How to Connect And Disconnect a Blue Ox Weight Distribution Hitch | Towing Tips And Tricks
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- In this video, I’ll show you how to install a Blue Ox SwayPro (or TrackPro) weight-distribution hitch on your truck and travel trailer. The Blue Ox SwayPro (or 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 SwayPro 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:
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I work for Woody's RV in Calgary and I send this video to every Customer that buys a Trailer and Blue Ox Sway Pro from me! You can't find a better demonstration video than this!! WELL DONE!!
Wow! Thank you! I'm glad it helps.
Thank you so much! I just bought my first Rv with the blue ox hitch and being anew by, I was super nervous about taking this off and putting it back on. Thank God I found your video. The dealer did not do a very good job of showing me the why’s. I like to understand how things work so I can be confident in making the necessary adjustments. ❤you saved my life!
Oh, by the way, I’m a 69 yr old single woman 😅
@@mariabaker1216 I'm really glad it helped!
@@GoTogetherGoFar I took my RV to the storage for the first time and while removing the hitch I relied on your video every step of the way and it worked like a charm. Thanks again for your invaluable help! Three weeks from now we will be going on our first camping trip so I’ll be watching your video again to put the hitch back on. Love it!😍 ❤️
Oh my gosh! Thank you so much for this video. It all makes sense now! Even the RV dealership (who installed the Blue Ox distribution hitch) had it wrong and did not teach me how to do this properly! Thank you so much!
I'm so glad it helped!
So.... as someone who just did my maiden voyage with my trailer and Blue Ox hitch and then promptly put a dent in my tailgate by not taking the pressure off (enough) I can tell you that the most pivotal step is getting the truck elevated more. Excellent video and I wish I would have watched it before I had the minor accident but it will definitely save me- or someone else- a concussion, or worse in the future.
Amen…I thought I had enough pressure off when releasing it. Nope…nice gash from the tire iron right above my eye. Won’t make that mistake again. The official instructions suck. I should’ve watched this video first.
I agree with Todd. I wish I had watched this video before using this thing. At first it was a pain in the butt, now it's easy to hook-up and un-hook after watching this...
I glad this video is really helping. Honestly I never thought that hooking this hitch up was a big deal because someone showed me before I ever did it myself. I wish more places did that. Thanks for watching!
Totally agree. This video is a lifesaver!
Your videos are awesome! I've watched like 10 videos about weight distribution hitches, and yours are the only ones that make sense and are easy to follow.
Thank you. Seriously. I've received good responses so that is why I made a couple more. I hope to have a few more related videos out soon so stay tuned!
Agreed. This was extremely helpful.
Just bought an RV trailer with the Blue Ox weight distribution sway bar set up. Great explanation on how to use this from set up to disconnect. Very helpful and informative. Thsnks
Thanks. We upgraded to a Blue Ox hitch for our Airstream and I needed a refresher on how to hitch/unhitch (safely)!
Great video explanation. Just picked up my TT and had a hell of a time getting it unhooked. Now I know why...lol
I wanted to thank you and your video for your through explanation of hooking up my tow vehicle to my teardrop camper. I received a walkthrough when I purchased the teardrop 3 weeks ago but I did not remembered everything that was demonstrated. Your step by step video will be my go to to make sure I remember every step. Much appreciated.
Thank you, very helpful. Never had this kind of hitch. I read the manual, but visual works better for me.
Absolutely the best video demonstration! Thank you!
@@dennisjones5579 Thank you!
Just bought a new trailer with this system. Thanks so much for video. Helps so much
Great video, got the blue ox from the dealer where I bought my rv and he showed me how to set it up.
But its been about a month when a hooked it up again and of course I didn't remember everything.
So your video was a great refresher course and simple easy to follow, Thank you!
Weight distribution is so important ! I wish my step dad had one !
Thanks!
