Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution Hitch Adjustment | Sway Control Hitch | Reduce My Trailer Sway
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- Опубликовано: 25 июн 2020
- I use a Blue Ox SwayPro weight distribution hitch for sway control when towing my travel trailer. It helps reduce my trailer sway, but I still got a little sway in my RV. In this video, I'll make adjustments to the Blue Ox hitch that improves my travel trailer sway control.
In this video, I’ll show you how to install a Blue Ox TrackPro weight-distribution hitch on your truck and travel trailer. The Blue Ox TrackPro hitch is a piece of cake to install in just a few steps. After installing the sway control hitch, I’ll show you how to hook it up for the first time.
If you’re in the market for the best weight-distribution hitch, this TrackPro hitch should be at the top of your list. It is an easy weight distribution to install and hook up.
If you found this video helpful, check out our website and blog post, where we cover even more questions about weight-distribution hitches:
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And some more info here:
gotogethergofar.com/blue-ox-s...
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Master certified RV technician here, 12 years experience with a special expertise in hitch work (weight distribution, 5th wheels, base plates, ect) we've recently started using blue ox. Im familiar with the sway pro. I know this video is three years old so hopefully you have resolved your issue.Your setup looks solid, level truck, level trailer. I dont think the issue is with the hitch work itself. I believe the problem is with the half ton truck unfortunately. The problem is the truck is not heavy enough to control the trailer effectively. As you said "it feels like the tail wags the dog a little bit" thats exactly whats happening. From my experience the litte sway you feel might be best case scenario for a half ton. Anyway sorry for ranting i just enjoy hitch work. Hope you figured out your issue. Happy camping!
You seem like someone I would follow if you ever decide to post videos. Your experience could help many folks.
Agreed! For half ton trucks the towing capacity usually is not a problem. It’s the payload that is limiting how much weight you can tow. For F150 unless you have the max payload package (different than max towing package), you don’t have a lot of room when it comes to the weight you can handle. Normally it is around 1800 lbs depending on the trims and options. Minus 600 to 700lbs tongue weight, minus driver and family weight, minus spray on bed liner and tonneau cover, then gas, etc., you don’t have much left.
Thanks again for another great informative video. This was very helpful.
Blue Ox sway pro is my favorite!
Very helpful. Thanks
Good stuff Andy! Very informative, thorough.
Thanks! I really appreciate the positive feedback.
I have that Blue Ox Hitch, but replaced the "reel" type chain holders with the over center type tensioners after one of the "reels" fell apart, with the heavy outer part separating completely from the inner part, FORTUNATELY not on the road where it could have easily bounced up and killed or hurt someone.
Additionally, I added a friction type sway control, as the Blue Ox still allowed quite a bit of sway with our Ram 3500 and Arctic Fox 25w.
When I called Blue Ox about the separation of the outer part of the "reel" type chain holder, they were not interested in the big center rivet pulling out or the heavy part coming loose (potentially VERY dangerous), but were only concerned that it was a few months out of warranty, so they would have to charge me for a new one!
I decided that there was too much risk with replacing it, so opted for replacing both with the over-center type chain holders. I would NEVER buy one of these hitches again! Just too much potential for hurting someone, plus the sway control is minimal.
BTW, everything was properly loaded with the trailer well under it's 10K pound limit.
I just bought a 23 foot Airstream, had a ton of sway. I put one of these Blue Ox deals on it and it completely corrected the problem. Works great!! Pretty expensive upgrade, but well worth it for the added safety and stability.
Thanks looking into Blue Ox for future weight distribution hitch
I am going to give this a try. Thanks
Let us know how it goes!
Thank you for that demo on this hitch. This past weekend I purchased a Travel Trailer Toy Hauler 28' at a dealer in Ohio and towed it back to Massachusetts. I felt very little sway with this Blue Ox SwayPro weight distribution hitch. I towed my Travel Trailer with a 2021 RAM 1500, Travel Trailer weight is under 5000lbs. Tow Hitch weight is a little over 500 lbs. My average speed was between 60 mph. to 75 mph. it felt like great towing with no to very little sway.
Fair play to this ad. I'm definitely getting me one of these hitches....when I get a truck
Great video. Just bought a blue ox. This will definitely help.
Good buy. It should work well for you.
Awesome info fixed my sway i have the same hitch installed by trailer dealer this video was awesome thank you
That's fantastic! I'm glad it helped.
Thank you. I will try this on my trailer this spring.
I had a lot of sway and I have the 2019 F150 with the full trailer package.
Right now snow and ice in Idaho.
