curt TruTrack 17601 User manual

CURTMFG.COM •PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634 •17601-INS-RB •09/23/2021 •ECN8903 •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
Max Capacity Without Spring Bars
Gross trailer weight (GTW) 10,000 lbs.
Tongue weight (TW) 800 lbs.
When spring bars are not used, the weight
rating is dependent upon the trailer ball
manufacturer's weight ratings. Do not exceed
the maximum weight rating of the trailer ball.
Max Capacity With Spring Bars
Gross trailer weight 8,000 - 10,000 lbs.
Tongue weight 800 - 1,000 lbs.
The tongue weight rating of the spring bars
represents the capacity of a pair of bars, not
an individual bar. Always use a pair of spring
bars and be sure they are rated the same.
INSTALLATION MANUAL 17601
Tools Required
Ratchet Socket set
Torque wrench Tape measure
Level of Difficulty
Moderate
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.
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.
Some states require a clear view of license plates.
Remove trailer ball when not in use if it restricts view.
This product complies with regulation V-5, C.S.A. Standard D-264 and safety
requirements for connecting devices and towing systems of the State of New York.
Periodic inspection of your product should be performed
to ensure all hardware and / or components remain secure.
To help prevent damage to the product or vehicle, refer to the specified
torque specifications when securing hardware during the installation process.
WARNING
Never exceed the vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
The loaded ball height should never be greater than the uncoupled ball height. Front wheel overload
and loss of rear wheel traction can result and can lead to unstable handling. It can reduce
braking ability and create a tendency to jackknife when turning and braking at the same time.
If the loaded trailer ball height is greater than the uncoupled height, reduce take-up
on the spring bar, remeasure and adjust until the proper height is obtained.
Maintenance
Keep the socket-mounted ends of the spring bars and the lock pins
in the head assembly free from dirt and well lubricated. Excessive wear
in this area may indicate an overload or inadequate lubrication.
Keep the head assembly exterior clean. Do not allow dirt
or stones to lodge between the spring bars and the head.
Keep hitch parts painted to prevent rust and maintain good appearance. Do not paint over labels.
Keep lift brackets clean and lubricated to ensure ease of operation.
Parts List
Item Qty Description
1 1 Hitch head
2 2 Spring bar
3 2 Spring bar support bracket
4 1 Adjustable shank
5 1 Snap-up handle
6 1 Hitch pin & clip
7 1 Hitch ball, 2-5/16"
8 1 Lock washer, 1-1/4"
9 1 Hex nut, 1-1/4"-12
10 2Hex bolt, 3/4"-10 X 5"
11 4Serrated conical washer 3/4"
12 2Nylock nut, 3/4"-10
13 2Hex bolt, 5/8"-11 X 1-3/4"
14 2Square head bolt,
5/8"-11 X 1-3/4"

CURTMFG.COM •PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634 •17601-INS-RB •09/23/2021 •ECN8903 •PAGE 2
ASSEMBLY & INSTALLATION
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Parts List
Item Qty Description
1 1 Hitch head
2 2 Spring bar
3 2 Spring bar support bracket
4 1 Adjustable shank
5 1 Snap-up handle
6 1 Hitch pin & clip
7 1 Hitch ball, 2-5/16"
8 1 Lock washer, 1-1/4"
9 1 Hex nut, 1-1/4"-12
10 2Hex bolt, 3/4"-10 X 5"
11 4Serrated conical washer 3/4"
12 2Nylock nut, 3/4"-10
13 2Hex bolt, 5/8"-11 X 1-3/4"
14 2Square head bolt,
5/8"-11 X 1-3/4"
Measure the tow vehicle
For vehicles with air springs, air shocks or automatic
leveling systems only, check the vehicle's owners manual
or other instructions on these items. Unless otherwise
indicated, air springs and air shocks should be deflated
to their minimum recommended pressure before
assembling and adjusting the weight distributing hitch.
Pick reference points on the front and rear bumper of the
towing vehicle. Measure and record height to pavement.
Front bumper to pavement
Rear bumper to pavement
Determine the 'target' uncoupled
ball height for the tow vehicle
Tow vehicle's uncoupled ball height will be
set higher than the coupler height measured
to allow for vehicle squat when coupled to trailer.
For passenger cars, add 1/8" for each 100 lbs. of tongue weight.
Record ball height
Measure trailer coupler height
Line up the tow vehicle and trailer on level pavement, in
a straight position. Use the trailer tongue jack to level the
trailer. Measure the distance from pavement to the top
of the coupler socket and record here
Top of coupler
to pavement
Trailer
coupler
height

