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1988 GMC P Series
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Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
Part Number: 13217
In Stock
$454.98
1988 GMC P Series
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- All Info
- Reviews (27)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
CURT Trailer Hitch - 13217
Highlights
- Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
- Holds up to 400 lbs (TW): Supports bike racks, cargo carriers, and small trailers securely
- Tows up to 4,000 lbs (GTW): Handles light to moderate towing like campers or boats
- Bolt-On Installation: Mounts to the frame using included hardware—no welding required
- Corrosion-Resistant Finish: Gloss black powder coat over base coat resists rust and wear
- Precision-Welded Design: Robotic welding ensures strength and proper fit for long-term use
Features to know about
Get More Out of Every Trip: Class III Strength for Towing or Hauling
This hitch is built for versatility with a 2" x 2" receiver opening and a Class III rating. It’s rated for 4,000 lbs maximum gross trailer weight and 400 lbs maximum tongue weight, or up to 5,000 lbs GTW and 500 lbs TW when used with weight distribution. That’s plenty for small campers, light boats, or multi-bike setups. Whether you’re towing a utility trailer or loading up the bike rack, it gives you steady performance and the strength you can rely on.
Do More With Your Gear: Standard 2" Receiver for Common Accessories
The 2" receiver opening works with most bike racks, cargo carriers, and ball mounts without needing an adapter. You can easily switch between hauling bikes for the family or adding a cargo tray for road trips and extra storage. It’s ready for your everyday gear and weekend adventures alike.
Simplify Installation at Home: Bolt-On Design With Included Hardware
This fully welded hitch receiver bolts directly to the frame—no welding required. The complete hardware kit and step-by-step instructions make it straightforward to install in a driveway with basic tools. The precision, robotic welding helps everything line up cleanly, so you don’t have to fight with fitment or do extra modifications.
Built to Last: Powder-Coated, Corrosion-Resistant Steel
The square-tube design is sturdy and finished in a gloss black powder coat over a protective base layer to fight rust and corrosion. That durable coating keeps it looking sharp even after years of use in rough weather or on the road. It’s made to handle the elements while staying strong through every haul.
Specs
Dimensions
- Receiver opening: 2" x 2"
Class Rating
- Rating: Class III
Weight and Capacity
- Maximum gross trailer weight: 4,000 lbs
- Maximum GTW when used with weight distribution: 5,000 lbs
- Maximum tongue weight: 400 lbs
- Maximum TW when used with weight distribution: 500 lbs
Warranty
- Limited lifetime warranty
13217 Curt Class 3 Trailer Hitch Receiver
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 1993 - 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan
Customer Satisfaction Score:
97% were satisfied with this product
3% of customers were not satisfied
- etrailer mistake
- Product did not meet expectations
Ratings & Reviews
4.8
27 reviews
by:
Olaf
05/14/2026
Overall this hitch receiver is well made, and undoubtedly very strong, however, there are 2 things that kept this from getting 5 stars.
Design: I would have preferred a '1-part' design rather than this '3-part' design that is bolted together with anodized (and very visible) bolts which looks a bit more custom/homemade rather than OEM-looking. Granted a 1-part would be a little more inwieldy, but it would look more elegant.
Packaging: The receiver is very heavy, and was not packaged all that well, so when it arrived some parts were poking out of the packaging, and others had the powder coating significantly scratched. Fortunately everything was there.
Design: I would have preferred a '1-part' design rather than this '3-part' design that is bolted together with anodized (and very visible) bolts which looks a bit more custom/homemade rather than OEM-looking. Granted a 1-part would be a little more inwieldy, but it would look more elegant.
Packaging: The receiver is very heavy, and was not packaged all that well, so when it arrived some parts were poking out of the packaging, and others had the powder coating significantly scratched. Fortunately everything was there.
by:
Scott
09/30/2026
Easy to install with all hardware included.
by:
Colin
11/23/2025
2002
Volkswagen
Touareg
This is the second trailer hitch I’ve bought from E trailer, vw Touareg was the first very easy install no problems. Second is the 2002 Eurovan, the trailer hitch system is great and the instructions are straight forward, not etrailers fault but the eurovan is tough without a lift, a blow torch or a friend. The bumper will sag so taking off the rear most bolt on the muffler side is almost impossible. One thing that was a little annoying that is etrailers fault is the bolt on a metal stick.. the holes weren’t exactly aligned so I could screw the bolt through.. luckily I checked before and filed away the excess material. Not a big deal but just something that is very easy to fix at the factory.. align them better or make the hole bigger. Otherwise great product, easy shipping, great customer service
by:
Patti
04/01/2024
my trailer hitch has performed very well. installed it on my 2002 VW euro van and also purchased the cargo basket for long trips.
