Tools Needed to Install Curt C13343 Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver on 2013 Toyota Sienna

Question:

Hi, We will be receiving this hitch in a day or two and will be installing it on our 2013 Sienna. We don’t know much about tools, but see that we will need a torque wrench. I saw another commenter say to make sure you had a specific size socket for the wrench, are you able to tell me what that is in mm, I think? so I can make sure the set we will buy includes this size? Also, someone mentioned using loctite glue on the bolts—is this actually a good idea or a bad idea? Thank you!!

asked by: Aimee

Helpful Expert Reply:

I'd be happy to help with that. No worries, you got this!

To install the Curt Class III # C13343 hitch on your 2013 Toyota Sienna, the following tools are suggested:

• A ratchet with a 19mm and a 10mm socket
• A standard flat screwdriver with a small blade
• A 6 inch socket extension
• Torque wrench as you mentioned
• A rotary tool like a Dremel or tin snips
• A permanent marker
• Masking tape
• Measuring tape or a ruler

And possibly a battery terminal cleaning brush and WD-40 (more on that later).

With the exception of the torque wrench, the required tools are pretty basic.

The hitch installs using pre existing nuts that are welded up into the frame member. The vehicle manufacturer usually uses a plastic plug or tape to cover these holes up, so moisture and road crud doesn't get up in there, but if that tape or plug is missing you might have dirt and corrosion built up in there that will need to be removed before you can successfully thread the hitch mounting bolts in place. WD-40 and a simple battery terminal cleaning brush like what's included with a battery terminal cleaner like part # DW00254 will do a good job cleaning the threads on those nuts welded into the frame. If you live in a climate where the roads are treated with chemicals to melt the snow and ice in the winter, you might need to spray and scrub the threads several times.

As far as the Loctite goes, it isn't necessary. The mounting hardware includes conical toothed washers that will prevent the bolts from loosening once they're properly torqued.

I'll link you to a video that will walk you through the installation, step by step as well as as printable .pdf copy of the installation instructions.