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Great video, I actually thought the way you explained the wheel barrel analogy was spot on. The level in the video and the before and after made perfect sense.
I really hope so. I had the hardest time finding a good video on weight distribution. So I decided to do my own. I'm still learning TH-cam so it maybe be the best quality video, but hopefully the content helps some people. Thanks for the subscribe BTW. I appreciate it!
Love your videos! This has definitely helped me. So far I have only gone as far as an hour away (I'm in Milford too and store my travel trailer at the same storage facility...small world!). But I'm headed to the Indy 500 this weekend and wanted to make sure I was using the Blue Ox system properly. I was not raising my trailer and SUV before installing the bars and I'm sure I did not have enough tension on them! Thanks again.
This helps me to feel better about putting more bend in my bars. My dealer had me at 6. We made it 2 miles down the road... did you know that the F-150 has a Sway protect emergency assist that puts the BRAKES on. that is an experience. I step up to 7 and that was better, but I did not know the recommendation is 9. I wish that Blue Ox told us how much we can bend the bar by, short of getting CAT weights to measure it. High quality work!
I learned about the F150's sway breaks the hard way... going 65mph on the highway in a wind advisory. Scary as hell. It was the first time towing the trailer I have now. I've learned a bit more since then. Lol.
Very awesome video man. Bought my ox bout a year ago cost me 900 at the dealer here in Ga. RV guys gave me a crash course on the whole walk around thing and I learned nothing. Thanks to this video, I was able to notice a huge difference when riding next to semi’s on the road with my ox and without.... in the beginning I thought it was just another dumb sway bar till I actually used it and man I couldn’t be happier👍🏾
That's awesome! Thank you so much for the feedback. I've made a handful of videos and this is the one that most people say helps them. I think weight distribution hitches are just not something that clicks early in the RV experience.
I just started using your video to send to our renters prior to their trips. I am the wife and my husband does all the hook ups with our Blue Ox but I handle all the communication of which I am uneducated regarding the sway system. Thank you for this. I actually understood this and am hoping it will be useful for our renters as well.
Ty for video I forgot to raise my truck up after getting my first trailer. I now remember him telling me at dealer but there was a lot to learn the first time. Now I’m set for my trip to Colorado knowing we are as safe as we can be towing thsnkyou
Thanks for this video. I've watched others, and they haven't explained that you need to raise the tongue up after you couple it to the truck. I was out there heaving and pushing so hard trying to get the chains tight, and now hopefully this process will go a lot more smoothly. I don't know why I didn't think to do that, and maybe it's obvious to experienced RV-ers, but thank you.
I'm really glad it helped. For the record, the reason I knew to do that is because someone showed me. It's all just a big learning process. Thank you for watching and commenting!
From what i have seen and experienced is almost all of them do a good job of weight distribution. The antisway function is where most seem to fall short. You have not lived until you get caught on the highway in heavy crosswinds and get passed by 18 wheelers running close!
Great explanation of what this does! I definitely will go with a weight distribution hitch because of how you showcased the purpose -- safety. I wouldn't want the front of my truck "lifted", with a traditional hitch, affecting my ability to steer and control. Awesome job, sir.
I am just going by my dealers recommendation of locking in on the eighth link. When we drove it home it was okay-no sway. We will see how it goes when we take it out on our first voyage. Your video really helped me to recall what I was taught on my walk through at the dealership. Thanks Again.
Great demo and explanation. I’ve got a long TT on order, and I’m having this Blue Ox installed by the dealer. Now that I actually understand it better, I’m feeling real good about my setup! Thanks for making this!
bought our first trailer and we got the blue ox sway bar system and my challenge was getting to the 9th link and on our very first trip I scrapped the bottom bolts on the sway bar because it was too low. after watching your video I think the trick is after hooking up the hitch to the truck you have to raise the trailer up to take the weight off the truck and then be able to get to the 9th link - good video
I was lucky. When I purchased my first trailer, I purchased the Bloe Ox hitch with it. To the dealership's credit, they did a great job explaining exactly how to hook it up. I'm really glad this helped you!
@@GoTogetherGoFar got to hook up the trailer at the RV dealer the other day and I did what your video showed and it was 10 times easier and less stressful to me, actually got to the 9th link finally - thanks again for your video
I also use a BlueOx swaypro on my 26ft trailer, towing with a Silverado Trail Boss. And yes it feels better when the ball is "too high". Not gonna stop the wind, but less cold sweat and white knuckles....
Excellent explanation. You nailed it! I just purchased a new travel trailer and a Blue Ox like yours. I will save this video to my favorites. Thanks for taking the time to do this video.
Wow, thanks. I am actually still having a slight sway issue. I exchanged emails with a viewer who had the same issue. He raised the ball up a notch and it resolved his issue. I'm going to do the same in the next few weeks, and video it. I'll post the results here in case it helps some people.
That's awesome! I am genuinely glad this video helped. I originally purchased the hitch my RV dealer sold without thinking about it. I honestly didn't know what it even was at that point. I'm glad it was a Blue Ox. After all my research, I think they set me up right.
Thanks for the video. We had pretty much ruled out a trailer for a 5th wheel for safety. After seeing this and watching ones on the Hensley and ProPride have made us consider a trailer. Now which trailer I have heard so much negative on trailer manufacturers building them quickly with little or no quality control.
That's great to hear! I'm glad it helped. As far as trailer quality, I hear you. I did so much research on trailers, floorplans, etc., just for that reason. I used to sit and watch TH-cam trailer tours for hours. If you're still looking, check out Haylett RV's YT channel. I have no affiliation with them, but I spent hours watching Josh's tours. Good luck! Their channel: th-cam.com/channels/RS9u1f7074u0Rrgu05K9Wg.html
Thanks for this great video!!! We bought one of these hitch’s. But a few weeks after bringing it home, we couldn’t get it hooked up to the 9th link. Your video helped remind us about needing to raise the jack before hooking up the sway bars. Thank you again. Very clearly explained.
Thank you! I really do appreciate the feedback. I have had a lot of people say they had problems hooking up, or disconnecting the hitch. I think I'll do a short How To video on that. I bet it helps a bunch of folks.
