Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
(323 reviews)
Price: $195.08
In Stock
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
Item # C13281
Retail:$308.95
Our Price: $195.08
You Save: $113.87
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- All Info
- Reviews (323)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
CURT Trailer Hitch - C13281
- Class III
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 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
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 2017 - 2022 Kia Sportage
Customer Satisfaction Score:
98% were satisfied with this product
2% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
- Product did not meet expectations
- Too difficult to install
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: Dwayne08/21/2022
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.
by: Craig 12/21/2022
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 & still rock solid. Definitely a good buy for me!
by: Richard S07/12/2019
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: Rose 02/19/2024
2017 Kia Sportage
This was a great fit for my 2017 Kia Sportage, easy install and great durability!
by: Michael07/25/2023
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: Jay06/29/2022
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: Kevin05/09/2021
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: TJ G.09/05/2019
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: Roger 12/08/2023
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: Don08/18/2021
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: Stephen03/31/2024
Really easy to install. 3 bolts lined up perfect the 4th needed hole to be enlarged.
by: BFODOR08/24/2019
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: Michael01/11/2020
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: Chad03/21/2021
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: Chad09/17/2018
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: Tim01/21/2023
2020 Kia Sportage
I just finished installing this in 45 minutes. The video tutorials were amazing. Very happy with the hitch
by: Bill S06/07/2016
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: Easy Installation07/26/2020
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: Scott09/02/2019
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: Brandon07/03/2020
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: Eugene10/02/2021
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: Jim04/22/2021
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: Carmine04/25/2020
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: K. Johnson06/10/2023
2020 Kia Sportage
The hitch I recieved is exactly what I needed for half the cost of local installers. Dont pay in neighborhood of 300 or more, when you can spend near half,read real easy vehicle specific instructions, and tighten 8 bolts. Fast shipping too. Thank you, you have my business.
by: Michel G.02/04/2017
2017 Kia Sportage
hi.
Attached some photo of my trailer hitch installation on 2017 Kia Sportage SX
Easy to install and perfect fit
25
385
Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this CURT Trailer Hitch
- Recommended Trailer Wiring Harness Option for 2022 Kia SportageAlthough the 2022 Kia Sportage is the first model year of the 5th generation of the vehicle, the # 118698 trailer wiring harness does indeed carry over from the 2021 model, and will work just fine on your 2022 Sportage. I've linked to a video that will run you through a typical installation.
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Curt Trailer Hitch C13281 Having One Bolt Not Line Up With 2021 Kia SportageI 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... - etrailer e72TR or Curt C13281 Class III Hitch Fits for 2017 Kia Sportage SXThe etrailer # e72TR isn't a fit for the 2017 Kia Sportage SX or SX Turbo, according to their website and I've confirmed this with one of my Draw-Tite representatives. Curt confirms that their # C13281 is a fit for all models of the 2017 Kia Sportage SX, so that's what I'd recommend going with. If you're concerned about the notation about the Curt hitch requiring a # 18050 stabilizing strap, Curt no longer requires the strap to maintain warranty coverage, so you wouldn't need a strap....
view full answer... - Correct Trailer Hitch Fit for a 2022 Kia SportageThe 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.
view full answer... - Trailer Hitch Receiver for 2021 Kia Sportage Towing and CarrierYour 2021 Kia Sportage LX is capable of towing 1,653 lbs with a maximum tongue rating of 200lbs. The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13281 is the one I would recommend for you. The 2" receiver that this hitch has will give you a wider variety of options for ball mounts and drops. It also does not hang down as low as the etrailer # e72TR, this will limit the chance of dragging on tall curbs. For the Tekonsha Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118698. It uses a powered...
view full answer... - Recommended Trailer Hitch for Transporting Mobile Scooter on 2019 Kia SportageTo 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... - Is There Drilling Required to Install Curt Hitch on 2022 Kia Sportage AWD SX TurboWe 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.
