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  1. Trailer Hitch
  2. CURT
  3. 2 Inch Hitch
  4. Class III
  5. 3500 lbs GTW
  6. Concealed Cross Tube
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

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

Item # C13281
Retail:$308.95
Our Price: $193.73
You Save: $115.22
Trailer Hitch

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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 (324)
  • Q & A (0)
  • Photos

CURT Trailer Hitch - C13281

  • 2 Inch Hitch
  • Class III
  • 3500 lbs GTW
  • Concealed Cross Tube
  • CURT
  • 525 lbs TW
  • Custom Fit Hitch

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


Features:

  • Custom fit is designed specifically for your vehicle
  • Precision, robotic welding maximizes strength and improves fit
  • Bolt-on installation - no welding required
    • Complete hardware kit and installation instructions included
  • Lifetime technical support from the experts at etrailer.com
  • Gloss black powder coat finish over protective base coat offers superior rust resistance
  • Sturdy, square-tube design
  • Ball mount, pin and clip sold separately
  • Hitch assembled in the USA
    • Mounting hardware may be imported


Specs:

  • Receiver opening: 2" x 2"
  • Rating: Class III
    • Maximum gross trailer weight: 3,500 lbs
    • Maximum tongue weight: 525 lbs
    • Not rated for use with weight distribution systems
  • Limited lifetime warranty


etrailer.com Technical Support

At etrailer.com we're committed to the products we sell, and to our customers. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are available via both phone and email to address your questions and concerns for the lifetime of your hitch. The technicians at etrailer perform hitch installations on a daily basis, making them a valuable resource for do-it-yourselfers. The one-on-one, personal service you'll receive comes straight from an expert in the towing and automotive field. We've installed it, we've wired it and we've towed with it, so whatever your question, we can answer it.



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:


Customer Reviews

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" - C13281

Average Customer Rating:  4.9 out of 5 stars   (323 Customer Reviews)

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:

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

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:
2022 Kia Sportage

Installation was straightforward and not difficult with two people. Looks neat on the car and worked fine for our bike rack and small utility trailer.

Craig

12/22/2023

Still looks like new &amp still rock solid. Definitely a good buy for me!



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.

7/17/2020

Perfect! Still very happy with my etrailer purchase



by:
2017 Kia Sportage

This was a great fit for my 2017 Kia Sportage, easy install and great durability!



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.

9/6/2020

Perfectly, no issues, high quality and no rust



by:
2018 Kia Sportage

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:

Great hitch! Much heavier than I thought it would be. I thought the directions were clear and easy to understand. I'm super confident that this hitch will pull its weight. I also ordered the "stinger" with a 2" ball to go with it. Again, great product that will pull its weight. It didnt come with the pin to secure it to the hitch? Just wondering if that was an oversight? If not, you should make it clearer that the pin is not included.



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

8/25/2020

Awesome hitch plus it looks good

Bfodor

8/25/2020

Awesome hitch no rattles and no rust very happy



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:

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:

Really easy to install. 3 bolts lined up perfect the 4th needed hole to be enlarged.



by:
2017 Kia Sportage

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:
2020 Kia Sportage

This receiver is the second one I’ve bought it’s for my girlfriend. I have one on my car, it’s very well made. And easy to install
Would recommend it to anyone looking for a receiver.



by:
2017 Kia Sportage

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:
2020 Kia Sportage

I just finished installing this in 45 minutes. The video tutorials were amazing. Very happy with the hitch



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:

Well made product, easy to install



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:

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:

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:
2020 Kia Sportage

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:

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:
2017 Kia Sportage

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


25
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Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this CURT Trailer Hitch