I have purchased a Rockwood 2304ds and will be using Blue Ox hitch to tow with our Ford f150. Your videos have been a a good introduction on to how to use this hitch properly. Will review these videos in the spring once we get our trailer out of storage and begin using it. Thanks for the great videos.
Hey thank you! I have really come to appreciate Blue Ox hitches. I feel much safer towing with mine.
This is exactly the info I was looking for. I will be trying this real soon to see if it helps!
I am genuinely glad that this is helpful. It helped me and hopefully makes us all a little safer on the road. Let us know how it goes!
@@GoTogetherGoFar will do!
I am going to try this. I really love the simplicity of the sway pro, but have exactly same problem.
Thank you for taking the time to at least try to measure the difference. So much more value than just using the before and after opinion most people rely on
Thanks I think this will solve a lot of issues
I hope it does! I had a 3.5-hour drive last week, towing the trailer on the interstate, and it was like night and day compared to before. On the way home, we ran into some decent wind that would have made me pull over previously. Not this time. We still needed to be aware of a big gust, but we never had any severe sway. Don't forget to subscribe if this helped. I'm planning some more Blue Ox videos in the future as people seem to be helped by them.
Thanks Andy for the videos , trying to dial mine in as well and my hitch is set up like yours was !
Same truck f150 , I think I’ll flip the hitch over and go up a notch or 2 myself !, I also thought I would go to 10 links instead of 9 , my bars were not that bent but I have a heavy bar (heaviest) I had a little sag on my rear suspension so I think going up on the ball and going up a link might help , thanks again
I recognize that stretch of the loop. I’m near the Nature Center. Been camping for 7 years and still keep trying to tweak my sway with my blue ox.
Awesome and tutorial mate, keep up the great work
Thanks, will do!
No problem!
Love mine
great video. I'm buying a new camper these are the hitches the sell needed to see if they were good .
Thanks, will check this out, mine acts like I'm driving in ruts in shallow curves...not much but enough to get my attention.
My ball went up 3 inches higher than the trailer hitch and it fixed the issue same as you had
Thank you helped me alot
Awesome!
Thanks to all of your analysis I made the right choice. I selected a Sway Pro for my 2016 F150 FX4 Lariat SCrew, which also worked with our 2021 (1 week old) Expedition Limited, w/ Special Edition options to include a HD two package (9300lb. capacity) on our 2022 GD 29BQ. We had to tow it home from 6 hours away in high wind, rain, two lane, heavily traveled by semis and buses. Because my truck went into the shop unexpectedly, we had to use my wife's Expedition. It towed like a dream!!! Side winds gusting to about 40+ wasn't fun, and the RV Coaches (buses) clobbered us on the two lane highway, but all else went great. We even forgot at times that we were towing. lol
The cattle trucks, empty, gave us a little grief, and the chipped windshield made my wife cry, but overall not bad. :)
I think the Sway Pro I chose for my truck might have been a slight overkill but it worked fine. I recommend it!
That's awesome! I'm glad it helped!
I watched your video and enjoyed it very much. I have been using the BOSP for about two years on a 7,000 GVWR Jayco X23E. It worked really well. I just took possession of a new Jayco 284 BHOK this past Thursday (9,800 GVWR). The dealer moved my hitch up two notches and put me about 1.5" above level trailer hitch height. He told me to use Link 8 on the chains. Rear of truck (2021 F150 SuperCrew 3.5 MaxTow) was bouncy coming home and it swayed more than the Jayco Hybrid. I am going back to level with hitch height and am going to move to Link 9 and if it's still the same move to Link 10. The dealer also told me I was getting really close to the max on my 1,000/10,000 lb bars. I am at around 9,100 gross with no more additions to go into the trailer. I am going to call BlueOx and ask their opinion on this. One of the biggest things I noticed when towing my Jayco hybrid was the fact that you have to shut off the Electronic Sway Control on the truck or the two systems fight each other and cause sway. In all your videos I did not see where you were doing that. If you haven't done it, try it, it's amazing the difference it makes. Keep up the great work!
Good video
Thanks!
