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Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Includes shank, spring bars, head, hookup brackets, pin & clip
Trailer ball not included
Includes shank, spring bars, head, hookup brackets, pin & clip
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Color: Black
Finish: CARBIDE BLACK POWDER COAT
WC / TW (Pounds): 800 LB
WC Tongue Weight (Pounds): 800 LB
Gross Trailer Weight (Pounds): 8,000 LB
Installation Time Exact (Minutes): 0
Your route is planned and the trails are calling, but before you can cover any ground, you need to start with a solid connection between your tow vehicle and trailer. The CURT round bar weight distribution hitch with integrated lubrication offers a smooth ride and level towing with its heavy-duty components and built-in lubrication system. From travel trailers to popup campers, the CURT WD hitch is the perfect camping companion to let you Bring It. The strength of the round bar WD hitch begins with its heavy-duty, formed steel head. The formed construction allows for a precise design and supplies the durability needed to manage the weight of heavy trailers. Something unique to the weight distribution hitch is its grease zerk fittings, built directly into the head, allowing for easy, continuous lubrication at the spring bar mounting location. The spring bars are installed from the underside of the WD head and are made with forged steel for optimum strength. Like other CURT weight distribution hitches, the round bar hitch comes with a highly adjustable shank and chain hookup brackets for the perfect amount of tension to level the load. The shank fits any 2" x 2" receiver tube opening, making it compatible with most class 3, class 4 and class 5 trailer hitches. The head is also compatible with our 2-1/2" weight distribution shanks to match the heaviest of class 5 hitches. The hookup brackets and spring bars of the CURT WD hitch use chains and a simple snap-up design for easy setup and adjustment. This particular round bar weight distribution hitch offers a towing capacity ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 lbs. GTW and 600 to 800 lbs. TW. It comes with installation hardware, though a trailer ball must be purchased separately. The built-in sway control attachment tabs on the head allow it to readily accept one or two sway control units #17200. To protect this WD hitch on the way to your next destination and beyond, it also comes with a durable carbide powder coat finish.

CURT offers a variety of high-quality trailer hitches and accessories for select vehicle models. Find the perfect fit for your towing needs at TowUniverse.
CURT, a Lippert brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit hitches, and each one is designed, welded, and coated in Wisconsin.
CURT is also a leader in flat towing products, as well as 5th wheel, gooseneck, and weight distribution hitches, ball mounts, electrical components, cargo solutions, and other towing accessories.
For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products®.'
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-9494Rediscover "Us" Time | Tested. Proven. Safe. Towing Products
The Curt 17051 is a weight distributing hitch that uses spring bars to distribute tongue weight between the tow vehicle's front and rear axles. This helps level the tow vehicle when towing a trailer, improving stability and braking performance. The 17051 is rated for a gross trailer weight of 6,000–8,000 lbs and tongue weight of 600–800 lbs when used with spring bars.
The Curt 17051 is designed for trailers with A-frame tongues. If your trailer has a straight (pole) tongue instead, you will need to order and install a pole tongue adapter kit for proper hook-up of the weight distributing hitch lift brackets. Contact your local dealer for the adapter kit and follow the installation instructions supplied with it.
The Curt 17051 uses a 1 1/4" threaded-shank hitch ball. If you prefer a 1" threaded shank ball instead, you must use the reducer bushing (part #7) supplied with the hitch. The ball must be rated for a load capacity equal to or exceeding the gross trailer weight.
Yes, but before assembly and adjustment, you must check your vehicle's owner's manual or other instructions for air springs, air shocks, or automatic leveling systems. Unless otherwise indicated, air springs and air shocks should be deflated to their minimum recommended pressure before assembling and adjusting the weight distributing hitch.
The Curt 17051 includes: hitch head, adjustable shank, 2 spring round bars, 2 snap-up brackets, pipe handle, 2 lift chains (8mm x 400mm), reducer bushing (1 1/4" to 1"), 2 hex bolts (3/4" - 10 x 4 1/2"), 2 conical washers (3/4"), 2 nylock nuts (3/4" - 10), hitch pin (5/8" x 3"), clip, 2 U-bolts (3/8" - 16), 4 nylock nuts (3/8" - 16), 4 washers (3/8"), 2 bolts (1/2" - 13 x 3 3/4"), 2 clips for snap-up bracket, pin, and 7 flat washers (1/2").