by:
James Schulz
11/06/2022
1997
Volkswagen
Eurovan
Awesome place to buy a Trailer hitch. I received my Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver for my 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan Camper and installed it immediately. Everything fit like a glove and is just beautiful. It was extremely easy to order, price was very excellent, and shipping was very quick, not mention the fantastic tracking of my shipment. If there were 10 stars, that would have been my choice. Thank you very much!
by:
Michael
09/09/2025
1999
Volkswagen
Eurovan
Good fit; fairly clear instructions. One challenge was getting the "handle nut" on as there was an exhaust shield in the way. Solved by drilling out the rivet holding the heat shield, finishing the install, then putting in a new rivet. It's also helpful to remove the spare tire when doing the install. Nice and solid once done; this will allow me to use most hitch racks and actually tow something useful, as needed.
by:
Norman Michael
11/17/2025
Took about 1 hour with power tools and two floor jacks.
by:
Jack
04/02/2020
1999
Volkswagen
Eurovan
Installation went fairly smoothly. Be prepared for the bumper fasteners to be very rusty. May be wise to spray with rust penetrating product periodically before installation.
Hitch itself is of quality. Big, thick welds and a nice paint finish. This is my first Curt product, and I am impressed. The fasteners provided are also great with the classy, thick copy cad plating, although there is one exception...
The "handle nut". I have had problems with similar captured nuts like these before that are used in critical areas. This one was no different. The nut stripped before I was even close to the torque spec provided in the instructions. A chain is as strong as its weakest link, and this nut is weak.
A quick call to Curt had a new one in the mail for me in a couple of minutes. I sincerely hope they take my advice and reconsider their source for this piece. Surely, this nut shares its origins with the novel coronavirus.
Can't wait to tow with TDi power!
Hitch itself is of quality. Big, thick welds and a nice paint finish. This is my first Curt product, and I am impressed. The fasteners provided are also great with the classy, thick copy cad plating, although there is one exception...
The "handle nut". I have had problems with similar captured nuts like these before that are used in critical areas. This one was no different. The nut stripped before I was even close to the torque spec provided in the instructions. A chain is as strong as its weakest link, and this nut is weak.
A quick call to Curt had a new one in the mail for me in a couple of minutes. I sincerely hope they take my advice and reconsider their source for this piece. Surely, this nut shares its origins with the novel coronavirus.
Can't wait to tow with TDi power!
by:
Gary
07/06/2020
2003
Volkswagen
Eurovan
Very good quality. Installed easily but the directions were a little slim. I had trouble figuring which bolts/nuts required which torque pressure. I had to use a hydraulic jack to raise the bumper to align the holes. I am very satisfied. It seems to be a fine product.
Gary
7/9/2021
It is working very well. Easy to install and very sturdy. I would recommend this product. Pulling back the heat shield was easier than I anticipated.
by:
Sloan H.
08/24/2017
2002
Volkswagen
Eurovan
We are an independent repair shop specializing in Audi/Volkswagen; we order hitches from here for our customers on a regular basis.
This hitch and all others we have installed have been great.
Installation is always smooth with minimal modification and the product is good quality.
We have not had a single unhappy customer after installing a hitch from etrailer.com
Thanks!
This hitch and all others we have installed have been great.
Installation is always smooth with minimal modification and the product is good quality.
We have not had a single unhappy customer after installing a hitch from etrailer.com
Thanks!
by:
Jim
10/25/2017
2001
Volkswagen
Eurovan
Fit very well. Only trouble was getting bumper bolts out then hitch went in great. I'm not a mechanic but I made it
Jim
10/25/2018
Great
by:
Robert
01/12/2022
1995
Volkswagen
Eurovan
Super thick 1/4" side plates make for a sturdy product. Bolted right up- even all the bolt holes lined up correctly.I could wish it was a little closer to the rear bumper/higher up for more ground clearance as there is a cut out for a hitch on mine already.
by:
Tim
08/10/2018
2000
Volkswagen
Eurovan
Went on easy. Pulled a uhaul across the states two days after putting it on. For Eurovans, you should know that you have to pull back the heat shield to get the nut on the handle in place. A little tricky but very doable.
by:
Doug H.
