Hyundai IONIQ Forum banner

Curt Trailer Hitch Install

29K views 71 replies 28 participants last post by  RiverForest  
#1 ·
I haven't seen much info on installing the Curt C98DR trailer hitch so I thought I'd post this.

The main reasons I purchased this model:
1. It mounts to the frame like the EcoHitch as opposed to bolting across the weaker bumper attach points like the Draw-Tite version in the U-haul video.
2. It can be installed WITHOUT removing the rear bumper.
3. You don't have to cut a notch in the bumper - only in the much cheaper filler panel under the bumper.
4. A great value IMHO ($267 on etrailer.com)

The unit itself is powder coated and beefy. The written instructions were decent but the photos were horrible. Once I started the process, however, it was easy to figure out what the photos were trying to illustrate. I didn't do a step by step photo sequence but here are some pics that might be helpful to anyone interested.

As recommended in the instructions I removed 6 bolts and dropped the rear pan for easier access.

Image


Not mentioned in the instructions, but I also removed the small rear mudflaps and loosened the wheel well liner to bend it away from the area where mounting bolts would attach.

Image


After that it was just a matter of mounting the plates to the frame (purple arrows), then the hitch to the plates. Keep all bolts and nuts really loose until you get them all started. After that, tighten and torque.

Image



Image


At this point the instructions say to cut a 3-3/4" center section out of the trim panel leaving two halves to remount on either side of the hitch. I decided to try a U-shaped notch instead. I also did a tighter width cut - about 3-1/4" wide. It gave a cleaner look and maybe preserved a bit more integrity in that trim piece.

Image


Image


I'm really happy with the results. If I ever remove the hitch a new trim piece is only $45!

(Sorry for the messy garage floor. It's been raining a lot in SoCal lately.)
 
#30 ·
@Vmo Thanks for those dimensions. I just scored a Rockymounts Backstage from the REI garage sale section for an excellent price; However, it looks like the dimension from the center of the hitch pin to the rack when stowed is 4.5", which is less than the 5" that you've quoted. So breaking this down for anyone who is looking to use this rack, a Kuat NV 2.0 might be the way to go. The distance from the center of the hitch pin to the Kuat rack when stowed is 6 5/8".

It's more expensive, but I hope the StealthHitch works!
 
#12 ·
Thanks, nice job.

Question:
Step 4 of the Curt instructions says
"Raise the hitch (#1) into position between the side plates installed in step 2. Secure with 1/2"
carriage bolts (#5) installed from the center of the vehicle outward and serrated-flange nuts
(#7). Use fishwires as needed to install bolts."

What's with the fishwires? Not at all clear if you used them or where they woud be used or if they are really needed.

John
 
#13 ·
Thanks, nice job.

Question:
Step 4 of the Curt instructions says
"Raise the hitch (#1) into position between the side plates installed in step 2. Secure with 1/2"
carriage bolts (#5) installed from the center of the vehicle outward and serrated-flange nuts
(#7). Use fishwires as needed to install bolts."

What's with the fishwires? Not at all clear if you used them or where they woud be used or if they are really needed.

John
Hey, John. It's a tight area your working in and can be a challenge to get a few of those carriage bolts through the mounting holes. That's when the fish wire comes in handy. Thread the coiled end over the bolt then fish the wire up through the mounting plate hole. Grab the end and pull the bolt into position. I think I only needed them for one or two of the six bolts. Keeping the side plate bolts pretty loose 'til you have all the carriage bolts started helps a lot. I think using a couple fish wires FAR outweighs having to remove the bumper!
 
#15 ·
I did this install yesterday on the Curt Hitch. VMO, thanks for your instructions, very helpful. Didn't need the fishing wire, left the brackets loose enough to push out so that there was room for the carriage bolts. The 2 upper ones on the right side are the toughest. I placed those 2 bolts in the tow hitch and put a piece of duct tape over them to hold them in position. Pushed the mounting bracket outward, raised the tow hitch into position and slid those 2 bolts into place. Overall a tight, but fairly easy install. IMO, this is a better looking setup than OEM while also being a standard 2" receiver, and stronger, at half the price.
Now I'm just trying to figure out ordering the OEM wiring harness. Seems to be two part numbers GIF67-AC100 and GIF67-AC101. Is the 101 an updated version?
 
#16 ·
...Now I'm just trying to figure out ordering the OEM wiring harness. Seems to be two part numbers GIF67-AC100 and GIF67-AC101. Is the 101 an updated version?
I had no luck trying to order either of those part numbers. The dealer said Hyundai put a "stop sale" on the OEM harness while it's being redesigned, so they expected a few month wait time.

I ended up installing the Tekonsha T-one harness, model TK75VR.
 
#19 ·
Thanks so much for this post! You inspired me to pick up the Curt from eTrailer and give this DIY a try. I’ve had my eye on the Stealth hitch, but at $700 including shipping and a semi-gnarly install, I found myself… reconsidering.
Any noticeable change in ground clearance or aerodynamics / efficiency?
 
#21 ·
This
I haven't seen much info on installing the Curt C98DR trailer hitch so I thought I'd post this.