I purchased the blue ox when i purchase a toy hauler travel trailer last sat. I go for my walk threw thurs. Not sure if i am bringing it home do to snowy roads. Great video.Thanks. happy trails every one. Safety first then the camp fires.
Love your instructions on how to remove it.
Thanks!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! I am a newbie and you helped me so very much! God Bless You!!!!!❤
Thank you for this video. Our dealer explained how to hook up and take down, but in the 12 long hour drive home we forgot everything 😊 your video explained everything perfectly.
Thank you Michelle! I appreciate that. Thanks for subscribing as well!
I thank you for this video and I am no longer feeling guilty but fall evidently into a large group of viewers that say they forgot everything the dealer Showed them 20 miles down the road. I have been looking at these videos and practicing on my own Blue Ox and I still have not heard anyone say if you can leave the torsion bars off while. Moving the trailer from one side of the yard to the other. What do you say?
Excellent video. Actually more informative than the dealer was.
Thanks. I was lucky enough to have a great dealer, but I've heard some real horror stories. Glad it helped!
You just saved my life. Seriously
wonderful step by step teaching!
Thank you!
An electric jack is HIGHLY recommended! I started with a manual jack and learned the hard way about not getting the tension off the spring bars before releasing the chains. The heavy wrench that mine came with flung violently into my tailgate. Nice big dent was the result!
Agree!
Mine flung violently into my face
Thank You!! very good video Buddy you just talk the necessary. We just got a 2019 Heartland RV travel trailer with Blue Ox hitch. You video help us a Lot. Thank Again.
I have the same system my advice is to use a longer wrench like a break bar or Johnson bar it makes it easier to lock and unlock chains. The other thing I would do is call Blue Ox and get replacement bar locking pins to have on hand, they do break if backing up and turning to sharp.
Great info. Thanks.
Great video I just bought a blue ox and this is a great refresher. I also like the heads up about the leveling jacks.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you!!
Great video , thank you!
great video and explaining, Thnaks!!!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks for the great informative video
Thanks for the kind words!
Thanks first TT I read some comments from other videos and the guy got hurt .
Thx. Should you put ball grease on the stabilizers when you invert them? Nicely done.
excellent
That was Awesome thank you Brother
Good pro tip. I’ve gotten real good at finding keys and locks in the ditch that fell off my back bumper!!
Thanks really helps
Question, does the 9th link go above or below slot catch?
Once again thanks for all your help.
The 9th link goes IN the slot catch.
Great video it was super helpful. Hoping you can help with one question. We have the same Blue Ox and have safely returned home from the dealer with our TT. Our driveway had a slight incline so was wondering when putting the bars back on for our next trip, does it matter if we hook up the Blue Ox while still in the driveway (with the slight incline)? When we returned home initially, I was able to raise the truck to remove the bars no problem so I'm confident we can connect the truck and raise everything like in your video but want sure if we should just connect the hitch minus the Blue Ox and drive to a close by parking lot or something for the Blue Ox bars?
I think you should be fine. They need to be initially set up while level. If you are off level when just hooking up after that, you should be fine.
will this wdh make the pickup perfectly level and can u backup and make sharp turns
I think being perfectly level will depend on exactly how much weight you have, but this will help. I don't have any issues making sharp turns or backing up though.
Be careful to check your Blue Ox chain "reels". I had one fall apart, FORTUNATELY while hitching up, and not on the road!!! The outer piece of steel is held on with a large "rivet", which failed (it pulled thru the hole).
Note: When I called Blue Ox, all they were concerned with was that it wasn't still under warranty, so I had to pay full price!!
No concern at all that if fell apart!!! One would think they would be worried at the potential of that 5 or 6 pound piece of metal failing off on the highway & potentially killing someone!!
I threw away the Blue Ox 'Chain Reels" and replaced them with the old conventional lever style chain holders, for less money that replacing the single Blue Ox one, which gave me peace of mind that it wouldn't be falling apart!!