The manual specifies the use of a wrench and does not list other specific tools. You will need a wrench to tighten bolts and nuts to the specified torque values (200 ft. lbs. for 3/4" bolts, 75 ft. lbs. for 1/2" bolts, and 50 ft. lbs. for the 5/8" hex head set-screw). A trailer tongue jack is required to level the trailer and raise it during installation. The manual does not specify other tools required.
1. 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. 2. Pick reference points on the front and rear bumper of the towing vehicle and measure the height to pavement. 3. For passenger cars, add 1/8" to the coupler height for each 100 lbs. of tongue weight. This is your target uncoupled ball height. The ball should be set higher than the coupler to allow for vehicle squat when coupled to the trailer.
Yes, the shank may be inverted to obtain proper ball height on high ground clearance vehicles, as shown in Figure 3 of the manual. However, if the shank is used in the inverted position, you must check for adequate ground clearance to ensure the hitch does not contact the pavement or other objects.
1. Attach the lift chains (8mm x 400mm) to the tapered ends of each spring bar using the 3/8" U-bolts, 3/8" washers, and 3/8" nylock nuts. Let 2–3 threads of the U-bolts extend through the bottom of each locknut; the chain must be free to move. 2. Apply heavy fibrous grease to the round end of each spring bar. 3. Push the greased end up into the head socket until you hear a click. This indicates the spring bar is locked in place. To release, lift slightly on the spring bar and gently pull out the retaining pin in the hitch head.
1. Using the trailer tongue jack, lower the coupler onto the trailer ball and close the coupler latch. Do not retract the jack fully; allow it to support some of the tongue weight. 2. Raise the front of the trailer and back of the tow vehicle approximately 3" with the tongue jack. This makes it easier to install the chains on the lift bracket hooks.
1. Position the spring bar parallel with the trailer tongue and hold the lift chain vertical alongside the tongue. Position the lift bracket so the chain is centered between the bracket. 2. Mark the location of the lift bracket on the trailer tongue. 3. Install the 1/2" - 13 x 3 3/4" bolt into the threaded hole in the lift bracket. Turn the bolt until it contacts the trailer tongue, then tighten a 1/4 turn with a wrench. Do not overtighten. 4. Place six 1/2" flat washers on the pin and insert the pin into the unthreaded hole in the upper portion of the head channel. The number of washers may need adjustment later. 5. Install the head on the shank at the marked position. Insert the 3/4" - 10 x 4 1/2" hex bolts through the head channel holes. Rotate the head forward as far as it will go; the ball should be vertical or tilted slightly back. Start the 3/4" nylock nuts and finger tighten only. 6. Tighten the lower 5/8" hex bolt just enough to hold the head tight against the pin. This will be tightened fully later. 7. Place the head assembly into the hitch assembly on the towing vehicle and secure with the supplied pin and clip.
If the lift chain is angled fore or aft at the top within the lift bracket, it may catch on the bracket when turning. This could damage the lift bracket or pry it open. Reposition the lift bracket so the chain is centered between the bracket and runs vertically. Some trailers may have an obstruction on one side of the frame; in that case, order the offset lift bracket kit from your local dealer and follow the installation instructions supplied with that kit.
To raise: 1. Slip the marked chain link over the hook on the lift bracket. 2. Insert the lift handle onto the lift bracket rod above the lift chain hook. 3. Using the handle, raise the lift bracket up and over center so it is fully seated against the mounting bracket. 4. Secure by inserting the clip through the lift bracket and mounting bracket. To lower: 1. Remove the locking pin from the lift bracket. 2. Insert the lift handle onto the rod above the lift chain attachment. 3. Carefully lower the bracket with the handle. It will require effort to bring the bracket over center and then to resist the chain tension as the bracket rotates downward. Before raising or lowering, raise the front of the trailer to reduce spring bar chain tension; this makes operation easier and safer.
There should be at least 5 links minimum between the lift bracket and the spring bar. If fewer than 5 links, the chain and snap-up bracket will bind. The number of links should be the same on both bars. If the front of the vehicle has settled much more than the rear, increase the number of chain links between the lift bracket and the spring bar. Once correct height is achieved, mark the spring bar chain at the hooked position with paint for future hook-up reference.
Tighten the 3/4" - 10 x 4 1/2" hex bolts and locknuts to 200 ft. lbs. Failure to tighten bolts to this specification may result in fastener loss or failure.
Tighten the 1/2" head attachment bolts to 75 ft. lbs. torque. Failure to tighten bolts to this specification may result in fastener loss or failure.
