Installation Instructions for CURT 17501 Weight Distribution Hitch ### Part Numbers: - 17501 ### Wiring Access Location: - N/A ### Tools Required: - Ratchet socket set - Torque wrench - Tape measure ### Step-by-Step Instructions: Step 1: Determine Spring Bar Width Setting 1. TruTrack™ works in two neutral spring bar settings: 30° and 70° (+/- 5°). 2. For narrow frames (50° or less), no adjustment is necessary as it comes preset in the narrow setting. 3. For wider frames (over 50°), adjust the spring bars as needed. Step 2: Adjust the Cam Blocks 1. To change the neutral angle of the spring bars, remove the cotter pins and castle nuts. 2. Remove the bushing sleeves, springs, and carriage bolts. 3. Rotate the cam block outward to the next position, adjusting the angle for a wider frame. 4. Reassemble the cam block, bushing sleeve, spring, and castle nuts, torque to 75 lb-ft, and reinstall the cotter pins. Step 3: Install the Sockets Back into the Head 1. Lightly grease the balls and set them into the ball sockets. 2. Flip the socket upside down, position it with the balls resting in the cam block recesses. 3. Insert the carriage bolt and ensure the bushing is in place. 4. Reinstall the spring, bushing sleeve, and castle nuts. Torque to 75 lb-ft and grease with white lithium grease. Step 4: Measure the Towing Vehicle 1. Measure the height from the front and rear bumpers of the tow vehicle to the pavement. Step 5: Determine the Uncoupled Ball Height for the Tow Vehicle 1. Measure the trailer coupler height and record the distance from pavement to the top of the coupler socket. 2. For cars, vans, and small SUVs, add 1/8" for each 100 lbs. of tongue weight. Step 6: Install the Shank, Hitch Head, and Ball 1. Insert the adjustable shank (#2) into the receiver tube of the tow vehicle and secure it with the provided hitch pin & clip (#10). 2. If needed, invert the shank to adjust for high-ground-clearance vehicles and ensure proper ground clearance. Step 7: Position the Hitch Head 1. Position the hitch head (#1) on the adjustable shank (#2). 2. Slide the head up or down to match the target uncoupled ball height from Step 5. Step 8: Install the Spring Bars 1. Secure the spring bars (#3) with wire lock lynch pins (#9). Step 9: Lift the Trailer 1. Use the trailer tongue jack to lower the coupler onto the trailer ball and close the coupler latch. 2. Raise the front of the trailer and the back of the tow vehicle approximately 3" to allow easier installation of the spring bars onto the support brackets. Step 10: Install the Spring Bar Support Brackets 1. Mark the position of the support brackets (#4) on the trailer A-frame, 4" in from the end of the spring bars (#3). 2. Install the brackets and tighten nylock nuts to 25 lb-ft. Step 11: Pry the Spring Bars into Place 1. Rotate the lift bar to vertical and pry the spring bar onto the L-bracket. 2. Install the retainer clip and cotter pin to secure the spring bar in place. Step 12: Adjust the Spring Bars 1. Adjust the height of the L-brackets and secure the spring bars in place. 2. Ensure the spring bars are nearly horizontal for proper alignment. Step 13: Adjust Tilt Settings (if necessary) 1. If the rear of the vehicle cannot be leveled with the load applied, adjust the head tilt by adding washers or the long adjustment rod (#12). 2. Reinstall the hex bolts and repeat the spring bar adjustment steps. Step 14: Tighten Hardware 1. Once the correct tilt and height are achieved, fully tighten all hardware to 200 lb-ft, including the 3/4" hex bolts (#6). Step 15: Lower the Spring Bars 1. Remove the tension from the spring bars using the trailer jack. 2. Pry the spring bar off the L-bracket and remove the cotter pin and retainer clip. Step 16: Pre-Towing Checks 1. Check the following before towing: - Hitch pin & clip - Head to shank fasteners - Trailer ball nut - Coupler latch - Spring bar support brackets - Safety chains - Lights and turn signals - Braking system (including breakaway switch) Step 17: Apply Grease 1. Apply grease to the zerk fitting and brush grease on the inner and outer ball bearings before each use. ### Hardware List: - Hitch head (#1) x1 - Adjustable shank (#2) x1 - Spring trunnion bar (#3) x2 - Spring bar support bracket (#4) x2 - Snap-up handle (#5) x1 - Hex bolt, 3/4"-10 x 5" (#6) x2 - Conical-toothed washer, 3/4" (#7) x4 - Nylock nut, 3/4"-10 (#8) x2 - Wire lock lynch pin (#9) x2 - Hitch pin & clip, 5/8" (#10) x1 - Adjustment rod, short (#11) x1 - Adjustment rod, long (#12) x1 - Flat washer, 1/2" (#13) x2 - Hex bolt, 5/8"-11 x 1-1/2" (#14) x1 ### Safety Notes: - Never exceed the vehicle’s towing capacity. - Keep clear of the spring bar pivot path during operation. - Always ensure that the spring bar locking clip and cotter pin are securely in place. - Follow all pre-towing checks to ensure safe towing conditions. ### Specifications: - Max GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) without spring bars: 15,000 lbs. - Max TW (Tongue Weight) without spring bars: 1,500 lbs. - Max GTW with spring bars: 10,000 - 15,000 lbs. - Max WDTW (Weight Distribution Tongue Weight) with spring bars: 1,000 - 1,500 lbs. - Torque Specifications: - 3/4" hex bolts (#6): 75 lb-ft - 5/8" hex bolts (#14): 75 lb-ft - Nylock nuts (#8): 50 lb-ft