Does the truck need to be perfectly straight to hook up the Blue Ox?
I've hooked up plenty of times when I was perfectly straight. That said, I wouldn't do it at a 90-degree angle. I do find it a little easier when straight though.
@@GoTogetherGoFar
I appreciate it
I currently run a Recurve R6 that was used and have run for 2 years now
Just looking to upgrade
We have a 2020 Wildwood 27RKS that has a TW of 980# and is 7980# and just under 35’ in length.
Hi Andy, I took your advice and got the sway pro and I can’t wait to install it and use it when we go pick up our trailer here pretty soon. Got the Covid so we’re down for about a week until we get better. Question, what are your thoughts on this pro pride 3P rig? Is it just really cost prohibitive? Is it really that much better?
So first of all, get some rest and get better soon. The "vid" is no joke. We'll keep you and you family in our thoughts.
Regarding the Pro Pride, I think you need to consider lots of things when picking a hitch. I haven't used the Pro Pride but I think the price is a real drawback. If it cost $3000+, how many of us can afford it. Maybe it does an amazing job, but who can afford it. A Blue Ox hitch like the TrackPro or SwayPro is $500-$700 and does a great job. That said, I'd love for Pro Pride to give me a hitch so I can test it (just saying). It sounds like you already picked your hitch, but I have an article that might help some others in their decisions. gotogethergofar.com/weight-distribution-hitch-with-sway-control/
@@GoTogetherGoFar good thoughts Andy. It does seem to be cost prohibitive regardless of the job that it does. I think what you had suggested, and subsequently our choice, will be just fine based on all of your comparisons and analysis. You made it painfully easy for the average engineer to understand. Thanks for all your hard work.
I’d love to see ProPride send you a unit to analyze, complete with metrics. Can’t wait for that one.
you should grease the ball
Putting it too tight lifts the back of your truck and you’ll lose traction and youll have oh shit moment
The problem is if you want to adjust up or down you need a GIANT ratchet to undo the 200+ ft lbs of torque on the bolts ..... kinda lame!
@@adloutdoors You're not wrong. I now own a giant ratchet that I may never use again. Lol.
You missed a critical step. You did not measure and properly adjust the trailer ball height on the tow vehicle. This is such a fundamental step that it caused me to question whether you know what you're doing. There are lots of better videos out there. Google is your friend people. Keep looking.
Hi G. I want to disagree with part of your comment respectfully. The video you commented on was only focused on hookup and disconnecting the tow vehicle from the Blu Ox hitch. I've received many comments from viewers that said they needed a little instruction and some best practices on just that. The step you're referring to is related to the hitch's initial setup and isn't necessary every time you hook up or disconnect your tow vehicle.
That said, I'd also agree with your comment about Google being your friend and other high-quality videos out there. I learned a lot from doing just that. If you can recommend some high-quality videos, feel free to post them in the comments. Maybe it can help some people. It is more important for people to be safe when they tow than it is for me to look like the ultimate authority on hitches.
We really appreciated the Blue Ox when we towed our 27 foot Grand Design Imagine! It was a fairly painless process of hooking up and it gave you the piece of mind on the road for sure! We recently upgraded to a fifth wheel and sold the weight distribution with our old trailer. We can appreciate you videos greatly, really nice content and audio 👍🏼We also just started an RV Channel as well!!! You guys have our support in your adventures, we will be following you guys! #Subscribed #KeepUpTheHardWork
Hi guys! Great channel! The life of travel nurses has to be tough. You're doing great work. Keep it up!
It definitely comes with its challenges, but we love doing this profession! Thank you so much for your support as well, it means the world to us! ❤️
Just bought a new Coachman Catalina. Purchased the Blue Ox Sway pro......little trouble disconnecting the trailer once I got it home, but I now see what step I "skipped"; not recommended on skipping steps. Ouch!!
Excellent video! Just bought a trailer that came with the blue ox. Your video instruction is simple and easy to follow!