I also have a Blue Ox Sway Pro hitch. I have found for me that going to link 6 is about perfect tension for a level load. If I try link 9 it is way tight. I also use the 3 dimple arms which I believe are the 1000 pound rated tongue weight arms.
@@NateMoore92 Jumping up or down a link is not going to hurt anything, but going too tight or too loose is an issue. You want decent tension on the arms to prevent sway but also to provide adequate force to help lift the rear of the vehicle so it provides down force to the front of the vehicle. The key is making sure you have initially setup the hitch and determined a level stance in the tow vehicle before attaching the trailer. Too much force on the arms in order to force level the trailer load is not good either.
I suggest you publish a video on travel trailer electronic brake controls. My dealer installed a Curt version, which I think has been bought by Lippert recently. There is a specific sequence of connections and testing else the brake control will not function properly / always send 100% brake signal, which we experienced and later figured out the correct procedure.
Thank you Charlie. Someday I'll try to make a more in-depth course. I actually just got my hand on the Blue Ox TrackPro WD hitch. It is very similar to the SwayPro but doesn't use chains. I'll be doing a video of that in the next couple months when the weather warms. Keep an eye out.
Chain link will vary according to the tongue weight of the particular trailer. An good alternative to the supplied wrench is telescoping lug wrench breaker with 1" socket.
This video is great to discuss in layman's terms the correct sequence of events to follow and results. I would like to ask, though, other videos and I think instructions, state one of the goals is so the front end of the truck is essentially parallel/level with the overall/rear end of the truck. The front end of the towing vehicle should not be pointing up (implies insufficient WD) or pointing downwards (too much WD pressure). Is this true:
I think you're right. I recently had an email exchange with another viewer who was working on a sway issue. He ended up raising the ball up one notch and saw a lot of improvement. I think I'll do the same and flip my hitch at the same time. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Thanks you!
just picked one of these BO hitches up and will take the maiden voyage this week. I'm trying to find any videos that show the BO Swaypro 'correcting' in action. Lots of vids of competitors but not sure why I can't find any for BO "in motion". Thanks for making this video - very helpful. Sub'd.
That's a good idea! I think I'll schedule a follow up video for that. I know I have a little hesitation sometimes if there is a little tension on that spring bar. It can give a little kick if I haven't taken the weight off.
I have a dealer-installed Blue Ox WDH. The dealer instructed me to count 8 links, not the 9 links you said the manufacturer advises. Also, you are counting from the tail end of the chain, want to make sure that is correct. What I recollect the dealer said perhaps use 9 links if insufficient weight distribution, so presumably 9 links from the chain link end would be a tighter/shorter distance from the control arm to the wdh a frame cuff rotating mount?
Hey Andy, just catching this video now. Great content. Curious as an F-150 owner - do you turn off the sway control in the truck when using it? The Blue Ox manual recommends it, the Ford manual says to leave it on. Curious the path you went or any other feedback.
I do not. To be honest, I'm not sure my truck has anything built in. My F150 has the big towing package but I don't see anything specific about sway control.
Yours is mounted so that the angular support brace that ties the horizontal and vertical parts of the hitch is on the underside of the mount. I've seen other mount it so that the brace (the 45 degree steel section) is mounted in a way that its on the top (flipped) of the mount. Does it matter?
Great video!!!!! Only question is how do you take it off.... I don’t want to get slapped in the face with a chain! Please explain I would like to purchase 1 for my new TT
Good way to explain. My blue ox is a little different. The piece my chain goes into lifts instead of rotates. Is 9 the number of links always? Are there no variables to this?
Good question. I picked 9 because that is what I was told by the dealer and that is what the user guide said. That said, some other viewers have said they have had a lot of success by moving to the 10th or 11th chain. I actually just got my hand on the Blue Ox TrackPro WD hitch. It is very similar to the SwayPro but doesn't use chains. I'll be doing a video of that in the next couple months when the weather warms. We'll see if that makes a difference.
This is helpful, but how do I even get my 2 5/16 ball on? I can get a wrench into the recessed opening, so that would only leave me the option of a deep well socket, one that is pretty big. Is that what I'm supposed to buy?
I agree with Charles. These big torque wrenches can be a challenge. They are expensive and most of us won't use them on a regular basis. You might be able to rent one from tool rental place, or maybe a local RV dealer will do you solid if you ask their service department.
The manual says the top of the hitch ball and the receiver should be about level, or the hitch ball should be an inch or so higher, when the trailer and truck are parked on level ground. So I really just eyeballed it based on that.
I do. I use the tongue jack to lift the trailer/truck way up. That releases the tension and you can take them off easier. I've a bunch of questions about that. I think I'll do a short How To video on it. Maybe that will help.
@Bruce Bowen You're 100% spot on. I have received so many comments or questions about this. When I did my Hookup and Disconnect video (th-cam.com/video/by18GvR0fGo/w-d-xo.html) I tried to show that part in detail. If you raise the truck up enough, unhooking is fairly easy. If you don't, as you said, you could get hurt.
Thanks for this. Liked and subscribed. I am just now considering a travel trailer as opposed to pulling my Ranger behind a motor home. At 750 lbs hitch weight I am limited to what I can theoretically tow. I still need to do more research - obviously. Will this weight distribution system allow me to max out, or possibly exceed hitch weight by a few pounds?
Hi Brian. Good question. It is never a good idea to exceed a max hitch weight. Those maxes take into account other elements of your tow vehicle that aren't influenced by the weight distribution hitch. Along those lines, I also don't like the idea of maxing things out either. In perfect driving conditions, maxing out may be fine and legal, BUT, there are a lot of things that can spring up unexpectantly. Tire blowout, wind, bad drivers, etc. can all force you to drive in a less than an ideal manner. I have personally experienced a tire blowout and almost uncontrolled sway due to wind. It can be terrifying. Trust me, don't push your equipment limits. Not worth it. Good luck out there!
