Product Details
- Brand: Curt
- Model: 11381-CH140
- Includes: Class 1 Trailer Tow Hitch
Compatibility Chart
Description
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For 2011-2016 BMW 535i xDrive Trailer Hitch Fits All Models Curt 11381 1-1/4 Tow Receiver Install Notes
Installation Instructions for BMW 5-Series Sedan (2011-Present)
Part Numbers:
- 11381
Tools Required:
- Ratchet
- Torque Wrench
- 10mm Socket
- 11mm Socket
- 13mm Socket
- 3/4" Socket
- 6" Socket Extension
- Power Drill
- 17/32" Drill Bit
- Aviation Shears
- Plastic Rivet Removal Tool
- Masking Tape
- Safety Glasses
- Silicone Caulk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Remove Underbody Panel:
- Using a 10mm socket and plastic rivet removal tool, remove the underbody panel that attaches the bumper cover to the trunk pan.
- Save the panel and fasteners for reinstallation later.
-
Fishwire Carriage Bolts and Spacers:
- Fishwire (2) 1/2"-13 x 1-1/4" carriage bolts and (2) SP6 square hole spacers into the existing holes in the bumper beam.
- Raise the hitch into position and loosely secure it with 1/2"-13 hex flange nuts.
-
Mark and Drill Holes in Trunk Pan:
- Temporarily install the tail bracket to the hitch.
- Use the tail bracket as a template to mark the required drill holes in the trunk pan.
- Important: Clear the trunk pan of all contents and slide the battery towards the rear of the vehicle.
-
Drill Holes:
- Remove the tail bracket and drill the marked holes in the trunk pan using a 17/32" drill bit.
-
Reinstall Tail Bracket and Apply Silicone Caulk:
- Reinstall the tail bracket to the hitch using:
- (2) 1/2"-13 x 1-1/4" carriage bolts
- 1/2"-13 hex flange nuts.
- Apply silicone caulk to the SP4 spacers and the remaining carriage bolts.
- Install the hardware into the trunk pan and tail bracket, and loosely secure with the remaining 1/2"-13 hex flange nuts.
- Reinstall the tail bracket to the hitch using:
-
Torque Fasteners:
- Torque all 1/2" fasteners to 110 ft-lbs.
-
Trim Underbody Panel and Reinstall:
- Trim the underbody panel as required to clear the hitch using aviation shears.
- Reinstall the underbody panel using the saved fasteners.
-
Restore Trunk Contents:
- Slide the battery back into position.
- Reinstall the carpet and any trunk contents removed in Step 3.
Hardware List:
- (4) 1/2"-13 x 1-1/4" Carriage Bolts
- (2) SP6 Square Hole Spacers (0.250 x 1.00 x 3.00")
- (2) SP4 Square Hole Spacers (0.250 x 1.50 x 3.00")
- (4) 1/2"-13 Hex Flange Nuts
- (2) Fishwire Tools
Safety Notes:
- Periodically check this receiver hitch to ensure all fasteners are tight and structural components are sound.
- Warning: Non-trailer loads must be supported by 18050 stabilizing straps.
- Failure to properly support non-trailer loads will void the product warranty.
- Do not exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended towing capacity.
Specifications:
- Gross Load Capacity (Weight Carrying Hitch):
- 2,000 lbs. Trailer Weight
- 200 lbs. Tongue Weight
- Professional Install Time: 60 minutes
- Novice (DIY) Install Time: 120 minutes
Manufacturer Notes:
- Drilling of the trunk pan is required for this installation.
- Fishwiring of carriage bolts into the bumper beam is necessary.
- Designed for use with Ball Mount #45521.
- Euro Mount Options Available:
-
45571 (1-7/8" Ball)
-
45572 (2" Ball)
-
- For installation questions, call Technical Support at 1-877-287-8634.
End of Instructions
Installation Instructions for BMW 5-Series Sedan (2011-Present)
Part Numbers:
- 11381
Tools Required:
- Ratchet
- Torque Wrench
- 10mm Socket
- 11mm Socket
- 13mm Socket
- 3/4" Socket
- 6" Socket Extension
- Power Drill
- 17/32" Drill Bit
- Aviation Shears
- Plastic Rivet Removal Tool
- Masking Tape
- Safety Glasses
- Silicone Caulk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Remove Underbody Panel:
- Using a 10mm socket and plastic rivet removal tool, remove the underbody panel that attaches the bumper cover to the trunk pan.
- Save the panel and fasteners for reinstallation later.
-
Fishwire Carriage Bolts and Spacers:
- Fishwire (2) 1/2"-13 x 1-1/4" carriage bolts and (2) SP6 square hole spacers into the existing holes in the bumper beam.
- Raise the hitch into position and loosely secure it with 1/2"-13 hex flange nuts.
-
Mark and Drill Holes in Trunk Pan:
- Temporarily install the tail bracket to the hitch.
- Use the tail bracket as a template to mark the required drill holes in the trunk pan.
- Important: Clear the trunk pan of all contents and slide the battery towards the rear of the vehicle.
-
Drill Holes:
- Remove the tail bracket and drill the marked holes in the trunk pan using a 17/32" drill bit.
-
Reinstall Tail Bracket and Apply Silicone Caulk:
- Reinstall the tail bracket to the hitch using:
- (2) 1/2"-13 x 1-1/4" carriage bolts
- 1/2"-13 hex flange nuts.
- Apply silicone caulk to the SP4 spacers and the remaining carriage bolts.
- Install the hardware into the trunk pan and tail bracket, and loosely secure with the remaining 1/2"-13 hex flange nuts.
- Reinstall the tail bracket to the hitch using:
-
Torque Fasteners:
- Torque all 1/2" fasteners to 110 ft-lbs.
-
Trim Underbody Panel and Reinstall:
- Trim the underbody panel as required to clear the hitch using aviation shears.
- Reinstall the underbody panel using the saved fasteners.
-
Restore Trunk Contents:
- Slide the battery back into position.
- Reinstall the carpet and any trunk contents removed in Step 3.
Hardware List:
- (4) 1/2"-13 x 1-1/4" Carriage Bolts
- (2) SP6 Square Hole Spacers (0.250 x 1.00 x 3.00")
- (2) SP4 Square Hole Spacers (0.250 x 1.50 x 3.00")
- (4) 1/2"-13 Hex Flange Nuts
- (2) Fishwire Tools
Safety Notes:
- Periodically check this receiver hitch to ensure all fasteners are tight and structural components are sound.
- Warning: Non-trailer loads must be supported by stabilizing straps.
- Failure to properly support non-trailer loads may void the warranty.
- Do not exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended towing capacity.
Specifications:
- Gross Load Capacity (Weight Carrying Hitch):
- 2,000 lbs. Trailer Weight
- 200 lbs. Tongue Weight
- Professional Install Time: 60 minutes
- Novice (DIY) Install Time: 120 minutes
Attention: This is a summary of the installation procedure. For complete installation instructions, including diagrams and detailed information from the manufacturer, please download the full installation PDF.
Technical Support:
For technical support and assistance, our team of experts is available to help. You can reach our tech support by visiting www.trailerjacks.com or calling 877-869-6690.
Warranty Information:
This product comes with a limited warranty covering defects in material and workmanship for the specified duration. For complete warranty instructions, please download the full installation PDF.