have linked a picture below along with an installation video so you can what this hitch looks like when installed. If you are planning on towing you will also need a wiring harness item # 118698 and a ball...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Troubleshooting Curt Trailer Hitch C13281 Having One Bolt Not Line Up With 2021 Kia Sportage
    I am sorry to hear about the fitment problems! Based on what you are describing it sounds like the mounting flanges on the hitch were slightly flexed during shipping and are causing the bolts on the one side of the Curt # C13281 to not quite line up right on your 2021 Kia Sportage. This is not too uncommon due to how large and heavy hitches are, and we have made a dedicated help article that goes over exactly how to correct it. You will want to use one of the steps shown in the included...
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Trailer Hitch Hardware For 2017 Kia Sportage
    The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13354 that you are inquiring about does not look like it fits your 2017 Kia Sportage. However, The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13281 is a direct fit. In regards to the bolts, they are included with the product, otherwise you can use # RHK to replace or purchase hardware for your hitch. You would just need to enter your item number # C13281 and the manufacturer, which is Curt.
    view full answer...
  • Does etrailer Hitch and Curt Trailer Hitch Fit 2020 Kia Sportage
    Yes they have! Both hitches you asked about, the etrailer Hitch Receiver # e72TR as well as the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13281 have been confirmed to fit a 2020 Kia Sportage. Between the two I highly recommend the etrailer because it has the highest capacities at 3,500 lbs towing and 525 lbs tongue weight, which speaks to it's strength and durability, and because it is the only hitch rated for use with a weight distribution system, which is something people use regularly when towing....
    view full answer...
  • Will Trailer Hitch from 2014 Kia Sportage Fit a 2019 Kia Sportage
    The 2 Curt trailer hitches that fit a 2019 Kia Sportage are the Class II # C12158 with the 1-1/4" receiver and the Class III # C13281 with the 2" receiver. Since these do not fit a 2014 Kia Sportage you will need to swap out the current Curt trailer hitch that you have. These do, however, have the same hidden crosstube design so you still get that clean looking installation (see attached photo). I recommend going with the Class III option, part # C13281, as it has a higher tongue weight...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Trailer Hitch Receiver and Wiring Harness For a 2021 Kia Sportage
    For your front wheel drive 2021 Kia Sportage you will need to use the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13281. This receiver is custom fit to your Sportage with no modifications needed as seen in our installation video that I have linked below. The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98841 that you found fits certain model years of the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and some Kia Sorento's, but will not fit your Sportage. I recommend installing the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118698 when you...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Trailer Hitch for Transporting Mobile Scooter on 2019 Kia Sportage
    To use for transporting your 80 pound mobile scooter with a carrier I recommend the Curt Class III Trailer Hitch # C13281 since it offers a bit more ground clearance than the Draw-Tite alternative and has more than enough capacity for your application. This custom hitch will use existing holes in the Sportage's frame for a no-drill installation so the procedure as a whole is pretty straightforward. I wouldn't be able to provide a specific install cost as this is going to be up to your...
    view full answer...


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