I use the 9th chain link. There are two reasons. First, the dealer's technician that set it up for me told me to. He had way more experience than I do so I'm good with that. Second, the Blue Ox SwayPro manual references using the 9th link as part of the set up process. It is on page 4, item number 9. I have a link to the manual on my blog post about the hitch if you need it. gotogethergofar.com/blue-ox-swaypro-weight-distribution-hitch/ Hope that helps!
It’s in the instructions for the hitch. It doesn’t explain why. It also explains adjusting to the 10th and 11th link for certain situations but it doesn’t go into specifics as to why. Great hitch though and easy to use. Installed my self when I picked up my new travel trailer last week.
Same hitch setup on a 2020 f150 with a 29’ 5k lbs travel trailer (total length) camper had a ton of sway when I picked it up Saturday at 55-60mph. Do you have any advice? I’m thinking they didn’t install hitch correct because not once did they even bring the truck to the camper while doing install.....
I guess you could install it without bringing the truck to the camper as long as they take all the right measurements but I'd prefer to have them both. I actually installed a TrackPro in a different video. It is a similar setup to the Sway Pro. Maybe that is worth taking a peek at.
@@GoTogetherGoFar I’m going to take a peak at it this weekend and measure and make sure they did it right if not I’m just going to make the adjustments needed. I’ve also watched a ton of videos where it states I should be on the 9th or 10th chain link and the dealer told me not to go past 7.... so again I think they just slapped it on and said see ya!
@@michaelmcpherson6033 Blue Ox instructions say to use the 9th link and adjust to the 10th if necessary. If you're on the 7th link, that is likely the issue.
Hi John. Thanks! My Salem has a UVW of about 6900 and a hitch weight of about 900. I personally think I am pushing the limits of my hitch weight. My F-150 is equipped with all the bells and whistles for a tow capacity of 12k+, so I'm good there. But off the top of my head, the cargo capacity of the truck is about 1800. So 900 from the trailer, 500 from me, the wife, and two 6 year olds, plus a little cargo, starts to creep up there if I'm not careful. When we were deciding on the Salem, there was another trailer that was 7500 lbs and only 600 lbs on the hitch. I think I should have gone that route. At the time, I was more focused on the overall tow capacity. I was still getting a bit of sway. In a different video, I show how I adjusted my hitch and it really helped with my sway. I really don't get any now. Hope this helps. Thanks for subscribing! I appreciate it.
Go Together Go Far thanks so much for the in depth reply. We are buying our first travel trailer with an unloaded weight of 5400 lbs and a GVWR of 7000. I’ll be towing it with my 2018 Silverado that has a tow rating of 9100 lbs. I plan to buy the blue ox system.
I'm glad it helped! Even if you don't absolutely need it, a good weight distribution hitch is worth it. It will give you extra piece of mind. I like the Blue Ox but there are other quality ones out there. If you are going to buy it from Amazon, if you use one of my affiliate links in the video description to go there, Amazon will toss me a couple bucks. Happy Camping!
Ok....but WD is not the whole ball game. I'm curious what design properties in this hitch controls the sway. The two have to work together I see no friction sway control so what kind of magic keeps the sway away?
Valid question. I can definitely feel the sway control with it compared to a traditional hitch. That said, the TrackPro I am using now has spring bars that directly connect to the clamps. There is tons of friction and the sway control is even better.
@@GoTogetherGoFar I know the Andersen with it's 'bushing clamped around the ball shaft" design is was not effective on our 25' Airstream. Users say it's better on the lighter trailers. We now use a PPP Hensley Arrow
Hey thanks! Glad it helped. If you haven't yet, you want to move to the 9th link. Blue Ox specifically calls that out in their owners guide. If you are only using 3 links it will feel way loose. When you go to attach those chains, raise that hitch way up. It should help. Not trying to plug my stuff more that I already do, but check out my blog post on this hitch. There is a link to the owner's guide. That may help. gotogethergofar.com/blue-ox-swaypro-weight-distribution-hitch/
As I understand it, a weight distribution hitch shouldn't change your tow vehicle's weight rating. They can help with sway, and better distribute load on your axles, but it doesn't actually allow you to exceed any existing limits.
Good question. The Blue Ox hitch is pretty easy to adjust, but it requires a heavy duty torque wrench and would be a pain if you had to do it frequently.
Is there a point where you can put your truck too high when installing the sway hitch? We bought this hitch with our travel trailer and they showed us how to put the bars on and it had my truck crazy high. To the point where the sway bars could be put on by hand. Would you suggest doing this?
Hi Steve. Good question, and one that I don't know if I can fully answer. When my dealer showed me how to put it on, they also took it crazy high. I don't think they were able to put it on by hand, but they were close. I think it is probably a factor of the capacity of your tongue jack. Those things have limits. I could be wrong, but the higher and higher you lift the truck, you are more likely to overstress that jack. Plus, it takes forever... I think if I had a recommendation, it would be to lift the truck as high as you need to ensure you're able to get to the appropriate link but not so high that you overload your equipment. That is a non-answer, but it feels reasonable. Maybe somebody else reading this can add some additional thoughts?
The SwayPro spring bars come in 500lbs increments. You want the spring bars that would be about 10-15% of your max trailer weight. My max trailer weight is 10k lbs. I use the spring bars that are rated for 1000-1500lbs. That help?
Someone else had a similar ask. I'm camping this upcoming weekend and will have an opportunity to show the disconnect. I won't bother with a full TH-cam video, but will hang it off my blog. I'll post a link. Thanks for watching!
I have this hitch, the front of my truck is 1" higher then the back,(measure the wheel well) I had some issues on my last trip when big trucks passed me. My RV dealer did the install and he told me to count 7 links, I have look to find answers on why so many links, do you think adding more links would level out my truck and give me better control?
I count down 9 links because that is what my installer said, and the SwayPro manual says the same. It is hard for me to say if 7 is better for your setup, but going to 9 should put more tension on the spring bars. Which should help. It sounds like you are having similar problems to what I was getting though. I have a recent follow up video where I made an adjustment to my hitch and it helped a TON. Give this a look and see if it helps you at all. th-cam.com/video/SpFqcYuT6EI/w-d-xo.html
And my dealer said 8 links! I wonder if it varies from truck/trailer combo. I have an F250 and a 39' camper, and I feel it rides perfectly level. Try adding another link and see how it looks.