Great info ! Just got my Blue Ox SwayPro installed and there isn't much spring to the bars. Will test it out and keep this method in mind if it's warranted. Thanks
I have a 30 ft new Bullet being pulled by my 2007 4x4 Tahoe. Weight limits safe. Load E tires (new). I had the blue ox, 750 lb bars, tongue weight ~725 lbs. Chain set at 9. I felt that "I'm going to die" feeling above 55 mph. I adjusted to 10 then 11 links (bar almost touching the shackle). It did help, but I didn't notice ANY change in suspension on my front end of the vehicle. Now, the hitch end is high still. I called Blue Ox they noted that after leveling, I might still need heavier bars. We will see.
looking at purchasing an RV trailer to pull with my 2022 GMC Canyon. 24' long 5500 lbs loaded. Dealer recommends the Blue ox system. thanks for the video
Having the same problem. Going to purchase a used blue ox and try this . Thanks
I have a th and take a golfcart. It really bad in wind
I learned something very interesting from a forum while I was researching WD hitches. I was concerned because the only documentation I could find with my 2018 F150 declared a 500lb tongue weight max. However, I learned that on my 2" receiver there is a sticker that labels my tongue weight max as 500lbs but 1,160lbs with weight distribution. That explained my befuddlement after calculating that my 4000 lb trailer (x 15% = 600lb tongue) was too heavy for my truck even though it is rated overall to tow 9,100lbs. If you do the math, (500 max tongue / %15 weight on tongue) you find that the max weight of trailer (depending on % on the tongue) puts you at only roughly 3,333lbs to max out a standard F150. Weight distribution hitches are more necessary than you might think.
I am new to trailering and had blue ox installed for my 2019 Honda Ridgeline and 3300 lb trailer. You explanation as to how it works was VERY informative and helpful. Great info.
I'm really glad it helped!
@@GoTogetherGoFar FYI, Yesterday, when I picked up my new Jayco trailer, thanks to your videos, I actually knew more about the hitch than the techs at the camper service center...go figure
@@user-vu9wm1vq2p Love it!
Big help
thankyou
Moving any trailer load from behind the axle to directly above the axle/s will give you a much more secure drive.
Hi, great video. I also tow with an F150 and Blue Ox. 1. Check the air in your tires, RV and Truck, that makes a difference. Maybe your bars are to small, need to up grade to the next level. Also, this may have worked, but you should try it again with your truck loaded with the stuff you normally bring camping that can make a difference. I found the RV best practice rule is level, but the front of the RV should be more down than up if its not perfectly level.
I also had a big towing sway problem. After spending some time at the weigh scales I found that I was given the wrong bars. They were correct if you went by the trailer tag weights. The trailer tongue was 400 pounds heavier than they stated. I also learned that the weight on the trailer tag is the weight before the trailer is added to the frame. I am going to try your fix as well. Thanks
That is good to know!
This was great! I just bought a new camper and on the way home I was having very similar issues and I also have the Blue Ox. I am going to try your suggestions and see if what difference it makes. Thanks!
I hope it helps. If it does, let us know how it goes. Thanks for subscribing!
Thanks for the video. I'm having similar issues with what looks like an almost identical setup to yours. Upgrading from a 2012 F150 to my 2019 is quite different. The new truck seems to have a softer rear suspension and it is definitely lighter.
If you have the ability to raise the ball, give it a try. If it doesn't help, you can always move it back.
I'm having a similar issue. I'm going to go out this weekend and I'll adjust this before I go, hopefully it'll cut out more sway and also being sucked in by semis passing.
Hopefully it helps. You could also try moving from the 9th link to the 10th and see if that helps.
We have the Blue Ox SwayPro as well and have been tweaking it to try and eliminate as much sway as possible. I think I'll check how level the trailer is hitched as is and then move the ball up one hole and see what that does to the level of the trailer. Then we'll take it out on the road and see what we got. I'll leave some feedback once this is done. Thanks for the suggestion.
I hope it helps and let us know!
interesting, I too have the BO SP....also using number 9 on the links with 1400lbs bars. Kind of important detail I didn't hear you state in your video. According to Blue OX, you can use 7, 8,9 if you raise your ball 2" over your level rung height. There are a few more adjustments you can tinker with but good video.
Why are so many people talking about how high the ball is when unloaded from the truck? This has ZERO bearing on how the trailer is setup.
This is mentioned as a starting point ONLY!!!! Evedy vehicle is different, and will drop in varying amounts, so you need to adjust until your distro is offsetting the proper weight AND your trailer is level or slightly nose down.
Bottom line, the more level your trailer , the less sway you will experience. That is true with any setup
I'm curious if you originally measured to the top of your coupler with trailer level.... if the BO was same height to top ball? BO recommends up to an inch or 2 over level if needed but no more. We love our Sway Pro and found playing with 8 to 10 links helps. We use 9 usually. Towing with Ram 2500 CTD and sway is non existent. Used to tow with a Hemi Durango and same system and passing rigs was a little white knuckle sometimes.
Open for suggestions. Towing with a Nissan Armada. I made an adjustment after finding dealer did not install correctly. Had a ton of sway before and still having the issue. Not sure what time try?
