Nissan Pathfinder Trailer Hitch Buyer’s Guide (Canada)

Shopping a trailer hitch for a Nissan Pathfinder in Canada? This guide covers the year landers we publish today, explains CURT 13309, CURT 13126, and CURT 13088 by generation, and keeps wiring and ball-mount choices easy to finish without guesswork.

Built for Canadian Pathfinder owners. Free shipping on CURT towing gear from Lots of Parts. New to hitches? Start with the buying guide, Class 3 versus Class 4, and wiring guide. Or open the towing guides hub.

Watch these CURT videos first

All four videos are from the official CURT YouTube channel (@curtmfg). CURT has not posted dedicated Pathfinder install clips for 13309 or 13126 yet, so start with install techniques and fascia trimming, then hitch selection and a wiring primer.

If an embed does not load, use the YouTube link under the card.

CURT Install Techniques

CURT · Hardware and method

Solid habits for bolting a Class 3 receiver. Useful for CURT 13309 and 13126 installs that need fascia or spare-tire work.

Watch on YouTube →

How to Trim Fascia

CURT · Bumper clearance

CURT 13309 for 2017–2020 Pathfinder calls for a center fascia trim. Tape your cut lines before you reach for a rotary tool.

Watch on YouTube →

How to Select a Trailer Hitch

CURT · Hitch class basics

CURT’s short overview of hitch classes before you compare CURT 13126 versus CURT 13309 ratings.

Watch on YouTube →

Connect a Trailer Wiring Harness

CURT · T-connector basics

How CURT harnesses plug in so trailer lights work. Pair with the Pathfinder harness that matches your years.

Watch on YouTube →

Pathfinder generations and hitch shopping

Nissan refreshed the Pathfinder frame and bumper package across generations, so hitch part numbers follow those packages. Our live year landers cover 2000 through 2004 and 2013 through 2020. We do not publish 2005–2012 or 2021-and-newer Pathfinder hitch landers yet, so stay honest about what you can click today.

Years What we usually stock
2017–2020 Class 3: CURT 13309. Higher hitch rating on the card (up to 6,000 lb GTW and 900 lb tongue weight) — still limited by Nissan. Expect minor fascia trimming and tow-hook removal on many installs. Wiring: CURT 56357 7-way for listed 2013–2020 Pathfinder years.
2013–2016 Class 3: CURT 13126. Lower hitch rating than 13309 on the card — match the trailer, not the brochure. Same 7-way family: CURT 56357 when your year is listed.
2000–2004 (and earlier 1996–2004) Class 3: CURT 13088 for the older Pathfinder generation. Our landers start at 2000; confirm the product card for 1996–1999 if you own an earlier truck.
2005–2012 gap Third-generation years. We do not publish dedicated hitch year pages yet, and we are not linking a Pathfinder-specific Class 3 for this gap until a live lander exists. Use the trailer hitches collection or contact us. Wiring examples that list Pathfinder in this era include CURT 55441 (4-flat, listed Pathfinder years) and CURT 56226 (7-way).
2021-and-newer New generation. Dedicated hitch year pages are not published yet. Browse the trailer hitches collection and contact us if you need help.

Never exceed the vehicle maker’s tow rating for your trim, drivetrain, and tow package. A hitch rating is not a blank cheque to tow heavier than the SUV was designed for.

Jump to your Pathfinder year

These landers are live. 2005–2012 and 2021-and-newer Pathfinder hitch pages are not published yet.

CURT 13309 versus CURT 13126

2017–2020

Class 3 · CURT 13309

The later fourth-gen Class 3 we stock. Higher GTW and tongue numbers on the hitch card than 13126. Stock link: CURT 13309.

  • Plan for fascia trimming and spare-tire access
  • Confirm Nissan’s tow rating for your trim
  • Not for vertical-hang bike racks called out on the card
2013–2016

Class 3 · CURT 13126

Earlier fourth-gen Class 3 with a lower hitch rating on the card. Stock link: CURT 13126.

  • Match trailer weight to the lower rating
  • Pair lights with CURT 56357 when listed
  • Use a ball mount that levels the coupler

CURT parts we stock for Pathfinder

Real store links. Confirm your year, fascia notes, and bike-rack exclusions before you buy.

CURT 13309Class 3 · 2017–2020 Pathfinder2" rear receiver — later fourth-gen Class 3 CURT 13126Class 3 · 2013–2016 Pathfinder2" rear receiver — earlier fourth-gen Class 3 CURT 13088Class 3 · 1996–2004 PathfinderOlder-generation Class 3 — landers from 2000 CURT 563577-way wiring · 2013–2020 listedCustom 7-way — confirm Pathfinder years on the card CURT 554414-flat wiring · listed Pathfinder yearsUseful when a 4-flat is enough for lights CURT 562267-way wiring · listed mid years7-way option for Pathfinder years on the card

Simple setup steps

Step 1Open your year

Use the live landers above so you see the hitch that fits your Pathfinder.

Step 2Compare 13126 and 13309

Later years step up hitch ratings on the card — still capped by Nissan.

Step 3Add lights

See the wiring guide and pick 4-flat or 7-way for your trailer.

Step 4Pick a ball mount

Match drop or rise with the ball mount guide.

Canada checklist

  • Believe Nissan’s tow rating for your trim and powertrain — Pathfinder numbers vary by year.
  • Expect fascia work on CURT 13309 — watch the trim video before you cut.
  • Mind the catalog gaps — 2005–2012 and 2021-and-newer landers are not live yet.
  • Plan for salt season — rinse the receiver and protect the wiring plug when you can.

Related guides

Pilot Buyer’s GuideThree-row Honda Highlander Buyer’s GuideToyota three-row Explorer Buyer’s GuideFord three-row Wiring GuideHarnesses that fit Ball Mount GuideDrop and rise Towing Guides HubAll guides

Shop Trailer Hitches

Browse CURT receivers with free shipping across Canada.

Open trailer hitches →

Also useful

Finish the job after the hitch is chosen.

Ball mounts →
Wiring →
Hitch accessories →
Shop by vehicle →

More help: towing guides hub · how to choose a hitch · contact support