Can OEM Exhaust Hangers be Reinstalled with Curt Hitch on a 2013 Ford Explorer

Updated 05/05/2020 | Published 05/03/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(133)

$177.93

Mounting Bracket for 7-Way

(531)

$10.94

Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat

(6190)

$11.43

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1381)

$88.29

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector

(49)

$69.93

Replacement Hardware Kit for Trailer Hitches

(1258)

$60.70

Question:

Recently acquired a Curt- 13100 trailer hitch for my 2013 explorer. The exhaust hangers that come with the trailer hitch are lost, can I use the existing OEM hangers that are currently on the vehicle? If not how can I buy these exhaust hangers? Also curious about the best wiring Kit and if there are any other good recommended accessories I should get with this trailer hitch. Thanks!

asked by: Blake

Expert Reply:

The way the Curt Trailer Hitch 13100 (replaced by part # C13386) installs would interfere with the OEM exhaust hangers which is why they need to be removed.

If you're missing the hardware for the hangers then you can either get them replaced with part # RHK which is a whole hardware kit, or you could source them locally. According to the instructions you need the following:

7/16 Washer - QTY 4
7/16-14 Nylock Hex Nut - QTY 2
7/16-14 x 2-1/2" Hex Bolt - QTY2

I've attached an installation video of the newer version of this hitch as well as a cutout of the hardware list for the 13100 that you can check out.

We always recommend using the Tekonsha wiring kits simply because over time they have proven to be the best option. If you need a 4-Way for basic trailer lighting then that's part # 118540 but if you need a 7-Way then you need to use the Curt # C56306 instead.

You'll also need the mounting bracket # 18136 as well as the part # 18144 for the 4-Way or # 18138 for the 7-Way.

To complete a towing setup you also need a ball mount kit. I recommend checking out Ball Mount Kit # 989900 because it includes two ball mounts, one with a 3/4” rise/2” drop and the other with a 2-3/4” rise/4” drop, a 1-7/8” hitch ball, a 2” hitch ball, and a pin and clip. You will want to refer to the attached ball mount article to ensure that this kit is correct for your towing application.

Attached are additional videos that you can check out.