I have a 30Ft Grand Design Trailer and am towing with a Ram 1500 V8 Hemi. The truck is equipped with a trailer package, LT tires (e-10ply) and Tuff Truck Coils on the rear. When I brought the rig home I felt some sway and porpoising as well a crowding on approaching stop lights. The tow felt heavy and sluggish. After watching a few videos from Blue Ox and your informative videos I made some adjustments. The chains were unevenly placed on the A frame which I corrected. I made sure I applied 9 links in the bar chains per manufacturers spec. The ball height was level with the trailer tongue and the truck and trailer are level before the bars were applied, all good there. I set the e-brakes to a gain of +8. The porpoising is gone and the trailer tows steady and stops nicely, no crowding. Disturbance from wind or large vehicles results in a minor tug then correction. All in all the minor and careful adjustments go a long way to a stable tow.
That's great! I really enjoy the longer drives not that I'm not as stressed on the interstate. I'm glad you fixed yours!
Just to add. I bought my BlueOx SwayPro a couple years ago. I registered the hitch with BlueOx. I got a call from them, they wanted to know how I like my hitch ect. They also had a tip for me, if your tow vehicle has Electronic anti-sway you may want to turn it off if you are running ANY active anti-sway hitch. They found that the trucks anti-sway control would sometimes counter act the action of the anti-sway hitch. I never had issues but I turned off the trucks anti-sway control anyway.
Interesting. I'm honestly not sure if my F-150 has that or not. I had one incident when I first got my trailer with a large wind gust. It was strong enough to start some heavy swaying. The truck's computer kick on the trailer breaks without me doing anything. It was scary but it helped. I wonder if that is part of it.
Love the video I have a ram 1500 but this hitch and will be trying this to help out a little more with sway. Question , what size bars do you have? Thanks for the great videos!
Hi Aaron. I use the 3 "dimple" bars on my hitch. Blue Ox list those bars as 1,000 to 1,500 lbs.
We just bought a used 2017 Rv and it came with a blue ox hitch. Lucky Me! But I noticed it has a 4 Dimple spring bars rated for a 1500 lbs tongue weight. Our RV tongue weight is 835. Should I go down to
a 3 Dimple spring bar rated at 1000 lbs tongue weight or just keep using the 4 dimple.
Can you tell me the measurement from centre ball to back bumper? I'm looking for maximum length to accommodate bikes on a tailgate pad while towing.
Interesting. Just bought a bigger trailer and blue ox hitch a few months ago and am still figuring it out. My ball is level with the trailer per blue ox instructions. Thought about moving it up a notch, but looks like it will hit the tailgate when I put it down even when the trailer is not hooked up. I may look into tightening the chains a link. I did upgrade to heavy duty rear shocks on my 2014 F150 2WD and that helps with porpoising.
Try adjusting the chains.
Just bought the blue ox sway pro, how do you adjust the distribution? It seems my half ton sags about 2in in the back. I’m hauling a 2024 jayco jay flight 235mbhw.
The blue ox instruction work sheet says after leveling trailer, the top of the hitch ball should be level to 1 inch above the coupler inside top and should never be below. One of their videos says 1-2 inches above. For Ram trucks they suggest 2 inches above. In the start of the video your ball was slightly below to maybe level at best. The person who said why not just go to 10 links missed the point that the ball height had to be set correctly first. You videos on blue ox are all well done and very practical. I have had my blue ox through 4 different trailers by only changing the sway bars. Great system but needs thoughtful set up.
None of that matters when he is towing with the trailer pointing at the damn sky!!!
If he knew anything about towing, he would know that you ALWAYS tow level or slightly nose down! You NEVER tow with the nose higher than the ass!
Have you had a chance to put your setup on scales at a truck stop to see how much weight is on front and rear tires? I’m trying to get a better understanding myself and see some people showing their tickets from CAT scales . Thanks for the video it’s a lot of help! Joe C
I haven't. I've had a few viewers suggest that. I'll have to look into it and see if there are scales around me.
This was very helpful. I am very new to using a hitch especially a heavy duty one. What kind of tools did you need to adjust/remove the bolts? I don't have the best eye with size of bolts so wanted to ask. Thanks!
1 1/8" and a pipe wrench
We are new to weight distribution sway bars. We have the one you are demonstrating. Your demonstration is very helpful. My question is when it is time to disconnect it. It threw me into the trailer. Is there a trick to releasing it without hurting myself?
Oh god yes! Do the same thing. Raise your hitch way up again to relieve the tension on the bars. I take mine up so high that I can undo the bars by hand. Raising that hitch up will let you connect and disconnect without any issues. Hope that helps.
