curt 18401 User manual
CURTMFG.COM •PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634 •18401-INS-RA •08/29/2022 •ECN9913 •PAGE 1
Product Registration and Warranty
CURT stands behind our products with
industry-leading warranties. To get copies
of the product warranties, register your
purchase or provide feedback, visit:
warranty.curtgroup.com/surveys
Weight Carrying Capacity
Gross trailer weight (GTW) 3,500 lbs.
Tongue weight (TW) 350 lbs.
INSTALLATION MANUAL 18401
Level of Difficulty
Easy
Installation difficulty levels are based on time
and effort involved and may vary depending on
the installer level of expertise, condition of the
vehicle and proper tools and equipment.
Product Photo
WARNING
Never exceed the vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
Never exceed the product's weight capacity or the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch.
Do not modify or use this accessory for purposes other than for which it was designed.
It is the user's responsibility to adhere to all state and federal laws regarding
obstruction of vehicle lighting (i.e. brake lights, taillights, turn signals
and backup lights) and license plate when using this accessory.
A support strap is required when bike racks or cargo carriers are used with an
1-1/4" receiver hitch. Failure to use a support strap could result in injury and / or
property damage and will void the warranty of the bike rack and trailer hitch.
NOTICE
Visit www.curtmfg.com for a full-color copy of this
instruction manual, as well as helpful videos, guides and much more!
Before you begin installation, read all instructions thoroughly.
Proper tools will improve the quality of installation and reduce the time required.
Remove this accessory before entering automatic car washes.
Periodic inspection of your product should be performed
to ensure all hardware and / or components remain secure.
CAUTION
This product is not designed for off-road use.
Do not install this product on a trailer or towed vehicle.
When transporting heavier bikes such as e-bikes and tilting the rack for rear vehicle
access is necessary, a team lift may be required to prevent injury and / or product damage.
Always be mindful of accessories extending beyond vehicle when operating.
Tools Required
Torque wrench Socket, 3/4"
Parts List
Item Qty Description
1 1 ActiveLink™shank assembly
2 1 Anti-rattle bolt, 1/2"-13
3 1 Flat washer, 1/2"
4 1 Lock washer, 1/2"
5 1 Hair pin clip
6 1 Anti-rattle handwheel
CURTMFG.COM •PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634 •18401-INS-RA •08/29/2022 •ECN9913 •PAGE 2
ASSEMBLY
6
5
1
4
3
2
Parts List
Item Qty Description
1 1 ActiveLink shank assembly
2 1 Anti-rattle bolt, 1/2"-13
3 1 Flat washer, 1/2"
4 1 Lock washer, 1/2"
5 1 Hair pin clip
6 1 Anti-rattle handwheel
CURTMFG.COM •PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634 •18401-INS-RA •08/29/2022 •ECN9913 •PAGE 3
Step 2
Remove the clevis pin from
the ActiveLink shank's channel (#1).
Insert the ActiveLink accessory into
the ActiveLink shank (#1), resting the
tube's notch on the bolt and sliding the
latch into the shank's notch as shown.
Step 1
Insert the ActiveLink shank (#1) into the vehicle
receiver tube. Secure with anti-rattle bolt (#2),
flat washer (#3) and lock washer (#4).
Tighten bolt firmly until no movement
of the shank is noticed, not to exceed
64 ft-lbs. Do not over-tighten.
Install hair pin clip (#5).
Clevis pin
Step 3
Insert the clevis pin into the
ActiveLink shank (#1), snapping
the wire loop onto the pin.
Thread the anti-rattle hand wheel (#6)
into the ActiveLink shank (#1) and
tighten until no movement of the
accessory's support tube is noticed.
NOTICE
Over-tightening the hand wheel
may damage the shank's insert.
CURTMFG.COM •PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634 •18401-INS-RA •08/29/2022 •ECN9913 •PAGE 4
Step 5
If the chosen accessory has an opening at
the bottom of its support tube, the accessory
may be tilted for rear vehicle access.
Undo support strap (if used). Remove the
clevis pin from the ActiveLink shank (#1)
and loosen the anti-rattle hand wheel (#6).
Support the accessory and actuate
its release handle, allowing the accessory
to tilt downward. A tab on the underside
of the ActiveLink shank will engage
with the accessory's support tube
to prevent disconnection.
NOTICE
Attempting to tilt an accessory such as a
cargo carrier that is not intended to do so may
damage the ActiveLink shank and accessory.
Step 6
Return the accessory to its upright
transport position, re-install the clevis pin
and tighten the anti-rattle hand wheel (#6).
Do not transport an ActiveLink
accessory in the tilted position.
Step 4
If bike rack or cargo carrier accessories
are used with the 1-1/4" ActiveLink shank,
a support strap is required to be
used as shown (sold separately).
Failure to use a support strap
with 1-1/4" receivers could result
in injury and / or product damage.