I have the BlueOx Sway Pro sway bars. I am so glad you have this video. I did not know how to get the arms off without getting hit by the chains. My sway bars didn’t come with a wrench, but I have one I can use. Thank you so much. ❤
Awesome!!! thank you thank you just help me a lot
Great video. Thank you!
I bought my Blue Ox for my 30" toy hauler camper trailer (Pulled with a 1/2 ton Silverado), and I love it. Never any sway... It is worth EVERY penny!
That's awesome!
Thanks for the video- I have a BO hitch and watched this just to make sure I'm doing everything right. I added a piece of red electrical tape on the 9th chain link so its easy to find. I saw someone add a cable tie. (I use the other side of the chain against the cam)
Just back from our maiden voyage with the wolf pup, thanks for your video! It is kind of scary to lift the truck that high at first 😅 also is it normal that we hit our driveway on the way out or in since the bar are low?
Thank you for this video! So much easier to follow than when the dealer explained it. One question about backing up with this blue ox hitch, do you need to take the sway bars off to back? We are having a heck of a time keeping the trailer in a straight line while backing up straight. The trailer just goes in whatever direction it wants !
Nope. With Blue Ox you can leave the sway bars on.
Thank you Andy! My husband and I are new to camping and just got our new R Pod with the Blue Ox hitch. One thing you taught us is to use the ball hitch lubricant, which the dealer we bought the trailer from never even mentioned. This video was very informative and very much appreciated!! Thanks!
Thanks Lisa. I'm really glad it helped!
You’re the man! Great video! So, I had a desk job for 35 years and now fiddling around with all this stuff even though I’ve tried to stay in shape, I notice lifting the hitch head puts a strain in my neck for a couple days! Any advice on lifting? I even switched from the sway pro to the track pro because the hitch at about 9 pounds lighter. Do you have a track pro video? I think it’s a little easier to use..
It is the identical process, just without the chains. I use the TrackPro currently.
I have a question regarding my blue OX sway bars I have the whole set up. I recently purchased a new lt Suburban replacing my old 2005 that was originally fitted. Will this hitch work ok with my new Suburban? Thank you so much
It should. You may want make sure it is adjusted to the height of your new tow vehicle if it different than your old one.
Okay so, why is it that when I have everything disconnected, I raise my jack again and the ball will NOT release??? It happens all the time. I have brought my rear wheels off the ground with out it disengaging!! I've had to resort to disconnecting the hitch from the truck by removing the pin and pulling forward!
Mine always sticks a bit. I typically have to give it a kick or three.
Thanks! I needed this !
Thank you! Just bought a 25ft travel trailer today. The tech at the dealer went through all of this but I just could not follow along. But this video helps a whole lot. We have the exact same sway pro bars
I'm glad it helped!
Thank you so much!!!!!
grease the ball and assembly
Thanks this helped a lot
Thanks - Best video I've seen on the topic. Very clearly explained - also the warning about raising the trailer stabilizers first - first time out I fell right into that trap and damaged the jacks!
Hey, Thanks! I'm glad it helped.
We put the chain at 9 and there was no bow, the bar was straight. Put it on 10 and there was a little bow.
Noticed on your video, that the bolts attaching the Blue Ox , are two up from ours. The dealer put it together two lower and we thought it was right and we left it.Should we move those bolts up like yours, and would that make a difference in tension?
Hi I just invested in a ox hitch do u need to grease the bar that goes in side like u do on my ez hitch? Thanks great video
Nope. No grease required.
Thank you so much. This video was very helpful to us. Unhitching was scary now it's easy thanks to you.
That's awesome! I am really so happy it helped.
this is a SwayPro, not a TrackPro like the description states as of 22Jul2023. the TrackPro uses traditional frame brackets, not chains.
You're right. I think I adjusted the description at some point. I can't recall why. Anyway, this process really works for both so I adjusted the description a bit. Good catch.