@@justinkerry9275 I watched the Blue Ox install video and another one by a you tuber and they indicate 9 links. I tried 8 and it was better but not great, I went up to nine and I had to raise my truck pretty high to snap it into lock but what a difference made in driving. We did a 700 mile round trip and night and day between 7 and 9 links. I could drive one handed if needed and not one white knuckle event. I will stick with the nine.
Good question. The sway mitigation was good with the Blue Ox SwayPro, but I have found it to be better with the Blue Ox TrackPro. I continue to use the TrackPro today.
I see you have 3 1/2 chain links sticking out when it’s setup. I’ve had 4 1/2 and can’t go much over 70 mph without getting away. Maybe I don’t have enough tension. I’m just under 5000 lb dry weight (close to 6000 loaded). 2014 F150 and looks like the exact same Blue Ox hitch
I generally count down 9 links. If I understand correctly, you may be using 10 links, which I would think would have more tension. Assuming all your weights are within specs for your truck and trailer, maybe the issue is just speed. Over 70 may be really pushing it. I generally won't break 65 and typically 60 if I'm using the SwayPro or its windy. My TrackPro feels more stable at 65. In my opinion, anything over 65 can really increase risk of sway or a tire blow out (if you haven't upgraded your trailer tires).
@@GoTogetherGoFar I think I'm putting the 9th link in I will confirm the next time I hook up (tomorrow). After I lock it in I've always had 4 and 1/2 links sticking out which would be less tension on the spring bar than 3 and 1/2. I will try 3 and 1/2 tomorrow to see how it goes. I'd really like to check things on a scale to see how my load is distributed as well. That could be part of my issue. That said, I guess 70 mph is not bad hauling a TT though haha
Lol, yeah maybe it's more stable than your thought. Ha. I really recommend trying a CAT scale. I did it in a video, but I legitimately learned a ton. After that video I have so much more confidence in my equipment and how I'm towing. My goal is to go camping and relax, not be constantly stressed that I'm towing wrong and going to crash and die. It is worth a Saturday afternoon of tinkering to figure it out.
Hi Bill. My Salem is a 2017 30KQBSS. It has an Unloaded Weight of 6943 lbs. The hitch weight is 899 lbs. The specs say I can take another 2756 in cargo in the trailer, but I don't do anything like that. Maybe a couple of hundred pounds of clothing, food, camping gear, etc. I never travel with full fresh/grey/black tanks. My F-150 has the max tow package and other configurations that give me a towing capacity of about 12,500 lbs. Generally, the towing capacity isn't the problem with modern 1/2 tons. It is the cargo capacity of your truck. The sticker on the inside of my door says my specific vehicle can carry 1762 lbs. The 899 pounds from my trailer count against that. So does 10-15% of the weight of the cargo in my trailer. Add in another 450 lbs for me, my wife, and six-year-old twins. As you can see, I start to creep up on the max cargo of the truck. The Blue Ox SwayPro helps stabilize everything. Honestly, I probably should have gone a little smaller on a trailer, and I am considering moving up to an F250 next year. If you're still in the market for a travel trailer, I recommend getting one that is well under what your max capacity is. I hope this helps. Let me know if I can answer any other questions. Happy camping!
Go Together Go Far Thanks for the reply. The one we are after has a dry weight of 6740 and max load of 8485. Hitch weight of 889. My truck payload is a little higher @1885. We aren’t one to load the house into the camper or travel with anything other than a few gallons in the grey and black tanks for cleaning, so I think we’ll be safe. Thanks again for the info and the video!!
@@GoTogetherGoFar just remember that every pound you put in the truck counts against payload. Whereas every pound you put in the trailer only counts at 10-15%. So much better to carry coolers, ect in the trailer rather than the truck.
I've never independently measured tongue weight. I would refer to the sticker on your trailer. It should have a tongue weight listed. If you really want to confirm it, I think you can use Cat Scales, but I have yet to do that. I may do that this camping season.
One issue is you didn’t mention where to mount the brackets or what to do if the 9 links doesn’t work. Or even what holes to use on the hitch. You already had all that set up from your dealer.
I think it’s a little overkill on the pre load after end of video. The chains I think are one link too tight and the hitch unfortunately is too far from back end of truck. Noteing you have propane takes in the way. Eventually going down hill onto level ground Is going to warp your A-frame of trailer and the extra inches from truck of receiver side is more prone to sway. Even with all that your sorta defeating the purpose.
I don’t really see anything unique about this weight distribution hitch. I don’t see that it’s going to offer anymore anti sway ability than a standard weight distribution hitch would. Am I wrong? If so ... how?
Good questions. I guess it depends on how we define "standard" weight distribution hitch. I think you're generally right in the sense that the Blue Ox SwayPro isn't a radical departure from what you think of in sway control. Some features are a little different. The spring bar and chain setup actively pushes the trailer back in line when it starts to sway. Some other sway control hitches only use friction to slow the sway, not correct it. Also, there are some brands out there (Curt for example) that you're suppose to disconnect the sway bars before backing up (especially if you need to turn your trailer). That isn't the case with Blue Ox. Don't get me wrong, there are other really good hitches out there. I hear good things about the Hensley Hitch too. I just happen to have the Blue Ox and it works really well for me.
The main problem I see with this setup is that there is no Anti-Sway dampening. Not even rubber (after the fact) dampers. It looks like it will work for weight distribution. But how is it going to prevent sway? You never explain how it will prevent sway ???
Hi Daniel. Yeah I think you're right. The correct wording was tongue jack. To be honest, I get so tongue tied in these videos, I'm not sure how I ever get them right. I bet I took 5-7 takes on that part alone.
You can't put a level on the back of the bed of your truck and tell me that you're going to level the truck in the trailer together by doing so. If you're going to level anything put it on the neck of the trailer. My God man what a fool
Hey I appreciate the feedback, but you clearly weren't really watching. The level on the back of the truck was just to show viewers the difference between the before and after, with and without the weight distribution hitch. The video wasn't about trying to specifically level the truck or trailer. You're right though. If the goal was leveling the trailer/truck, the trailer neck would have been the right place.
