How to Install a Trailer Hitch on a Chevy Cruze (2011-2015)
To add a trailer hitch to a Chevy Cruze you will need a few tools, a CURT 11282 trailer hitch and about 30 minutes to complete the installation. Follow these basic steps to start hauling a variety of hitch-mounted accessories with your Chevy Cruze today.
About the CURT 11282
The CURT 11282 is a class 1, bolt-on trailer hitch designed for Chevy Cruze model years 2011-2015. The hitch has a max trailer weight of 2,000 lb. and a max tongue weight of 200 lb. No welding is required for this installation.
Tools needed:
- Safety glasses
- 5 in. socket extension
- Air saw
- Socket wrench
- 10mm socket
- Pliers
2015 Chevy Cruze hitch installation steps
1. Widen the access holes
Locate the access holes on the frame rail on each side of the vehicle. Use the air saw to make two or three small incisions on one side of the access holes then bend the steel back using a needle nose pliers to create a rectangular notch large enough to fit the provided spacers.
2. Thread the bolts into the frame
Thread the fish wire coil side first through the hitch mount hole and out through the access hole. Attach the carriage bolt to the coil and put the spacer in place. Pull the wire back through the hitch mount hole until the bolt thread drops through the hole with the spacer in place between the bolt head and frame. Repeat this step for all carriage bolts.
3. Position the attach
Using a second pair of hands, lift the hitch into position. Thread the fish wires through the hitch mount holes and remove them. Attach the hex nuts to the bolts and tighten by hand so the hitch remains in place.
4. Torque the hitch
Use the torque wrench fitted with the 10mm socket to torque each hex nut to 50 ft. lb. You may need the 5-inch extension to reach the bolt on the driver side above the exhaust. You should hear a clicking sound when the correct amount to torque has been applied.
Once installed, the hitch should measure:
- 6 in. from the pin hole to the end of the bumper
- 11 ½ in. from the ground to the top of the receiver
- 4 in. from the front of the receiver to the bumper
You should now have your CURT 11282 trailer hitch installed on your 2015 Chevy Cruze.
Whatever vehicle you drive, we have a trailer hitch for you. Don’t have the time to install yourself? Schedule a professional installation at uhaul.com and we’ll do the work. If U-Haul doesn’t have a hitch for your vehicle, nobody does!
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