More weight on the hitch reduces sway. If you are level try loading more in the front of your trailer. Try using a tongue scale to make sure you are loading 10 to 12% of your trailer weight at the tongue. Payload capacity of your truck is often the weak link towing with a half ton.
Yup! He is doing the exact opposite of what he needs to do on SO MANY levels!
I agree. I'm not going to tell him he is wrong because he might be dealing with something else but I have found that if we accidentally load the back of the camper too heavy, my normal WDH settings are too much and I either need to back it off a link in the chain or transfer weight back to front in my trailer.
@@JD-so1vl Additionally, he needs to keep the trailer level to have proper wear on the trailer tires and brakes
Great information. Newly getting into travel trailers and looking at everything I need to understand. Have been watch tons of clips. I like that you are towing with a F150 half to.n. Can I ask the length of your trailer and the Max Trailer Weight .
Sure. It is 33 feet. It has dry weight of about 6k lbs and a tongue weight of 900 lbs. The max trailer weight is about 9k lbs. My truck can easily handle the tow capacity but is close to the limit on cargo capacity. Cargo capacity is the tongue weight plus truck cargo plus about 10 to 15% of cargo in your trailer. That tends to be the limiting factor for most modern trucks. Length by itself isn't an issue but can be a little susceptible to strong wind.
This video is very informative. I am curious though as Blue Ox advises that the 9th link on the chain is the "starting point" and can be adjust to the 10th or 11th link. Have you tried this and what results did you get? As you say, the idea is to put more flex in those spring bars. Thanks for your video!
I didn't. I probably should have. I had a few others suggest trying that too.
Really good information think I'm going to give this a try. Seems there a constant wiggle from the trailer.
If you do, let us know if it helps or not. Hopefully it does!
I've had a close setup with the same truck. Had a $3k propride hitch and still felt a little sway. I installed Firestone ride right air bags to level out the truck so driving a night headlight aim was correct.
Thanks Andy. Your little trip on the highway looked familiar. 275 near Eastgate perhaps😅. I've been try to eliminate the little sway I feel when starting out after gassing up. I've read that I need to turn off the anti sway system in my 2016 Tundra. The blue ox and the truck anti sway system could be working against each other. Blue Ox instructions also state that if you have a Ford or Dodge you may have to turn the auto sway system off. Do you have any thoughts on turning off the truck anti sway? Jpater
You're right! I'm in Milford. I've seen the suggestion to turn off anti sway, but I can't find any way in an F150. Maybe I'm missing something but I think that is an option in an F250. I'm open to ideas if anyone has them.
As always a great video. My issue is the truck seems to be unsteady. It is a F-250 super duty diesel. My tongue weight is 1100 lbs. Tires and suspension along with steering all check out. Any suggestions would be appreciated. By the way I am using the Blue Ox SwayPro hitch.
How many links are you using? Maybe tighten it up by a link or two and see if that helps. I'm not sure it helps, but had much better control after moving from the SwayPro to the Track Pro. I think the metal on metal friction does a better than the chain tension.
On a f160 the ball should be closer to 2” above the tongue where you were even before so this “little more than an inch” higher should be right.
Great info how did it affect your front end rise or drop on the pick up
The front of my trailer came up just slightly. It didn't affect the truck's rear at all.
Did you lower the adjustment on the BlueOx after you had installed the RAS system.
Or did you raise up the BlueOx and leave it as is when you put on that new suspension helper.
Well I just got back from running my trailer on the freeway and still had sway above 60mph I had wind as well.
My setup is 2019 Ford F150 with the trailer tow package. My trailer is the 2020 East to West Alta 30 ft long.
I have not installed the Road Master Suspension system yet.
I left the Blue Ox adjustment in place after installing the RAS.
Thanks for you reply .. when you placed it back did you eliminate the sway
I haven't put it back on yet. I want to get a few trips in without it so I can get a good feel for the new TrackPro hitch.
So, I am just beginning as an RVer and Blue Ox Pro is my choice of hitches with solid bars (no chains). Did you have your hitch set-up by the dealer? How did changing the set-up affect your weight distribution? You must have changed the dynamics even with an inch of elevation. Did you do an axle weight comparison?
Hi Dennis. Good questions. Sounds like you have the TrackPro. I'll be setting one of those up in the next few months. My dealer originally set up my SwayPro. Raising the ball up by one hole really helped.
