Troubleshooting Curt TruTrack Not Leveling Truck After Installation and Maximum Adjustment

Question:

i installed a curt 17600 distribution hitch on a 2019 silverado 1500 with the max tow package. GVWR = 7300 GCWR = 17800 MAX PAYLOAD = 1946 GAWRR = 4150 MAX TONGUE WEIGHT = 1210 CURB WEIGHT 5354 My added payload to pickup is about 900lbs Trailer is a 28ft ATC trailer. GVWR = 13200 MAXCARGO = 9362 GAWR = 6000LBS I have 4000lbs pay load in trailer. Tongue weight is around 1000lbs I installed the 17600 distribution hitch and the back on my pickup was only raised by 1/2 inch. It had 2 1/2 inches originally. I set the ball hitch angle as far as it will tip down for max pressure. the end that hooks to the trailer frame is not adjustable, the trailer frame is 8inch so I have the appropriate bracket. Seems like this setup is not right. Is their something that will raise the back of my pickup 2 1/2inch or close with trailer hooked up. I am using a Shocker hitch on this also.

asked by: Steve A

Expert Reply:

It sounds like your system may be overloaded. The first thing I would recommend is finding your actual tongue weight. Your Curt # C79JR (17600) has a tongue weight range of 800-1,000 lbs. If your tongue weight is around 1,000 lbs you're already at the maximum, or possibly more which would make the system ineffective. I recommend using the # e99044.

Another possibility is your shank rise/drop is not enough. I'm not sure which one you have, but the difference between the height of the top of your receiver and the height of the coupler will be the rise/drop needed for your setup. If this is significantly off it would impact your truck remaining level.

Also, I'm not sure how much of your payload is behind the rear axle in your truck. If you have not added that into your tongue weight calculation then you are definitely over what the system is capable of handling. Since the spring bars aren't rated that high it would explain why the system is not performing as expected.

You may find that you are able to change this by shifting the weight around in your truck or trailer. If not, you will need a weight distribution hitch with a higher rating. Unfortunately, the TruTrack 2P tops out at 1,000 lbs of tongue weight so adding spring bars with a higher rating is not an option.

Ideally you want your loaded tongue weight to fall into the middle of the range of your WDH so again, you will want to find this before choosing a different system. More than likely the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control # FA92-00-1200 would take care of your needs. This has a tongue weight range of 800-1,200 lbs so it gives you a wider range to work with.

If your shank and tongue weight check out then your best bet is probably some suspension enhancement. The SumoSprings # SS65FR would add additional support to keep you level while towing. These are maintenance free with a no-drill installation. They are a great option since they won't impact your unloaded ride quality. You will need to readjust the WDH after installation.

I have attached some helpful articles on determining trailer tongue weight and measuring rise/drop, along with some review videos for your reference.