CURTMFG.COM •PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634 •17601-INS-RB •09/23/2021 •ECN8903 •PAGE 3
Step 8 - Installing the spring bar support brackets
Mark the position of the support brackets (#3) by
making a center line on the trailer A-frame a minimum
of 4" in from the end of the spring bars (#2).
Step 2
Torque ball to 450 ft-lbs. Secure the ball to the head
assembly (#1) using a lock washer (#8) and nut (#9).
Step 1
Insert adjustable shank bar (#4) into receiver tube on tow vehicle
and secure with hitch pin & clip (#6). NOTE: To obtain proper
ball height on high ground clearance vehicles, shank may
be inverted as shown below. If shank is used in the
inverted position, check for adequate ground clearance.
Upright
position
Inverted
position
Step 6 - Lubricate and install spring bars
Apply a heavy, grease on the round end of each spring bar
and push end up into the head socket until you hear a click,
as shown below. This will indicate that the spring bar is locked
into place. To release spring bar, lift up slightly on spring bar
and gently pull out on the retaining pin in the hitch head.
The spring bar will drop free of the hitch head.
Step 3
Position head assembly on shank. Slide head up or
down to the nearest bolt hole alignment position which
corresponds with the target ball height determined
earlier. Mark the position on the shank.
Closest position to
height determined
in Step 3
Step 4
Install the head on the shank at marked position. Insert the 3/4" - 10
x 5 hex bolt (#10) through the 3/4" conical washer (#11) and then
through the lower hole in the head channel. Rotate the head forward
as far as it will go. The ball should be vertical or tilted slightly back. If
it is not, adjust set screws (#13, #14). Install the remaining 3/4" - 10
x 5" bolt (#10) with 3/4" conical washer (#11) through the upper
slotted hole. Install a second 3/4" conical washer (#11) on both bolts.
Start 3/4" - 10 (#12) nylock nuts and finger tighten only.
Step 7 - Attaching the trailer to the ball
Using the trailer tongue jack, lower the coupler onto
the trailer ball and close coupler latch. Do not retract
jack fully at this time. Allow the jack to support some
of the tongue weight.
Raise the front of the trailer and back of the tow vehicle
approximately 3" with tongue jack or until the rear bumper
is back to the initial measured height. This will allow easier
installation of the spring bars onto the support brackets.
Step 5
Tighten top 3/4" - 10 x 5 hex bolt (#10) just enough to hold head tight
against the pin in the head channel. This bolt will be tightened later.

CURTMFG.COM •PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634 •17601-INS-RB •09/23/2021 •ECN8903 •PAGE 4
Step 10
Slide the L-support in between the two captive support brackets as
shown. L-support bracket should be placed in the highest position
possible while still allowing clearance under the trailer frame. Install the
second carriage bolt in the first hole directly below the trailer A-frame.
With the L-bracket installed, tighten both nylock nuts to 25 lb-ft.
Step 13
Pry the spring bar onto the L-bracket by rotating the lift bar to vertical.
With the spring bar supported by the L-bracket, remove the lift handle.
Secure the spring bar by installing the retainer clip and cotter pin.
Step 11
Repeat Steps 8 through 10 with the second support
bracket on the opposite side of the trailer A-frame.
WARNING
Keep clear of the pivot path of all moving parts when there is tension
on the spring bar. Maintain control of the lift handle at all times when
raising or lowering the spring bar. Be sure that the locking clip and
cotter pin are in place once the spring bar is in position.
Step 12 - Raise the spring bars
Pull the spring bar out from the A-frame and
hook the lift bar into the L-bracket as shown.
Step 14
Check the vehicle height and adjust the angle of the head using the
set screws (#13, #14) as required until desired loading is reached.
With the spring bars secured, lower the jack to apply load to the hitch.
The vehicle should settle evenly. Remeasure the front and rear bumper
reference points. If the front has settled much more than the rear,
adjust the set screws until the vehicle and trailer are level. The spring
bars should be nearly horizontal when correct height is achieved.
Step 15 - Tighten Head Fasteners
Tighten all 3/4" bolts and lock nuts to 200 ft-lbs. Tighten the set
screw (#13) to 50 ft-lbs. Failure to tighten the hardware may result in
fastener loss or failure.
Step 9
Place a carriage bolt through the top hole on all three support
brackets, spin the nylock nut loosely onto the bolt and hang the
assembly over the trailer A-frame on the center line from Step 10.
Note: The wide channel bracket should be installed
over the narrow channel as detailed below.
Wide channel bracket
Narrow channel bracket

CURTMFG.COM •PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634 •17601-INS-RB •09/23/2021 •ECN8903 •PAGE 5
Lowering The Spring Bars
Remove the weight from the spring bars by using the trailer
jack to lift the front of the trailer and rear of the tow vehicle.
With the tension removed from the spring bars,
carefully remove the cotter pin & retainer clip.
With the spring bar retainer clip removed, use the lift bar
as a lever to pry the spring bar off of the L-bracket.
TOWING BASICS & SAFETY INFORMATION
For information on safely towing your trailer,
visit curtmfg.com/understanding-towing.
Before You Tow
Check all connections listed below prior to towing:
- Hitch pin & clip (securing shank to receiver)
- Head to shank fasteners
- Trailer ball nut
- Coupler latch
- Spring bar support brackets
- Safety chains
- Lights and turn signals
- Braking system (including breakaway switch)