My camper trailer have his tail a little bit low if I adjust one or two links on the chain it might raise it? I’m a newbie any help I’ll appreciate it, your video was very helpful thanks
The general rule is that you want the trailer level after it is hooked up to your tow vehicle. When I raised my ball up a bit, because my trailer is 33 feet and sit pretty high from the ground, a 1-2 inch movement doesn't throw it off too much. I think the real impact was how much more tension it put on the spring bars to keep the trailer in line. If you don't think you have the clearance in the back to raise up the front, what about hooking into the 10th or 11th link on the spring bar, instead of the recommended 9th? In theory, you haven't raised the ball, so it shouldn't affect level of the trailer, but will increase the tension on the spring bars. Maybe start with the 10th, give it a tow, and adjust again if necessary.
There is a proper process to setup a WD hitch correctly!
Start your initial setup like the directions recommend. Check for level on the trailer. If it is level, or slightly nose down, then check the WD amount. You obviously need a proper CAT scale to do this, but a tape measure on the front fender to measure the amount of lift is good enough to get it close. If your front end lifts more than say 1/2", then add distro till you get it down, then look at the trailer to see if it is still level.
Chances are, you'll start with too little distro, too much squat on the rear of the truck, and once you add distro, you'll end up with a nose high trailer.
You'll need to start over by lowering the ball, then add distro, then check level again.
Do NOT settle for "okay" or "close enough". This will only cause future problems.
• Level or slightly nose down trailer
• less than 1/2" of rise on front axle
• all axle weights under limits
Once you are done, get a scale ticket so you have a reference for future adjustments.
Are you able to fully open your tailgate with the hitch in that position. Thanks for the video
No. The tailgate would hit the hitch.
I have heard issues about turning a hitch mount around, that the 1/4 flate angle plate should be on the bottom like where you had it orignally. However, I have also heard that some hitches say on it that its okay to use either saw, but that it should say it on the hitch. Do you have any take on the issue. I have the same issue, where I need an extra two inches and the only way would be to turn it around or buy an air lift for my truck.
Good question. For the Blue Ox SwayPro or TrackPro, Blue Ox specifically says it can be used either way. I'm not sure I can speak for other types of hitches.
Better to keep the trailer level. When you raise it up you are shifting more weight to the rear trailer axle which causes the tires and bearings to run hotter not to mention the braking issues it can cause. You need more truck and better suspension along with it. A 150 can do it but sometimes with some issues
Great to hear Andy and see your results here.. I was wondering about the chain link adjustment as well? I saw video about adjusting from 9 to 8 links? I’m trying to understand that logic? Personally I was thinking about getting less sway by going to 10 links verses 9? He measured the weight distribution at a CAT scale and his adjustment seemed to increase his weight to the front axle that improved his driving capabilities... Maybe you can address this issue as well? Thanks... btw my tow vehicle is a Nissan Pathfinder, that is rated at 6,000 pound tow capability.. I have a ultra lite dual axle Sundance trailer with a dry weight of 4,300 lbs...
Assuming we are counting chain links in the same direction, I'm not sure how 8 links would provide better weight distribution than 9 or 10 links. The Blue Ox manual says to use 9. It also says to move to 10 if you want more tension on the spring bars. Can you share the link for the video you watched? I'll take a look and provide my thoughts.
Andy, the video I was looking for is actually yours!... lol ... you did the test against two different blue ox systems... I may have misunderstood the links concern, but I’m counting from the top down (open-end of chain)... I’m going to try 10-links on my next trip... I’ll reach out to you about the results. My hitch set up is already pretty level, I watched the dealership install the system when we initially picked up the trailer! Thanks again!
Lol, sorry, I must have misunderstood. Yeah if counting down 9 links from the open end feels too loose, try 10 and see if that helps.
great tip. Did you measure the height of the top of the ball before adjusting the hitch. And measure height after the raising of the ball. How many inches do you think? 1" 2" ??
I didn't unfortunately. I just adjusted it to the next hole up.
Can I turn the receiver end of my blue ox hitch upside down to get a better height adjustment. Thanks
Absolutely. I did.
I think that anyone who tows a trailer would know that having more weight behind rear wheels of trailer is dangerous. If you can’t be perfectly level you are better off having more weight up front.
Agree 100 % not good.
Hello my friend, I recently purchased a Freedom express 292bhds. Dry weight is 6600lbs. My tow vehicle is Ram 1500 V8 HEMI. I also purchased the Blue Ox Sway Pro 750 after watching your video. Picked up the trailer on the weekend and on my drive home from the dealer it was windy. The dealer had installed the Blue Ox on my truck and trailer, but I kept on getting a rocking pull/push motion as I was accerlateing and when going over bumps. Would have any idea as to why? Thanks
Review the Blue Ox videos and confirm your hitch setup. Sometimes the dealers make errors with their setup.