  • Recommended Hitch for a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Sport
    I have a great hitch and a solution for you but the Curt item # C13281 you were looking at is for a Kia Sportage. Instead you will want the Curt item # C13171. This hitch is custom fit to your 2017 Jeep Cherokee Sport. It will bolt onto your Jeep's frame without drilling or welding with included hardware. To tow with your Jeep, you will also need a wiring harness item # 118605 and the towing kit item # C45534.
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  • 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...
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  • 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.
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  • Is There Drilling Required to Install Curt Hitch on 2022 Kia Sportage AWD SX Turbo
    We confirmed with Curt that their hitch # C13281 that you referenced fits all models of the 2022 Kia Sportage including your SX Turbo AWD model. There is no drilling to install this hitch and you may need to trim the rear fascia slightly before you reinstall it. I attached an install video for this on a similar Sportage for you to check out as well. This would work great with a bike rack like the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider # HR200Z.
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  • Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver To Tow Wheel Chair Trailer W? 2018 Kia Sportage
    I took a look at the owner's manual for your 2018 Kia Sportage, and it looks like your vehicle can tow up to 1650lbs with 220lbs of tongue weight. Since that is the case you could tow your Wheel chair as long as the trailer you have does not exceed 1210lbs and your wheel chair is 440lbs as you mentioned. To do this I recommend going with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C13281 you were looking at as we have found their hitches to have a tougher powder coat...
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  • 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....
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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...
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  • Correct Trailer Hitch Fit for a 2022 Kia Sportage
    The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13281 is a fit for a 2022 Kia Sportage and what I recommend using. It will be great for use with hitch mounted accessories like bike racks and cargo carriers as well as towing. It features a bolt-on install with no cutting or drilling required.
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  • 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.
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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    Image 1 for
  • 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...
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  • 2022 Kia Sportage 1-1/4 Hitch or 2 Hitch for Heavy e-Bike
    As long as the trailer hitch tongue weight rating is high enough you can use the Curt 1-1/4" # C12158 or 2" # C13281 receiver for your 2022 Kia Sportage. The 1-1/4" has a 350 lb tongue weight while the 2" has a 525 lb tongue weight - keep in mind that the Sportage might have a lower tongue weight than either option which would then make it the limiting factor. I usually recommend going with a 2" hitch because there are a wider variety of accessories for the 2" than the 1-1/4" option. For...
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  • 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.
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    Image 1 for Image 2 for Image 3 for Image 4 for Image 5 for
  • 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...
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  • Curt Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver to Fit 2017 Kia Sportage FE
    According to Curt their Class III trailer hitch receiver # C13281 will fit all models of the 2017 Kia Sportage. I've linked an installation video on an EX model for you. Per Curt's warranty if you're using the hitch to carry a non-trailer load like a bike rack or cargo carrier you must use a support strap like # 18050.
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  • Will Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver C13281 Fit A 2017 Kia Sportage SX Turbo?
    The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C13281 you were looking at is confirmed to fit your 2017 Kia Sportage SX Turbo. The # C13281 has a 525lb tongue weight rating and 3500lb trailer weight rating making it a great option for carrying a bike rack, a cargo carrier, or a ball mount for towing a trailer. If you are planning on towing a trailer you will need a vehicle wiring harness # 118698, and a ball mount, hitch ball, and hitch pin and clip which is all found...
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  • What can I do to Carry Three Bikes with my 2019 Kia Sportage
    I have a good solution for you but there are not any confirmed fit trunk mount bike racks available for your 2019 Kia Sportage. With the spoiler configuration there will be too much pressure there and likely cause damage. I highly recommend instead using the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13281 and a hitch mounted bike rack like the Thule Hitching Post Pro part # TH934XTR which will hold 4 bikes and weighs about 38 lbs or the Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack part # TH9043PRO which is...
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  • Bike Rack to Carry Two Bikes on a 2017 Kia Sportage
    The only trunk mount bike carrier we have that's confirmed to fit your 2017 Kia Sportage is the SeaSucker Hornet # 298-BH1302. It carriers one bike so you'll need two to carry both bikes. For another option you can add a trailer hitch receiver to your Sportage and use a hitch mount bike rack. A hitch mounted rack is better for the vehicle since it doesn't make contact other than at the hitch receiver. The Curt # C13281 is confirmed to fit your vehicle. I've linked a video of the install. Then...
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  • Will the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Fit a 2022 Kia Sportage
    After reaching out to Curt, I have found that the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13281 is a confirmed fit for your 2022 Kia Sportage. The hitch will fit all 2022 models. I have attached an installation video that you may reference.
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Hitch Bike Carrier for 2017 Kia Sportage
    The best way to transport bikes on a passenger car is usually with a hitch-mounted rack, like the Thule Hitching Post Pro you referenced, part # TH934XTR. A video on this rack is linked for you. A hitch rack places the weight load of the rack and bikes on the vehicle's frame, its strongest part, instead of on its relatively light sheet metal the way trunk-mount racks do. For a new vehicle I definitely suggest you go for a hitch rack. This will provide the safest transport for your bikes...
    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...
  • 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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