CURT13035 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Fits Select Chevrolet Astro, GMC Safari, GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT

I purchased this hitch to go on my 2001 Chevy Astro. I researched hitch installation prior to making the purchase, and I called multiple places in town to price hitches. One of the places in town that installs hitches, uses this exact hitch, but they charge $215 for the hitch plus another $65 for installation (plus another $20 for wiring adapter and another $60 labor for trailer light wiring). I figured that I would buy this hitch on Amazon and install it myself to save a ton of money.I watched several videos to make sure my installation went as smoothly as possible. I sprayed the bolts that hold the bumper mounts with PB Blaster for several days leading up to my hitch arriving. I sprayed Blaster into the frame, where the nuts that hold the bumper mount bolts are welded. When the hitch arrived, I had no trouble at all removing the bolts with a 3/8 drive ratchet and a 15mm socket.Installation of the hitch was easy. Since this unit is in three pieces, it is not as hard to install by yourself. You install the two side mounting plates, and then the crossmember. I read somewhere that this unit is sold as a "45 minute installation." I am pretty handy, but I was a couple of hours installing the hitch. It may have been a 45 minute installation on an Astro from Arizona or a brand new Astro, but I live in the rust belt and had to spend the bulk of my time cleaning out the two weld nuts in the frame just forward of the bumper mount bolts. What I did was to spray the holes with Blaster, run one of the factory bolts in as far as I could get it, back the bolt out and spray again. I had to do this about 15-20 times on each hole to get a bolt to thread in all of the way. Again, this consumed more time than the rest of the install.I am very pleased with the hitch, I have already towed my boat with it. I would buy this hitch again in a minute.

I have 2 Astro vans 1999 and 2002 … just installed this hitch on each one of them …. both installed quickly and very easy , identical installs … I am not sure why anyone would even consider messing around with the spare tire since the hitch is not even close to it … there is no need to touch the spare tire , really ! Both of my vans have enough clearance after the hitch was installed to put a full size 33" mud tire up there and still not touch the cross bar of the hitch , although it only has a donut spare just like all of rest of these vans .Somebody asked if the cross bar hangs down and reduces ground clearance … the real answer here is NO IT DOES NOT as you can see in the attached photos ….. in fact I was very surprised at how hidden and clean it really looks , of course the receiver tube can be seen from the back but that is normal for any hitch . Overall this trailer hitch is really awell built quality add on !UPDATE >>> Trailer hitch is working just as it should …. I have put off the wiring long enough …. I removed the rear passenger side jack panel just to see what I would need to get it done …. surprisingly SIMPLE … there is already a factory color coded pig tail already made up under the jack … just the way they left it on its birth date …. it just doesn't get any easier !

Socket set with an extension 16mm and 17mm were the only tools I used, Installed it alone, took about 45 mins. I am somewhat mechanically inclined.

Fit right on.

It was kinda difficult to mount to my 2005 Chevy Astro cargo van as I never have any extra help when I need it. The bumper bolts were rather rusty but PB Blaster does a good job breaking them loose. Instructions were not too accurate as to what all needs to come loose on the bumper to get it lowered from the frame. But I really don't need much instructions to figure out problems on my own. It bolted together well and fits as expected. I did remove the spare doughnut tire long before getting this as I had issues with the cable rusting out and the spare tire falling off while commuting on a busy freeway. Thankfully the tire didn't strike anyone nearby. I prefer to keep the spare tire inside unless it's held in place with bolts, not thin cables. This tows my cheap China made bolt together trailer well. So much so I can't see it from the side view mirrors, can't here it being towed nor can I feel it. So it's distributing the weight well.

Fit my 2004 GMC Safari perfectly. Easy to install!

When you take off bumper brackets... leave the one on top closest to the bumper in but all the way loose. Once you put in the others, it pulls the holes slightly enough to annoy you but you can avoid that by leaving it in the threads. Remove the bolt lowest on the bumper out until you put the hitch in. It blocks one of the cross member bolts. After attaching each part, only get the bolts started but do not tighten any until the end. I believe I used a 15mm on almost everything. 18mm on a few, 19mm on two and had the 16mm on hand.

Ease of install and directions showed everything needed. Took about 10 mins.

I had more difficulty getting the old bolts out than putting the hitch on . Installation went well and it looks to be of good quality and works well . Would recommend Curt products

I liked everything except the fact that I had to remove my spare tire.

i haven't installed it yet so I cant say if ti fits proper or not.I was surprised at how robust it is..all heavy gauge metal and it looks like it will be a snap to install.