Great post! I have the Equalizer weight distribution hitch and I hate it! Is the Blue Ox worth the price? Or do I solder through with my current hitch set up? My bars bow a ton and they are entirely square and stupid strong. Thanks for your video!
I think I like the TrackPro a little more than the SwayPro at this point, but I think they are both worth it.
@@GoTogetherGoFar Thank you!
Thanks for these vids. We’re about to become first time TTers who will have a Blue Ox SP and your info has eased our anxiety 😊
I'm glad it helped!
I wish I had watched this video before I almost broke my wrist taking off the chain.
Oh no really? You'd be surprised how often I've actually heard similar things. That was why I made the video.
Me too
This video was very informative and helped me to see how everything works together. However, do you have one that speaks to how you select the proper weight allowance of the WDH, 350lb, 550lb, 750lb, etc.? And, do you need to add the weight of the WDH system to the amount of weight being added to the tow hitch. EX. If I have a 500lb tow hitch capacity, do I need to reduce the capacity by the weight of a 100lb WDH? Meaning I really only have 400lbs remaining? Thanks!
How do you find the sway control with this system?
I'm sorry Wayne, I'm not exactly sure what your asking. The sway control capabilities are just built in. It isn't a separate thing.
I really enjoyed your video. Thanks for taking the time to produce this video, lots of helpful information. I especially liked your comments and demonstration about getting the tow vehicle and trailer hitch high before applying the bars. I have been towing for many years. I always subscribed to not doing a heeve ho on the chain to get it really tight. Let the vehicle weight do the work.
I have the most current version of the Blue OX Sway Pro hitch assembly. Improvements include a better break bar style wrench for the chain lock. The locking pins on the hitch assembly swing arm receivers have been replaced with cotter style lock pins.
I have used these multipoint stabilizers for years. Complaints about greasy bar ends are valid. Questionable lateral chain stabilization comments are also valid. The SwayPro chain cam lock reduces chain movement considerably. I especially like the shorter, lighter grease free Sway Pro Bars. The way the Sway Pro bars arc like a leaf spring is very cool and seems to make for a softer more comfortable tow.
Minor quibble…I prefer black powder coat.
Your video was very important to me ! The dealer rep for my trailer didn’t demonstrate how you disconnect the blue ox! I would have saved my self a injury! When I released the chains I occurred a violent reaction, the release bar struck my hand ripping skin off me and the bar went flying just missing my 24 GMC! Thanks for the video 👍🏼
My built-in pin that goes into the sway bar to lock is stuck. I can lightly beat it back down with a wrench but it will not go down when the sway bar is in. Any suggestions?
Hard for me to say. Is it bent?
@@GoTogetherGoFar doesn’t seem like it. I’m able to push it in and out without the sway bar no issues. Maybe I just need to grease it.
Can you back up your trailer with the Blue Ox sway system on or should you disconnect the sway bars and then back up into the site?
With the Blue Ox, you can back up without disconnecting. No problems.
Thanks!
You definitely want to be careful lifting the back end of the truck too high because if you are on a slope, even a gentle one, that can send your truck and trailer for a short ride and can damage equipment. i have seen it before. My recommendation would be to not go quite that extreme on the lifting of the truck. things can still happen with this hitch smoothly without going quite that high. i do it all the time with this exact same hitch, that's how i know. Also, another reason not to put the bar on your tailgate is not just because you will drive off and forget, but also because when disconnecting, i left it there and dropped my tailgate after the trailer was off and dented my tailgate. Excellent content and great pro tips!!
Great video. One additional step I do when disconnecting is to put my foot on the sway bar after I elevate the hitch to determine how much tension is on the bar. Obviously, I do this before I pull the locking pin to release the chain. Still loaded with tension? Raise the hitch some more.
I’ve been there! Unchocked tires is a real Oh shit moment when the trailer starts rolling away! Luckily it didn’t go far for me but it can.