Please support Go Together, Go Far by subscribing. Subscribing will help improve our content and continue the journey our family is on. Be sure to check gotogethergofar.com/blue-ox-swaypro-weight-distribution-hitch/ for more content and sign up for the GTGF Community. Thanks for taking the time to watch our content!
Good video. That was a better demo than I got at the RV dealer.
Great video, I actually thought the way you explained the wheel barrel analogy was spot on. The level in the video and the before and after made perfect sense.
This is the first video about weight distribution hitches that I have seen that describes the process in layman's terms. Great job. Thank you.
I really hope so. I had the hardest time finding a good video on weight distribution. So I decided to do my own. I'm still learning TH-cam so it maybe be the best quality video, but hopefully the content helps some people. Thanks for the subscribe BTW. I appreciate it!
This is the best video explanation about how/why the weight dist hitch works and how to properly hook it up.
Thanks Jason. I really appreciate that! I hope it helps.
Had NO idea that I could change the limbs. Great info. Thanks.
This is the second video I watched from you and are Perfect, Just talk the necessary and go straight to the point. Thanks Buddy.
Love your videos! This has definitely helped me. So far I have only gone as far as an hour away (I'm in Milford too and store my travel trailer at the same storage facility...small world!). But I'm headed to the Indy 500 this weekend and wanted to make sure I was using the Blue Ox system properly. I was not raising my trailer and SUV before installing the bars and I'm sure I did not have enough tension on them! Thanks again.
Small world! Sometimes I film up there at the storage facility. If you see me, say hi!
This helps me to feel better about putting more bend in my bars. My dealer had me at 6. We made it 2 miles down the road... did you know that the F-150 has a Sway protect emergency assist that puts the BRAKES on. that is an experience. I step up to 7 and that was better, but I did not know the recommendation is 9. I wish that Blue Ox told us how much we can bend the bar by, short of getting CAT weights to measure it. High quality work!
I learned about the F150's sway breaks the hard way... going 65mph on the highway in a wind advisory. Scary as hell. It was the first time towing the trailer I have now. I've learned a bit more since then. Lol.
I wouldn't be able to explain it this good
Ha. Thanks.
Excellent explanation, your wheelbarrow analogy is brilliant. Well done!
That is how someone explained it to me. It makes a lot of sense. Thanks!
Excellent video helped tremendously, thank you for taking the time tp post it
Very awesome video man. Bought my ox bout a year ago cost me 900 at the dealer here in Ga. RV guys gave me a crash course on the whole walk around thing and I learned nothing. Thanks to this video, I was able to notice a huge difference when riding next to semi’s on the road with my ox and without.... in the beginning I thought it was just another dumb sway bar till I actually used it and man I couldn’t be happier👍🏾
That's awesome! Thank you so much for the feedback. I've made a handful of videos and this is the one that most people say helps them. I think weight distribution hitches are just not something that clicks early in the RV experience.
I just started using your video to send to our renters prior to their trips. I am the wife and my husband does all the hook ups with our Blue Ox but I handle all the communication of which I am uneducated regarding the sway system. Thank you for this. I actually understood this and am hoping it will be useful for our renters as well.
Hi Toni. That's awesome! I hope it helps a ton!
Ty for video I forgot to raise my truck up after getting my first trailer. I now remember him telling me at dealer but there was a lot to learn the first time. Now I’m set for my trip to Colorado knowing we are as safe as we can be towing thsnkyou
There really is so much in the beginning. It gets easier.
Thanks for this video. I've watched others, and they haven't explained that you need to raise the tongue up after you couple it to the truck. I was out there heaving and pushing so hard trying to get the chains tight, and now hopefully this process will go a lot more smoothly. I don't know why I didn't think to do that, and maybe it's obvious to experienced RV-ers, but thank you.
I'm really glad it helped. For the record, the reason I knew to do that is because someone showed me. It's all just a big learning process. Thank you for watching and commenting!
From what i have seen and experienced is almost all of them do a good job of weight distribution. The antisway function is where most seem to fall short. You have not lived until you get caught on the highway in heavy crosswinds and get passed by 18 wheelers running close!
I've had one or two of those experiences myself. Not fun.
Thanks! Getting mine on Thursday! Great explanation!
Great explanation of what this does! I definitely will go with a weight distribution hitch because of how you showcased the purpose -- safety. I wouldn't want the front of my truck "lifted", with a traditional hitch, affecting my ability to steer and control. Awesome job, sir.
Thank you very much! I hope it helps.
Outstanding job. Highly informative. Explained everything I needed to know and how to install my blue ox! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 GREAT JOB!
Awesome, thank you!
Thanks for the excellent demonstration and lessen. Very valuable to me.
Great video. Extremely helpful
I am just going by my dealers recommendation of locking in on the eighth link. When we drove it home it was okay-no sway. We will see how it goes when we take it out on our first voyage. Your video really helped me to recall what I was taught on my walk through at the dealership. Thanks Again.
I'm really glad it helped! Let us know how it goes. Happy camping!
Blueox customer support told me today there should be 2-4 inches of bow in the bar.
My dealer instructed me to use 8 links too. But that was on an unloaded travel trailer. So maybe 9 links if fully loaded?
I’ve just bought this hitch and watched a few videos and this was by far the most helpful and professional video.
Thanks Dean! I'm clearly an amateur, but I'm trying to get better.
Great demo and explanation. I’ve got a long TT on order, and I’m having this Blue Ox installed by the dealer. Now that I actually understand it better, I’m feeling real good about my setup! Thanks for making this!
I hear you. I didn't understand it when I purchased mine either. It took me awhile to get comfortable with it. Good luck with the new TT! Exciting!
bought our first trailer and we got the blue ox sway bar system and my challenge was getting to the 9th link and on our very first trip I scrapped the bottom bolts on the sway bar because it was too low. after watching your video I think the trick is after hooking up the hitch to the truck you have to raise the trailer up to take the weight off the truck and then be able to get to the 9th link - good video
I was lucky. When I purchased my first trailer, I purchased the Bloe Ox hitch with it. To the dealership's credit, they did a great job explaining exactly how to hook it up. I'm really glad this helped you!