view full answer... - Does Trailer Hitch From 2015 Kia Sportage Fit 2020 ModelThe 2020 Kia Sportage is different enough from the 2015 models that a new hitch fit had to be made from Curt and our other manufacturers. So for a similar Curt you would want the # C13281 which I attached an install video for as well.
view full answer... - Bike Rack to Carry Two Bikes on a 2017 Kia SportageThe 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...
view full answer... - 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.
view full answer... - Trailer Hitch for a 2017 Kia Sportage to Carry Wheelchair Lift and Motorized WheelchairAccording 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... - Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2019 Kia SportageFor 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... - Which Curt Hitch Fits a 2019 Hyundai TusconCurt has a very similar hitch that fits your 2019 Hyundai Tucson with the part # C13240 but the mounting brackets are different enough to easily indicate that the # C13281 would not also fit your vehicle. I attached an install video for this hitch on a similar 2019 Hyundai Tucson as well.
view full answer... - Best Hitch for a 2022 Kia Sportage for a Bike Rack and Cargo CarrierFor 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... - Recommended Trailer Wiring Harness and Towing Accessories for a 2019 Kia SportageWe do indeed have a plug and play option to provide 4-pole trailer wiring for a 2019 Kia Sportage. You'll want the # 118698 T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness from Tekonsha. If you click the provided link, you can see a video that will walk you through the install process. The # C56222 that you have looked at is for a Kia Soul, and wouldn't be a fit for your Sportage. If you haven't chosen a hitch as of yet, I'd recommend the # C13281 Class III receiver hitch from Curt. You'll...
view full answer... - Trailer Hitches for 2020 Kia Sportage with Clearance for an Inclined DrivewayThe ground and bumper clearances on the Curt Hitch # C13281 and the etrailer Hitch # e72TR are both about 13 inches from the ground to the top of the receiver, although the etrailer does appear to hang a bit lower because of the safety chain loops. I recommend the Curt hitch since it offers a bit better clearance. Since you are worried about the incline of your driveway, I recommend using a rising ball mount such as this Draw-Tite Ball Mount # 2793, which can be used for a 6-3/4 inch...
view full answer... - Which Trailer Hitch Recommended for 2021 Kia SportageBecause 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... - Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver For 2021 Kia Sportage LXWhen installing the etrailer Hitch Receiver # e72TR on your 2021 Kia Sportage LX you will not need to trim any of the underbody panels. You will just need to remove one underbody panel on the driver side and not re install it. The Curt # C13281 you were looking at allows you to re install that underbody trim panel so I recommend going with that hitch instead. If you are planning on towing with your Sportage you will also need a vehicle wiring harness # 118698 which will plug into the...
view full answer... - What Vehicle Does Trailer Hitch # CRT-13281 FitFrom 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... - Difference Between Curt and etrailer Class III Trailer Hitches for 2022 Kia SportageThere 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...
- 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...
- 2022 Kia Sportage 1-1/4 Hitch or 2 Hitch for Heavy e-BikeAs 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...
view full answer... - Hitch Fit for 2021 Kia Sportage SX TurboAccording to Curt, their # C13281 is compatible with all models of the 2021 Kia Sportage, including the SX Turbo model. If you'll be towing with the hitch, you'll also need a trailer wiring harness like # 118698, a ball mount like # 2753 and a trailer ball like # 19260 for a 1-7/8 or # 63845 for a 2 inch ball. I've linked to a product install video for the hitch and the trailer wiring harness, as well as to the installation instructions.
view full answer... - Best Hitch and Trailer Wiring Option for 2022 Kia SportageHi, we have just what you need for your bike rack and new 2022 Kia Sportage. I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver, # C13281 and the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector, # 118698 along with the Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat, # 18144. I have linked below some product review and installation videos of each of these items to assist you with installing. It is really easy to do with a few hand tools. For a ball mount, use part number # 2753 along with either,...
view full answer...
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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.