Enjoyed watching your videos the Blue Ox I believe is a great tool for towing travel trailers. One thing I complain about Blue they rushed little bit. But top of the line I believe for weight distribution
Thanks a lot for this video. My rv dealer told me to lock the chain at 8 to raise the back of my trailer. I finds it puts a lot of weight on my jeep grand Cherokee. Also the chain is not straight that way. What do you think about this? Thank you
I'm not sure I fully understand. It's supposed to move some of the weight from your trailer to your tow vehicle. Going to 8 links would put more tension on the spring bars. I can't see how chain/bar tension would have much impact on the height of the back of the trailer. I would think that is almost entirely dictated by the height of the ball on the hitch, and the wheels. I think I'm just misunderstanding. Sorry for any confusion.
@@GoTogetherGoFar hi I thank you for your answer. I am asking if you can explain the difference between hooking up the chain of the blue ox on the 8th vs 9th link please?🙏 thank you
@joannblondin8980 OH sure. Going from 9th to 8th will just increase the tension on the spring bars. More tension should increase the transfer of weight from your trailer to your tow vehicle, and ideally to the front axle of your tow vehicle, giving you more stability while you tow.
@@GoTogetherGoFar thank you 🙏 thank you
Thank you so much. The dealership didn’t teach me anything so this really helped me arriving home for the first time to unhitch.
On your F150 your ball, is a lot higher than on my f150 blue Ox setup. Should I flip my blue ox around and put it at the same hole as yours?
That must be one heck of a weight capacity on that tongue jack! My last one was only 2,500 lbs. I imagine this one is lifting a lot more than that with the weight of the back of the pickup and the front of the trailer.
I know right? I'll look next time I'm at my trailer, but I think it is a 6000 lbs jack. It looks crazy doesn't it.
Thanks!
Hey, thanks Edward! I hope the video helped.
If you are new, you must follow these instructions, any attempt to release the bars without raising the truck is deadly...
Thanks. I love all the detail you provide in the video and tips also.
Thank you for this video, it was very helpful!
Thanks for this! Just traded in our T@B-400 for a new Imagine AIM and decided to upgrade to the Sway Pro. Technician did an *excellent* job of walking me through both hitching and unhitching. Everything went smoothly when we got home. Now, several days later, I found myself questioning how the chains were fed into the reel. I thought I remembered turning the bar clockwise (to release) on both sides, but then I had doubts because that would mean you are feeding the chain "from behind" on the driver side, and from the front on the passenger side. I hope that makes sense. That seems counter intuitive, but your video clearly shows that is exactly the way to do it. Thanks for easing my doubts!
Glad it helped!
Oh, and my Dodge D2500 is a 4X4 with Nitto 285/70R17E Dura Grappler tires, with the 6 ounces of ceramic beads inside for balancing. And have just replaced the chia tires on the Winnebago Spyder toy hauler with Goodyear Endurence 235/80R16E, then noticed the ones I took off had a few flat spots on them.
Hi Herbert. Congrats on the new trailer! I did a little research on the specs of your trailer and truck. Honestly, there wasn't anything that stood out as a red flag. Maybe the tow capacity is a tad low, but I was looking at the gas version and I bet the diesel is better. You have plenty of cargo capacity, even with extra 85 gallon fuel tank. The Spyder is only about 600lbs heavier than my trailer (dry weight), and is actually about 40 lbs lighter hitch weight then mine. I am pulling with an 2019 F-150. I don't think I can diagnose your issue, but I'd double check a couple things. First, make sure the Blue Ox is set up correctly. In the default set up, on level ground, the top of you ball should line up with the top of the hitch receiver. If you had air bags inflated when they put that on, maybe deflate the air bags and see if it is still level. If it isn't, they probably means there isn't enough tension on the spring bars. Second thing I'd check is how are things loaded in the trailer. If you have too much weight in the rear, it will increase your sway. From your post, it sounded like you only drove it home from the dealer, so it was probably empty, but I'd take it for a test run one you load up whatever you're putting in the back. I'm not sure I'm as much help as you were looking for. I'd start with double checking the level without airbags. Let us know how that goes.