Tighten the 5/8" hex head set-screw to 50 ft. lbs. Failure to tighten this fastener to the specified torque may result in fastener loss or failure.
Without spring bars, the Curt 17051 is rated for a gross trailer weight not to exceed 8,000 lbs and tongue weight not to exceed 800 lbs. However, 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.
With spring bars, the Curt 17051 is rated for a gross trailer weight of 6,000–8,000 lbs and tongue weight of 600–800 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 of the same weight rating.
The loaded ball height should never be greater than the uncoupled ball height. If the loaded trailer ball height is greater than the uncoupled height, front wheel overload and loss of rear wheel traction can result, leading to unstable handling, reduced braking ability, and a tendency to jackknife when turning and braking at the same time. If this occurs, reduce take-up on the spring bar chains, remeasure, and adjust until the proper height is obtained.
No. Trailers should not be occupied while being towed. Most states enforce this regulation.
Always hook up all of the trailer lights, electric brakes, and break-away switch connections whenever the trailer is being towed. Check that all electrical hook-ups are in working order before towing.
Keep clear of the pivot path of all moving parts when there is tension on the spring bar chain. Maintain control of the lift handle at all times when raising or lowering the spring bar. Be sure that the locking hair pin is in place once the lift bracket is in the up position. Before raising or lowering the lift bracket, raise the front of the trailer to reduce the spring bar chain tension. This will make the lift bracket operation easier and safer.
Check the following before towing: pin and clip securing shank to receiver; head to shank fasteners; trailer ball nut torque; coupler latch; snap-up bracket bolt; safety chains; lights and turn signals; and braking system, including breakaway switch. At the beginning of every tow day, check all trailer to towing vehicle connections for security and operation.
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 and 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. Coat the clevis pins in the head assembly with fibrous grease. Clean the ball and coupler socket and coat the ball lightly with grease. Check spring bar chains and U-bolts for wear and security; replace if worn. Check that all trailer balls are properly tightened and that the locking pins in the lift brackets are securely in place. Also check that the hitch pin is in place and secure.
Keep the spring bars lubricated with heavy fibrous grease. If additional grease is needed during operation, use the grease zerk on the spring bar. Apply a heavy fibrous grease to the round end of each spring bar before pushing it into the head socket.
At the beginning of every tow day, check all trailer to towing vehicle connections for security and operation. This includes verifying that the pin and clip securing the shank to the receiver are secure, head to shank fasteners are tight, trailer ball nut is properly torqued, coupler latch is functioning, snap-up bracket bolt is secure, safety chains are connected, lights and turn signals are working, and the braking system including the breakaway switch is operational.
Surge brakes require a small amount of fore and aft movement for their actuating mechanism to function correctly. To avoid restricting movement, it may be necessary to increase the number of chain links between the lift brackets and spring bars by tilting the head down. Tighten the two 3/4" bolts to 200 ft. lbs. torque once the head angle is set. Some surge brake actuators not designed for use with a weight distributing hitch may bind and not operate freely. Check the surge brake operating instructions for specific requirements regarding their use with weight distributing hitches.
Yes. Remove the weight distribution hitch from the trailer hitch on the towing vehicle when not towing a trailer. This reduces the chances of striking the weight distribution hitch on the driveway or other objects and reduces the chance of parts being stolen.
Good habits for normal driving need extra emphasis when towing a trailer. The additional weight of the trailer affects acceleration and braking. Allow extra time for passing, stopping, and changing lanes. Signal well in advance of a maneuver. Negotiate severe bumps and badly undulating roads at a slow, steady speed, as they can damage your towing vehicle, hitch, and trailer. If any part of your towing system bottoms out or if you suspect damage, pull over and make a thorough inspection before resuming travel. Review the owner's manual for your towing vehicle and trailer for specific recommendations, capacities, and requirements.
Proper trailer loading is very important. Heavy items should be placed close to the floor near the trailer axle center line. The load should be balanced side to side and firmly secured in the trailer to prevent shifting. Tongue weight should be 10–15% of the gross trailer weight for most trailers. Too low a tongue weight often produces a tendency to sway.
Yes. A sway control device is recommended, as it can help minimize the effects of sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting caused by passing vehicles. Use of a sway control device is recommended for trailers with a large surface area, such as travel trailers. The Curt 17051 head assembly will accept two sway control attachment balls.