When I bought my camper they setup my Blue ox at 7 links. Seemed a little squishy. Will try 9 links next time and then the ball height change if necessary. Have a 26 foot / 7500 lb camper and 2017 Ford with the 3.5 Eco engine so have plenty of truck but not a very experienced tow driver.
I would certainly go to 9 links. Some people have suggested going to to 10 links. That may be worth a try as well.
@@GoTogetherGoFar do you count links from the chain end or bar end
@@TheDoogman Count from the open-chain end towards the bar.
Did you upgrade your tires from the OEM P rated tires to LT E rated tires, that will help alot
I upgraded. I had a blow out the prior year.
If the goal was to ad more tension to the bars, wouldn't using a different link in the chains have the same net effect without having to get out the tools?
It could. The more I learned, including suggestions like this, I would encourage anyone struggling with similar issues to try adjusting the chain first. That very well may solve the issue. If it doesn't, try this.
I have mine set up in the up position. I only drop 4 links. When it was first set I dropped three links. It wasn’t enough. So I dropped five links. It was too much and the back end was light and all the weight on the front wheels. My guess is, now that you have raised the hitch your dropping to many links. I’m guessing you should experiment with only dropping 6 or 7. Maybe only four like I do.
I've been experimenting with the Blue Ox TrackPro recently. I actually think I like it a little better. It tows a bit different than the SwayPro.
I have a 16 foot base camp airstream would I have a problem with sway? I am new at this thank you
Sway isn't specific to any type of trailer. Sway happens when you are pushing the limits of what your vehicle can handle. I guess technically it can happen anytime, but the probability increases with weight, speed, and how your trailer is loaded. I'm not familiar with the specs on that Airstream but if you're towing it with midsized pickup, then probably. If you're towing with an F350, probably not. A good weight distribution hitch with sway control can give even more control.
had this hitch when i had bumper pulls - im really thinking the chains are the weak link in teh system. blue ox now has a friction styl WDH. id love to try towing with a 4 point friction like an equalizer to see if the chains are what makes the difference.
Hi OTAS. I think I agree with you. Blue Ox has the TrackPro system. I have switched over to it. I find it helps with sway and wind gust better than the Sway Pro. I think both work well, but I lean more to the Track Pro now.
i wish i could switch to friction, but the rating of all the friction style systems is lower than my trailer weight and tongue : (
I have been using the Blue Ox Sway Pro for 7 years and I'm so fed up with the constant tweaking and adjusting of the hitch. In a 25 mph lateral wind, it's totally unstable. I finally broke down and invested in the Weigh Safe hitch. I'm sure hoping for a better driving experience.
Let me know how it goes!
I'm curious which weight rated bars you use and which trailer/tow vehicle? Sometimes sheer weight and wheelbase of tow vehicle make a very large difference once you get into larger trailers. Just curious as I towed a 30ft Coachman with a Durango and use the same Sway Pro on a 2500 Ram with same trailer. It makes a huge difference even though the Durango was capable.
Need to drive on a highway some truck traffic.
I had that a little in the video, but I don't think it showed as well on camera as I would have liked. But last weekend we took it camping and had an hour highway drive. We had lots of trucks for that hour. It was a much better experience. I could still feel the trucks a little, but nothing close to what I was feeling before. I have a 3-4 hour tow next week, almost all highway. I hope it is just as smooth then. Thanks for watching!
You will always get sway with a chain WDH setup as they react to sway rather than actively prevent it. Probably would be better to go with friction bar hitch as friction keeps sway in check before it starts.
I partially agree with you. But, on a heavier trailer, you only have the option to go chain/trunnion, as friction bar systems cap at 1600 for tongue weight. Tongue weight on my trailer is 1720 so the only compatible hitch out there is the blue ox 20k/2k tongue
Blue Ox Sway Pro works great for me some people don’t set it up right or the drive like idiots.
How about just selecting a different chain link to tighten up the bars a little?
Now you say that... lol. Actually a handful of viewers suggested that. I think that is a good first step. If that doesn't help, then try something a bit more involved.
What size camper do u have in this video. I have a 26dbh grey wolf and also have the blue ox 3 hole bars and I tow with a 2013 F150PICKUP with tow package. Mine handles well but I’ve always wondered if it was set up just right as the dealer set it up but my big thing is when u get on bouncy highways it’s really exaggerated in the truck like I’ll look back at my kids and their bouncing all over. Wondered if it’s a hitch issue where here’s a little lag to where that can’t be tightened up to prevent that. I also only put 8 links in the block but get a good bend of the bar so idk. I appreciate the video.