I got my trailer last week and decided on the Blue Ox system, as recommended by the dealership. I'm about to disconnect for the first time and I'm pretty certain this video will be extremely helpful. I do feel it noteworthy that I was told to cross your chains when installing then, as the trailer tongue will be able to rest on the chains, should the ball connection somehow fail. In any event, I'm pretty sure you covered everything else and did so very well. Thank you so much for this instructional. (Who can remember the entire process the dealer took you through only once?). I'm also subscribing because I'm sure you have other tips that can help out this 73=year old in my somewhat new camping adventures with my new wife!
I'm glad it helped!
You can use the 9th, 10th, or 11th link to connect the spring bars to the latch. The simple way to determine which link to use is to measure the front ride height suspension of the tow vehicle. Start at the 9th, and move up to 10 or 11 if needed to restore the unloaded front ride height of the tow vehicle.
Long story:
When you hitch up without a weight distribution hitch, the hitch weight pushing down behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle levers the front end of the tow vehicle up, just like putting weight on a teeter totter causes the other side to rise up. Taking weight off the front axle reduces the role of the front suspension in vehicle stability and reduces how much force your steering inputs can generate. The purpose of the weight distributing hitch is to return the front axle load back to what is what before the trailer was hitched.
Since how much the suspension compresses is based on how much load is on the axle, the ride height measured at the front axle is a very good proxy for how much weight is on the front axle. To measure it take a measuring tape and measure from the lowest part of the wheel rim, through the center of the wheel hub, and up to the fender. You can measure from the ground, but I use the lip of the wheel to get a more accurate and consistent measurement of the suspension itself.
Measure front ride height of the tow vehicle without the trailer attached, hitch the trailer up using the 9th link of the chain, then measure again. If the front ride height is still higher than it was without the trailer attached, then try the 10th, and on to the 11th if needed. If you are on the 11th link and the front ride height is not back down to the height it was at without the trailer, then you need a bigger spring bar. If you are on the 9th link and the front ride height is lower than it was without the trailer, then you need a smaller bar.
Blue Ox sells spring bars for 350#, 550#, 750#, 1000#, 1500#, and 2000# hitch weights, all of which work with the SwayPro. My seat of the pants estimate is that the rated transfer is on the 11th link, the 10th link is about 15% lower, and the 9th link is about 30% lower. Measure and adjust to get yours right, don't just use some dude on the internet's guestimate and drive off!
I highly recommend using truck scales to make sure you have it right anytime you are going to tow for a substantial distance. I use CAT scales because they have a great app to make weighing quick. Weigh once with no trailer to get the tow vehicle weight, weigh with the trailer and no weight distribution to get the trailer weight and hitch weight, then weigh in again with the weight distribution hitch to see how much is being transferred to the front axle. It is good to carry some of the hitch weight on the front axle, just be sure not to exceed what the axle is rated for.
Great explanation! Thank you for taking the time.
Great video on how to connect my Blue Ox properly. Your recommendation about not putting the crank bar on the rear bumper is so important. I left the crank bar on my Tundra bumper then opened my tail gate and ouch!
Yea, I just put a good size dent into my new Tundra tail gate.
Thanks again for a great instructional video.
I feel your pain. Thanks Art!
Thank you for this video. Your instructions are the best I have viewed. Great information and tips. I appreciate this video it was extremely helpful to me as I had no problems by myself hooking this hitch up for only my second time. I couldn’t have done this so easily without your help. 👍
I appreciate that!
New to trailering and prepping for arrival of the RV trailer we ordered. Appreciate the steps shown in your video and the Blue Ox. It appears to be the friendlier WDH than others demonstrated on RUclips.
I'm glad it helped!