The main reasons I purchased this model:
1. It mounts to the frame like the EcoHitch as opposed to bolting across the weaker bumper attach points like the Draw-Tite version in the U-haul video.
2. It can be installed WITHOUT removing the rear bumper.
3. You don't have to cut a notch in the bumper - only in the much cheaper filler panel under the bumper.
4. A great value IMHO ($267 on etrailer.com)

The unit itself is powder coated and beefy. The written instructions were decent but the photos were horrible. Once I started the process, however, it was easy to figure out what the photos were trying to illustrate. I didn't do a step by step photo sequence but here are some pics that might be helpful to anyone interested.

As recommended in the instructions I removed 6 bolts and dropped the rear pan for easier access.

View attachment 47528

Not mentioned in the instructions, but I also removed the small rear mudflaps and loosened the wheel well liner to bend it away from the area where mounting bolts would attach.

View attachment 47529

After that it was just a matter of mounting the plates to the frame (purple arrows), then the hitch to the plates. Keep all bolts and nuts really loose until you get them all started. After that, tighten and torque.

View attachment 47530


View attachment 47531

At this point the instructions say to cut a 3-3/4" center section out of the trim panel leaving two halves to remount on either side of the hitch. I decided to try a U-shaped notch instead. I also did a tighter width cut - about 3-1/4" wide. It gave a cleaner look and maybe preserved a bit more integrity in that trim piece.

View attachment 47532

View attachment 47533

I'm really happy with the results. If I ever remove the hitch a new trim piece is only $45!

(Sorry for the messy garage floor. It's been raining a lot in SoCal lately.)
[/QUO
Thanks for the pictures and detail on this hitch. I think I may place an order. I have always installed my own trailer hitches on my cars and SUVs just to attach my bike rack. I was looking at the Stealth hitch, but reluctant to pull the trigger because I didn't feel comfortable removing the bumper, etc. myself for the install and didn't want to pay $1,000 at a local shop. It looks like this could be my answer. Like curiousmike, I am a little concerned about clearance for the rack.

Anybody else installed this hitch and using for your Thule bike rack?
 
#25 · (Edited)
I went ahead and did the install, thanks again for the inspiration! Documented the entire learning process on video and pushed up to YouTube for anybody else considering the task:


The whole job me about 3 hours, start to finish… though I could probably cut that time in half now that I know what I’m looking for. Not super difficult, but actually getting the bolts in took the longest amount of time (working by myself). Note that is essential to keep everything super loose until the very end - there was one bolt on the passenger side that was nearly headed for the belt sander until I re-read that suggestion and went around loosening everything to the last thread. Installation clearances here are measured in the microns…

I cut the U-shape too following your comments above and the finished product looks super stealth and really nice. Super happy with this buy! Totally DIY-able, but make sure to plan an afternoon if you are a first-timer like me.
Image

Image
 
#26 ·
Great video and informative.
I saw your video and I noticed one thing regarding your torque wrench, I believe your torque wrench is rated at inch/pound and not foot/pound. If that is the case you may of under torqued your bolts. If you had it at 90 inch/lb that is only 7.5 foot/lb, I believe it should be 85 and 90 foot/lb torque specifications? You will need a larger torque wrench to handle that.
 
#28 ·
I haven't seen much info on installing the Curt C98DR trailer hitch so I thought I'd post this.

The main reasons I purchased this model:
1. It mounts to the frame like the EcoHitch as opposed to bolting across the weaker bumper attach points like the Draw-Tite version in the U-haul video.
2. It can be installed WITHOUT removing the rear bumper.
3. You don't have to cut a notch in the bumper - only in the much cheaper filler panel under the bumper.
4. A great value IMHO ($267 on etrailer.com)

The unit itself is powder coated and beefy. The written instructions were decent but the photos were horrible. Once I started the process, however, it was easy to figure out what the photos were trying to illustrate. I didn't do a step by step photo sequence but here are some pics that might be helpful to anyone interested.

As recommended in the instructions I removed 6 bolts and dropped the rear pan for easier access.

View attachment 47528

Not mentioned in the instructions, but I also removed the small rear mudflaps and loosened the wheel well liner to bend it away from the area where mounting bolts would attach.

View attachment 47529

After that it was just a matter of mounting the plates to the frame (purple arrows), then the hitch to the plates. Keep all bolts and nuts really loose until you get them all started. After that, tighten and torque.

View attachment 47530


View attachment 47531

At this point the instructions say to cut a 3-3/4" center section out of the trim panel leaving two halves to remount on either side of the hitch. I decided to try a U-shaped notch instead. I also did a tighter width cut - about 3-1/4" wide. It gave a cleaner look and maybe preserved a bit more integrity in that trim piece.

View attachment 47532

View attachment 47533

I'm really happy with the results. If I ever remove the hitch a new trim piece is only $45!

(Sorry for the messy garage floor. It's been raining a lot in SoCal lately.)
Hi! I am really interested by this hitch for all the reasons you mentioned but I find it very low to the ground. Is it possible to give me the measurement between the ground and the bottom of the receiver? Thanks!!
 
#32 ·
Hi, new to the forum here as we took delivery on our I5 limited only on Friday. I've placed an order for the wiring harness at the local dealer (we'll see if they actually get it) but have been wavering on which hitch to get. This looks like the right choice. Is there a convenient place to mount the 4-pin connector near the receiver?
 
#42 ·
One other comment about the Curt trailer hitch; it is only a little over 7" from the ground at the lowest point. Since I will only use the hitch for bikes, I think I'll be fine. For those of you looking at the Curt to pull a small trailer, you may want to consider this.
[/QUOTE
Perhaps Vmo could provide more insight since he is using the hitch for a trailer.