07/31/2015
1999
Volkswagen
Eurovan
Hitch is well made, nicely finished, fits easily into place. I'm very happy with it, and with the price and service etrailer has. Sorry no pic of the install - we're busy loading up for a 3 month trip in our Eurovan!
by:
Alon
05/30/2020
2003
Volkswagen
Eurovan
Great price for the product I was looking for. Good recommendations for compatible accessories.
by:
Michael
08/03/2022
1997
Volkswagen
Eurovan
Product is exactly what I wanted, no missing parts. Website was easy to use and order tracking was VERY in depth.
by:
Steven
03/05/2022
Solid! Definitely well manufactured. My dad and I had it out of the box and installed in less than an hour. Very happy with the price and quality of the product. Thank you!!
by:
Gregory
08/15/2022
It was perfect.
by:
rt
05/07/2015
the hitch was sent on the same day and everything was perfect!
by:
Bruce
02/16/2026
by:
rw
07/05/2016
fast delivery, nice product !
by:
Jacob
09/21/2026
by:
Terrance
09/01/2026
by:
Danyliw
04/17/2017
Product arrived in good condition box was pretty torn up open on one end
by:
Jamie
09/07/2021
25
27
true
Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this CURT Trailer Hitch
- E-Bike Rack Recommendation for VW Eurovan Camper that Allows Rear Door AccessHey Roy, if rear cargo door access is a priority with your 1995 VW Eurovan camper when bikes are loaded on the bike rack I have a solution but it will require installing a 2 inch hitch on the vehicle like the Curt # 13217 which is a confirmed fit. The reason you need the bigger hitch is that it would allow you to use a pivoting hitch adapter like the Yakima BackSwing Swing Away Hitch Extender # Y02483 which will give you the rear cargo door access with bikes loaded. Then for an e-bike...
view full answer... - Are Curt Hitches Legal For Use in Europe I spoke with my contact at Curt and he said that the Class III Trailer Hitch # 13217 referenced in your question, along with all of their trailer hitches, are tested and rated to SAE J684 standards. This is recognized and accepted by many European countries but there are some that do not. Basically if the country where you reside recognizes these standards then the hitch will be perfectly legal to use. I simply recommend checking with local authorities to see if the SAE J684 standards...
view full answer... - Accessing Spare Tire on 1995 Volkswagen Eurovan With Curt Trailer Hitch ReceiverI do see your issue and I have a few options that come to mind for overcoming this on your 1995 VW Eurovan. First the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13217 does have a unique design in that the cross tube is bolted to the brackets and can be removed. You would be able to remove the 6 bolts that retain the cross tube and that will give you access to the lifting point and would allow you to use the lug wrench to raise and lower the spare tire. Second if you do not wish to have to remove...
view full answer...
- Trailer Hitch and Wiring for a 1997 Volkswagen Eurovan/TransporterThe T4 generation of the Volkswagen Transporter was indeed the same thing as the Eurovan. In the US it was called the Eurovan and everywhere else it was the Transporter. For your 1997 Volkswagen Transporter/Eurovan I recommend Curt trailer hitch # 13217. This is a 2 inch hitch rated for 400 pounds tongue weight and 4,000 pounds gross trailer weight. But consult the vehicle owner's manual for the vehicle capacity. If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900....
view full answer... - Handle Nut Installation for Curt Trailer Hitch # 13217 on a 2002 Volkswagen EurovanI spoke with my contact at Curt about the installation of Trailer Hitch, # 13217, on a 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan. He stated that the only way to get the handle nut into position is to remove the heat shield. Once the handle nut is in position and the hitch is installed you should be able to re-install the shield.
view full answer... - Availability of Trailer Hitch for 1992 EurovanThe Curt # 13217 you looked at only fits the 1993-2003 models of the Eurovan. It looks like the 1992 model was only available in Europe so there are likely some differences that don't allow the hitch to fit. The only option would be to take the # E17 to a fabricator and have them fashion a custom fit hitch for your 92 Eurovan.
view full answer... - Does Curt Hitch # 13217 Fit 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan without Modifications to fit SpareThe Curt hitch part # 13217 that you referenced does fit your 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan and while it is pretty close to the rear spare under the vehicle there are no install notes that mention needing to make any modifications to allow the spare to fit without issue. As long as your spare isn't larger than the factory size you'd be fine.
view full answer... - Do I Need To Swap The Side Plates On The Curt Receiver Of My 1993 VW Eurovan To Switch To a Class 3?You will need to change out the side plates from your class II Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C12217 to install the class III Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13217 on your 1993 Volkswagen Eurovan. While they do appear similar the side plates are different as they are designed with larger and stronger components.
view full answer... - Does Curt Trailer Hitch 13217 Interfere with Spare Tire Access on a 2001 Volkswagen EurovanWe have not heard of any issues with spare tire access on the 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan and Curt trailer hitch # 13217 installed. The worse case scenario is that you might have to angle the spare tire in/out to clear the hitch cross tube but we have not heard of that even for this hitch so you'll be good to go. If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise...