@@GoTogetherGoFar got to hook up the trailer at the RV dealer the other day and I did what your video showed and it was 10 times easier and less stressful to me, actually got to the 9th link finally - thanks again for your video
@@jimbrown1994 That's awesome! Thank you for the feedback. I'm really glad it helped.
Agreed - there are other popular how-to videos for this hitch that miss that step of raising the tongue jack to get leverage on that 9th link
Thanks... Great video, It helped me make my decision to purchase this hitch.
I also use a BlueOx swaypro on my 26ft trailer, towing with a Silverado Trail Boss. And yes it feels better when the ball is "too high". Not gonna stop the wind, but less cold sweat and white knuckles....
Great wheel barrel analogy!
Thanks! That was how it was kind of explained to me, but it took awhile before it made sense.
Excellent explanation. You nailed it! I just purchased a new travel trailer and a Blue Ox like yours. I will save this video to my favorites. Thanks for taking the time to do this video.
Wow, thanks. I am actually still having a slight sway issue. I exchanged emails with a viewer who had the same issue. He raised the ball up a notch and it resolved his issue. I'm going to do the same in the next few weeks, and video it. I'll post the results here in case it helps some people.
Awesome video. This is the hitch I'm leaning towards. And it's made in my state.
That's awesome! I am genuinely glad this video helped. I originally purchased the hitch my RV dealer sold without thinking about it. I honestly didn't know what it even was at that point. I'm glad it was a Blue Ox. After all my research, I think they set me up right.
Thanks for the video. We had pretty much ruled out a trailer for a 5th wheel for safety. After seeing this and watching ones on the Hensley and ProPride have made us consider a trailer. Now which trailer I have heard so much negative on trailer manufacturers building them quickly with little or no quality control.
That's great to hear! I'm glad it helped. As far as trailer quality, I hear you. I did so much research on trailers, floorplans, etc., just for that reason. I used to sit and watch TH-cam trailer tours for hours. If you're still looking, check out Haylett RV's YT channel. I have no affiliation with them, but I spent hours watching Josh's tours. Good luck! Their channel:
th-cam.com/channels/RS9u1f7074u0Rrgu05K9Wg.html
Thanks for this great video!!! We bought one of these hitch’s. But a few weeks after bringing it home, we couldn’t get it hooked up to the 9th link. Your video helped remind us about needing to raise the jack before hooking up the sway bars. Thank you again. Very clearly explained.
Thank you! I really do appreciate the feedback. I have had a lot of people say they had problems hooking up, or disconnecting the hitch. I think I'll do a short How To video on that. I bet it helps a bunch of folks.
@@GoTogetherGoFar That would be great.
FYI, I just posted a video that shows how I hook up and disconnect the Blue Ox hitch in detail. Maybe this helps.
@@GoTogetherGoFar thanks!
I also have a Blue Ox Sway Pro hitch. I have found for me that going to link 6 is about perfect tension for a level load. If I try link 9 it is way tight. I also use the 3 dimple arms which I believe are the 1000 pound rated tongue weight arms.
What happens if you go link 10 or 8. Is tighter better? I use link 9 as well but wanting to assure I’m using it to the best of its ability!
@@NateMoore92
Jumping up or down a link is not going to hurt anything, but going too tight or too loose is an issue. You want decent tension on the arms to prevent sway but also to provide adequate force to help lift the rear of the vehicle so it provides down force to the front of the vehicle.
The key is making sure you have initially setup the hitch and determined a level stance in the tow vehicle before attaching the trailer. Too much force on the arms in order to force level the trailer load is not good either.
I suggest you publish a video on travel trailer electronic brake controls. My dealer installed a Curt version, which I think has been bought by Lippert recently. There is a specific sequence of connections and testing else the brake control will not function properly / always send 100% brake signal, which we experienced and later figured out the correct procedure.
Great analogy
Thanks!
Great short course.
Thank you Charlie. Someday I'll try to make a more in-depth course. I actually just got my hand on the Blue Ox TrackPro WD hitch. It is very similar to the SwayPro but doesn't use chains. I'll be doing a video of that in the next couple months when the weather warms. Keep an eye out.
Excellent information!
Thanks!
Great video. Do you need to disable the sway bar on the truck F150 when you use blue Ox ?
Chain link will vary according to the tongue weight of the particular trailer. An good alternative to the supplied wrench is telescoping lug wrench breaker with 1" socket.
Great Video!... Question....Can SwayPro B y used on a boat trailer? Can a trailer be reversed with the SwayPro installed?
I don't see why not.
This video is great to discuss in layman's terms the correct sequence of events to follow and results. I would like to ask, though, other videos and I think instructions, state one of the goals is so the front end of the truck is essentially parallel/level with the overall/rear end of the truck. The front end of the towing vehicle should not be pointing up (implies insufficient WD) or pointing downwards (too much WD pressure). Is this true:
Super helpful video.
Thank you. I think there are a couple of parts I could have done better, but I appreciate the comment.
Good explanation of the setup. I recommend you to turn the hitch 180 (up) so not to have it hanging down to be an obstruction or drag on anything.
I think you're right. I recently had an email exchange with another viewer who was working on a sway issue. He ended up raising the ball up one notch and saw a lot of improvement. I think I'll do the same and flip my hitch at the same time. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Thanks you!
just picked one of these BO hitches up and will take the maiden voyage this week. I'm trying to find any videos that show the BO Swaypro 'correcting' in action. Lots of vids of competitors but not sure why I can't find any for BO "in motion". Thanks for making this video - very helpful. Sub'd.
Glad I could help!
I’d like to see your safe method of unhooking the Blue Ox Sway Pro system. What is the safest way, things to watch out for etc...
That's a good idea! I think I'll schedule a follow up video for that. I know I have a little hesitation sometimes if there is a little tension on that spring bar. It can give a little kick if I haven't taken the weight off.