Unless specified by the towing vehicle or trailer manufacturer, tires should be inflated to their maximum recommended pressure.
The Curt 17051 fits trailers with A-frame tongues and is rated for 6,000–8,000 lbs gross trailer weight with spring bars. If your trailer has a straight (pole) tongue, you need a pole tongue adapter kit. Verify your trailer's weight and tongue configuration before purchasing.
Yes. The hitch ball is not included. You must select a 1 1/4" threaded-shank hitch ball rated for a load capacity equal to or exceeding your gross trailer weight. If you prefer a 1" ball, use the included reducer bushing (part #7).
Yes, if your vehicle has air springs, air shocks, or automatic leveling systems. Deflate them to their minimum recommended pressure before assembly and adjustment. Check your vehicle's owner's manual for specific instructions.
No drilling is required. The lift bracket bolts into the threaded holes in the trailer tongue. The hitch shank inserts into the tow vehicle's existing receiver tube and is secured with the supplied hitch pin and clip.
Tighten 3/4" bolts to 200 ft. lbs., 1/2" bolts to 75 ft. lbs., and the 5/8" hex head set-screw to 50 ft. lbs. Failure to tighten to these specifications may result in fastener loss or failure.
The loaded ball height must never exceed the uncoupled ball height. If it does, front wheel overload and loss of rear wheel traction can result, causing unstable handling, reduced braking, and jackknifing. Adjust the spring bar chain take-up until the proper height is achieved.
Check the shank pin and clip, head fasteners, trailer ball nut torque, coupler latch, snap-up bracket bolt, safety chains, lights, turn signals, and braking system including the breakaway switch. Verify all connections are secure and operational.
Keep the spring bars, socket-mounted ends, lock pins, and lift brackets lubricated with heavy fibrous grease. Use the grease zerk if additional grease is needed during operation. Check spring bar chains and U-bolts for wear and security regularly.
Remove the 3/4" bolt from the head channel. Change the number of 1/2" flat washers on the pin (initially six washers). Fewer washers will tilt the head up; more washers will tilt it down. Re-assemble and rotate the head forward again. The ball should be vertical or tilted slightly back.
Increase the number of chain links between the lift bracket and the spring bar. This will reduce the amount of weight distribution to the front axle. Re-measure the front and rear bumper reference points. The vehicle should settle evenly, within 1/2". The spring bars should be nearly horizontal when correct height is achieved.
Before raising or lowering the lift bracket, raise the front of the trailer to reduce the spring bar chain tension. This will make the lift bracket operation easier and safer. If the bracket is still difficult to operate, verify that there are at least 5 links between the lift bracket and the spring bar. If fewer than 5 links, the chain and snap-up bracket will bind.
Reduce take-up on the spring bar chains. Remeasure the ball height and adjust the chain links until the proper height is obtained. The loaded ball height must never exceed the uncoupled ball height. If it does, front wheel overload and loss of rear wheel traction can result, causing unstable handling, reduced braking ability, and a tendency to jackknife when turning and braking at the same time.
Reposition the lift bracket so the chain is centered between the bracket and runs vertically. If the chain is angled, it may catch on the bracket when turning, which could damage the lift bracket or pry it open. Some trailers may have an obstruction on one side of the frame; in that case, order the offset lift bracket kit from your local dealer and follow the installation instructions supplied with that kit.
Apply heavy fibrous grease to the round end of the spring bar. Push the greased end up into the head socket until you hear a click. This indicates the spring bar is locked in place. If you do not hear a click, the spring bar may not be fully inserted. If the spring bar still does not lock, the socket may be dirty or the spring bar may be damaged. Clean the socket and try again.
| Kit # | Hitch # | GTW | TW | Bar Length | Kit Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -- | 17050 | 5,000 - 6,000 lbs. | 500 - 600 lbs. | 31-3/16" | -- |
| -- | 17051 | 6,000 - 8,000 lbs. | 600 - 800 lbs. | 31-3/16" | -- |
| 17062 | 17052 | 8,000 - 10,000 lbs. | 800 - 1,000 lbs. | 31-3/16" | Sway control (17200), pre-torqued 2-5/16" trailer ball (40006) and chains pre-assembled to spring bars |
| 17063 | 17057 | 10,000 - 14,000 lbs. | 1,000 - 1,400 lbs. | 31-3/16" | Sway control (17200), pre-torqued 2-5/16" trailer ball (40030) and chains pre-assembled to spring bars |
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