view full answer... - Can 2001-2003 VW Eurovan MV Weekender Tow Riverside Retro 179Looks like the Riverside Retro 179 at it's max weight would be around 4,100 lbs which is lighter than the capacity of your 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan. While I cant' find anything specific on whether or not it has brakes I can tell by size and weight that it would have came with them. So for a hitch for your vehicle the Curt Class III part # 13217 with a weight distribution system like # RP66082 if you would be at the max capacity of the trailer. This would not be needed if the trailer was...
view full answer... - Hitch-Mount Cargo Carrier Recommendation for 2002 Volkswagen EurovanYour 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan can be equipped with either a 1-1/4-inch Class II hitch, or a 2-inch Class III type. Cargo carriers are available for both hitch sizes but if you have a 2-inch hitch you'll be potentially able to load more cargo weight since this size hitch generally carries a higher weight rating than a 1-1/4-inch hitch. Both hitches offered for your van are shown on the link provided, the Class III Curt # 13217 and the Class II # C12217. The linked article on hitch classes...
view full answer... - Can the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13217 be Used to Carry a 360 lb BikeIf the weight of the carrier plus the weight of your motorcycle weighs 360 lbs then the 400 lb tongue weight rating of the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13217 will be sufficient for your application. If your bike alone weighs 360 lbs then that might be an issue. All of our motorcycle carriers weigh over 40 lbs so that would cause you to exceed the weight capacity of this trailer hitch. If you could possibly find a carrier that keeps you from exceeding the weight capacity of the trailer...
view full answer... - Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Rack Recommendation for 5 Bikes for a 1997 Volkswagen EurovanThe tongue weight figure quoted to you by Volkswagen will tell you the maximum weight that you would be able to suspend from a hitch. The weight of the bike rack as well as all the bicycles placed on it could not exceed this capacity. To carry 4 or 5 bikes, you will need a Class III trailer hitch, like # 13217. I would recommend going with the Bike Rack with the 5 bike capacity. This way, in 4 years you will not need to purchase a new bike rack. I would recommend the Thule Apex, part...
view full answer... - Hitch Recommendation for 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan for Bike RackFor your 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan the Curt hitch part # 13217 is a confirmed fit and would work well. It does not have any restrictions on the spare tire mount either. This will give you a 2 inch hitch for your bike rack that will work well.
view full answer... - Is There A Class III Trailer Hitch For My 2009 Volkswagen EurovanI did some online research and the 2009 VW Eurovan was not sold in the US or Canada. Due to this, none of our trailer hitch vendors have a fit for this vehicle. There is an outside chance the CURT Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2", part # 13217, fits your vehicle. I am not sure if there is any difference between the frames of the last US version of this vehicle, 2003, and the frame of your 2009 model. You will assume the risk if you try to see if they are compatible....
view full answer... - Will CURT Trailer Hitch # 13217 Fit an RV Based on a 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan ChassisI spoke with my contact at CURT. Trailer Hitch, # 13217 is unique in that it comes in 3 pieces. Once the frame brackets are attached to the main body, the distance between the 2 brackets is 29-5/8 inches. The brackets are 9-1/4 inches tall overall. I have included a link to the installation details for this hitch.
view full answer... - Ground Clearance of Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #13217 for VW EurovanUnfortunately we don't have a video on the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13217 mounted. I reached out to my tech contact at Curt and they said from the mounting bolt holes of the frame to the lowest part of the hitch is 8-1/2 inches. So, if you measure 8-1/2 inches down from the center of that mounting hole on your VW Eurovan, you will be able to determine your ground clearance.
view full answer... - Trailer Hitch Fit and Bike Rack Recommendation for 1993 Eurovan MV WeekenderThe Curt Trailer Hitch # 13217 is a confirmed fit for the 1993 Volkswagen Eurovan. This trailer hitch is a fit for all models of the 1993 Eurovan, so the manufacturer doesn't differentiate between styles or trim levels. If you need a 4 bike hitch mount bike rack, I recommend the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR. This bike rack will fit the 2 inch hitch receiver on the # 13217 hitch, and has a weight capacity of 35 pounds per bike. The anti-sway cradles will help prevent bike to bike...
view full answer...
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Info for this part was:
Written by:
Lindsey S
Expert Research:
Michael H
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Updated by:
Wilson B
Updated by:
Amanda M
Updated by:
Kristina F
Updated by:
Michael B
Updated by:
Isabelle B
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Jack R.
4/3/2021
Still installed. No rust visible despite a tough winter.