The trailer is 33 feet and only weights about 6000 lbs, but has a 899 lbs hitch weight. And that is unloaded.
should I flip my hitch like u have it now? Mine has that bulk piece down where u have it up. I got 8 links now in the block. @@GoTogetherGoFar
Try moving to 9 or 10 links first. See if that helps.
Good video. I haven't read all the comments, so someone else may have made the same following point: Have you tried using 10 links instead of the 9 (before you adjusted the hitch-ball height)? I think my RV is shorter (22') than your RV, and don't have any issues with sway. My issue is periodic 'porpoising'. It's not violent by any means, in fact, at anything below 60 mph, I barely know the RV is there. But, above 60, I begin to notice slight periodic bouncing. Maybe I need to ensure I have enough weight at the front of the RV/on the tongue, or try 10 links (instead of 9), or, do the same as you have done. I guess it's time to do some more experimenting.
Honestly it never occurred to me to move to 10 links till after I made the adjustment. Lol.
Careful not to take too much weight off the tongue/ball.
Great video! I have watched a couple of your videos now without even realizing I have not helped your algorithm! Great work! I have an Equalizer weight distribution hitch, and while I have never felt any sway, or wind buffeting it is so loud everyone within miles can hear it! I know the Blue Ox SwayPro is an excellent hitch! But should I really spend $800 dollars to have a quitter hitch? Any experience with the Equalizer hitch?
I get it. I have been using the Blue Ox TrackPro recently and it makes a ton of noise too. The SwayPro isn't as loud. I haven't used the Equalizer, but I generally heard good things.
There is a high pressure front in front of a large vehicle passing you at a higher speed - the higher the speed difference, the more you're likely to feel this. There is a low pressure area BEHIND that vehicle (where you could "draft" it by driving close enough). As it passes, the high pressure front will push you OUT, and then the low pressure zone behind it will suck you back in.
Even with a properly adjusted sway bar, if you see a larger vehicle like a bus or big rig overtaking you, give them as much room as possible to offset this effect, and be ready to counter AGAINST the push OUT at the front and the push IN at the end.
This is a great explanation of how it feels when I get passed by a semi. I feel the push out less, but I always feel the suction.
Was the test completed with your road master active suspension because as you mentioned you still experienced sway or did you fit it after to resolve the sway completely .. thank you very much
Good question. I didn't want the effects of the RAS to affect the test, so I removed it prior to the test. I hoped this would give a more accurate test of the hitches.
@@GoTogetherGoFar so when you place it back did you eliminate the sway that you mentioned at the end of you Video.. just trying to understand if the ox and active suspension does the trick ...
@@Jonsurfsup I haven't had the chance to put it back on yet. I'll let you know when I do.
@@GoTogetherGoFar thank you very much and really appreciated Jon
Can I put a rear sway bar on my tundra & a Blue Ox sway pro weight distribution hitch on my trailer 🤔
I'm not real clear what you're asking. The Blue Ox Hitch has sway control as part of how it works. It isn't two separate things.
We didn't want to be redundant, but have figured out they aren't. Thanks 👍
I always think the real test is semi-passing you. That blast of air causes my trailer to move away, forcing an inch or two of the truck moving toward.
I always feel like I get pulled in. It took awhile to get used to the rhythm of it.
What engine does your F150 have? Also what’s the weight of your trailer? I run the same setup with my 2016 f150 5.0. My trailer is a amerilite Gulf Stream 255bh, weighs about 4880lbs empty. My ball is about a 1 1/2” higher than the trailer when level. Payload on my truck is pretty good for a 1/2 ton at 1984lbs, tow rating is 9000lbs
I have the v6 Eco Boost with all the towing bells and whistles. My trailer is about 6800. My tow capacity is over 12k, but my payload is a little under yours. 1700ish off the top of my head. Is yours comfortable towing?
Go Together Go Far no problem towing, very little sway unless it’s from a gust of wind, I drove both the eco boost and the 5.0, the eco was a rocket but I’m old fashioned and like the Naturally Aspirated V8 and the sound of a V8, both great engines and the eco is a beast when towing. I didn’t get the trailer til after the truck or I probably would have bought a eco boost.
If I had to do it again, I'm not sure I would have gone with the EcoBoost. I was focused on tow capacity and wanted a good size trailer. Knowing what I know now, I should have been more focused on payload capacity. I also think a heavier truck, like the V8, would be less susceptible to the wind. I was considering buying a F250 until I had this sway issue resolved. I think I'm good for another season or two.
Go Together Go Far my cab is a super cab XLT not a crew, my curb weight is around 5066, my buddy has a crew cab lariat eco boost he actually has a higher curb weight than mine at about 5400lbs