Same here lol. Maybe my spring needs breaking in. Takes a little wiggle, enough to surprise me sometimes unhooking.
Just bought mine yesterday and had installed on my 31 ft vintage Airstream. Your video helps but I am scared of taking it off when I get back home.
FYI, I just posted a video that shows how I hook up and disconnect the Blue Ox hitch in detail. Maybe this helps.
I have a dealer-installed Blue Ox WDH. The dealer instructed me to count 8 links, not the 9 links you said the manufacturer advises. Also, you are counting from the tail end of the chain, want to make sure that is correct. What I recollect the dealer said perhaps use 9 links if insufficient weight distribution, so presumably 9 links from the chain link end would be a tighter/shorter distance from the control arm to the wdh a frame cuff rotating mount?
Hey Andy, just catching this video now. Great content.
Curious as an F-150 owner - do you turn off the sway control in the truck when using it? The Blue Ox manual recommends it, the Ford manual says to leave it on. Curious the path you went or any other feedback.
I do not. To be honest, I'm not sure my truck has anything built in. My F150 has the big towing package but I don't see anything specific about sway control.
Yours is mounted so that the angular support brace that ties the horizontal and vertical parts of the hitch is on the underside of the mount. I've seen other mount it so that the brace (the 45 degree steel section) is mounted in a way that its on the top (flipped) of the mount. Does it matter?
Good question. I don't think it matters.
Great video, what is your opinion on the Equalizer brand? Thanks
I've actually never used it so I don't think its fair of me to give an opinion. That said, in my research, I've only seen good things.
Great video!!!!! Only question is how do you take it off.... I don’t want to get slapped in the face with a chain! Please explain I would like to purchase 1 for my new TT
You would not believe how often I get that question. So I made a video. See if this helps. th-cam.com/video/by18GvR0fGo/w-d-xo.html
Good way to explain. My blue ox is a little different. The piece my chain goes into lifts instead of rotates. Is 9 the number of links always? Are there no variables to this?
Good question. I picked 9 because that is what I was told by the dealer and that is what the user guide said. That said, some other viewers have said they have had a lot of success by moving to the 10th or 11th chain. I actually just got my hand on the Blue Ox TrackPro WD hitch. It is very similar to the SwayPro but doesn't use chains. I'll be doing a video of that in the next couple months when the weather warms. We'll see if that makes a difference.
@@GoTogetherGoFar On the video you said that was the last WDH you'll ever buy but you just bought another one mmmmmmmm hahhaha jk
@@acalleros927 I didn't buy the new one.
You don't have the sway-pro anti-sway WDH, just a standard WDH.
This is helpful, but how do I even get my 2 5/16 ball on? I can get a wrench into the recessed opening, so that would only leave me the option of a deep well socket, one that is pretty big. Is that what I'm supposed to buy?
Yes...and you'll also a torque wrench that can measure up to 450 ft/pounds ...
I agree with Charles. These big torque wrenches can be a challenge. They are expensive and most of us won't use them on a regular basis. You might be able to rent one from tool rental place, or maybe a local RV dealer will do you solid if you ask their service department.
How did you determine what holes to use for the hitch height
The manual says the top of the hitch ball and the receiver should be about level, or the hitch ball should be an inch or so higher, when the trailer and truck are parked on level ground. So I really just eyeballed it based on that.
I just bought this and was told at the dealership to put the chains in by hand and not use the bar to rotate.
Great video. Question - when you take off the bars when Un-hitching, do you use your tongue jack to take weight off the bars first?
I do. I use the tongue jack to lift the trailer/truck way up. That releases the tension and you can take them off easier. I've a bunch of questions about that. I think I'll do a short How To video on it. Maybe that will help.
FYI, I just posted a video that shows how I hook up and disconnect the Blue Ox hitch in detail. Maybe this helps.
@Bruce Bowen You're 100% spot on. I have received so many comments or questions about this. When I did my Hookup and Disconnect video (th-cam.com/video/by18GvR0fGo/w-d-xo.html) I tried to show that part in detail. If you raise the truck up enough, unhooking is fairly easy. If you don't, as you said, you could get hurt.
Thanks for this. Liked and subscribed. I am just now considering a travel trailer as opposed to pulling my Ranger behind a motor home. At 750 lbs hitch weight I am limited to what I can theoretically tow. I still need to do more research - obviously. Will this weight distribution system allow me to max out, or possibly exceed hitch weight by a few pounds?
Hi Brian. Good question. It is never a good idea to exceed a max hitch weight. Those maxes take into account other elements of your tow vehicle that aren't influenced by the weight distribution hitch. Along those lines, I also don't like the idea of maxing things out either. In perfect driving conditions, maxing out may be fine and legal, BUT, there are a lot of things that can spring up unexpectantly. Tire blowout, wind, bad drivers, etc. can all force you to drive in a less than an ideal manner. I have personally experienced a tire blowout and almost uncontrolled sway due to wind. It can be terrifying. Trust me, don't push your equipment limits. Not worth it. Good luck out there!
If you're supposed to use the 9th link, why don't they make the chain shorter?
I think that is a valid question!
How do I know what chain number should I use to set up correctly ? Thanks for your answer.
I use the 9th chain link. There are two reasons. First, the dealer's technician that set it up for me told me to. He had way more experience than I do so I'm good with that. Second, the Blue Ox SwayPro manual references using the 9th link as part of the set up process. It is on page 4, item number 9. I have a link to the manual on my blog post about the hitch if you need it. gotogethergofar.com/blue-ox-swaypro-weight-distribution-hitch/ Hope that helps!
It’s in the instructions for the hitch. It doesn’t explain why. It also explains adjusting to the 10th and 11th link for certain situations but it doesn’t go into specifics as to why. Great hitch though and easy to use. Installed my self when I picked up my new travel trailer last week.
Yes I’m wondering if I can use a different link as well.
Same hitch setup on a 2020 f150 with a 29’ 5k lbs travel trailer (total length) camper had a ton of sway when I picked it up Saturday at 55-60mph. Do you have any advice? I’m thinking they didn’t install hitch correct because not once did they even bring the truck to the camper while doing install.....
I guess you could install it without bringing the truck to the camper as long as they take all the right measurements but I'd prefer to have them both. I actually installed a TrackPro in a different video. It is a similar setup to the Sway Pro. Maybe that is worth taking a peek at.
@@GoTogetherGoFar I’m going to take a peak at it this weekend and measure and make sure they did it right if not I’m just going to make the adjustments needed. I’ve also watched a ton of videos where it states I should be on the 9th or 10th chain link and the dealer told me not to go past 7.... so again I think they just slapped it on and said see ya!
@@michaelmcpherson6033 Blue Ox instructions say to use the 9th link and adjust to the 10th if necessary. If you're on the 7th link, that is likely the issue.
@@GoTogetherGoFar right so this weekend will be fun correcting what the dealer did wrong lol
@@GoTogetherGoFar what’s the advantage of going to 10th link? I use 9th but was wondering if it would be an advantage to go to 10th.
Great video and clear explanation! How much does your trailer weigh and what is the tongue weight?
Hi John. Thanks! My Salem has a UVW of about 6900 and a hitch weight of about 900. I personally think I am pushing the limits of my hitch weight. My F-150 is equipped with all the bells and whistles for a tow capacity of 12k+, so I'm good there. But off the top of my head, the cargo capacity of the truck is about 1800. So 900 from the trailer, 500 from me, the wife, and two 6 year olds, plus a little cargo, starts to creep up there if I'm not careful. When we were deciding on the Salem, there was another trailer that was 7500 lbs and only 600 lbs on the hitch. I think I should have gone that route. At the time, I was more focused on the overall tow capacity. I was still getting a bit of sway. In a different video, I show how I adjusted my hitch and it really helped with my sway. I really don't get any now. Hope this helps. Thanks for subscribing! I appreciate it.
Go Together Go Far thanks so much for the in depth reply. We are buying our first travel trailer with an unloaded weight of 5400 lbs and a GVWR of 7000. I’ll be towing it with my 2018 Silverado that has a tow rating of 9100 lbs. I plan to buy the blue ox system.
I'm glad it helped! Even if you don't absolutely need it, a good weight distribution hitch is worth it. It will give you extra piece of mind. I like the Blue Ox but there are other quality ones out there. If you are going to buy it from Amazon, if you use one of my affiliate links in the video description to go there, Amazon will toss me a couple bucks. Happy Camping!
Go Together Go Far I already ordered the blue ox swaypro through the RV dealer. Sorry...
Ha. No worries. Let us know how it works out.
Ok....but WD is not the whole ball game. I'm curious what design properties in this hitch controls the sway. The two have to work together
I see no friction sway control so what kind of magic keeps the sway away?
Valid question. I can definitely feel the sway control with it compared to a traditional hitch. That said, the TrackPro I am using now has spring bars that directly connect to the clamps. There is tons of friction and the sway control is even better.
@@GoTogetherGoFar I know the Andersen with it's 'bushing clamped around the ball shaft" design is was not effective on our 25' Airstream. Users say it's better on the lighter trailers.
We now use a PPP Hensley Arrow
I'm not sold on it. My issue is I put 2 full size Harley's in the back of my toy hauler and it sways bad
New Sub! Like it!!
Thanks! I appreciate it!
used mine today for the first time. Resting on the 3rd link it felt unstable. Why are you using the 9th link? Great video btw
Hey thanks! Glad it helped. If you haven't yet, you want to move to the 9th link. Blue Ox specifically calls that out in their owners guide. If you are only using 3 links it will feel way loose. When you go to attach those chains, raise that hitch way up. It should help. Not trying to plug my stuff more that I already do, but check out my blog post on this hitch. There is a link to the owner's guide. That may help. gotogethergofar.com/blue-ox-swaypro-weight-distribution-hitch/
Do you know how that weight distribution hitch affects tow weight rating of the truck?
As I understand it, a weight distribution hitch shouldn't change your tow vehicle's weight rating. They can help with sway, and better distribute load on your axles, but it doesn't actually allow you to exceed any existing limits.
@@GoTogetherGoFar thank you
What do you do if you have more than one trailer. Buy two systems
Good question. The Blue Ox hitch is pretty easy to adjust, but it requires a heavy duty torque wrench and would be a pain if you had to do it frequently.
Did your blue ox come with 2-1/2” shank? Looking for used one but can only find 2”?
I'm honestly not sure. I never thought about it. Looking at the difference now, I'm 99% sure it is the 2 inch.
Is there a point where you can put your truck too high when installing the sway hitch? We bought this hitch with our travel trailer and they showed us how to put the bars on and it had my truck crazy high. To the point where the sway bars could be put on by hand. Would you suggest doing this?
Hi Steve. Good question, and one that I don't know if I can fully answer. When my dealer showed me how to put it on, they also took it crazy high. I don't think they were able to put it on by hand, but they were close. I think it is probably a factor of the capacity of your tongue jack. Those things have limits. I could be wrong, but the higher and higher you lift the truck, you are more likely to overstress that jack. Plus, it takes forever... I think if I had a recommendation, it would be to lift the truck as high as you need to ensure you're able to get to the appropriate link but not so high that you overload your equipment. That is a non-answer, but it feels reasonable. Maybe somebody else reading this can add some additional thoughts?
FYI, I just posted a video that shows how I hook up and disconnect the Blue Ox hitch in detail. Maybe this helps.
How do I know which model Blue Ox Sway Pro to buy?
The SwayPro spring bars come in 500lbs increments. You want the spring bars that would be about 10-15% of your max trailer weight. My max trailer weight is 10k lbs. I use the spring bars that are rated for 1000-1500lbs. That help?
A safe disconnection demonstration would be very helpful. Any degree of slope complicates things in a hurry..
Someone else had a similar ask. I'm camping this upcoming weekend and will have an opportunity to show the disconnect. I won't bother with a full TH-cam video, but will hang it off my blog. I'll post a link. Thanks for watching!
FYI, I just posted a video that shows how I hook up and disconnect the Blue Ox hitch in detail. Maybe this helps.
I have this hitch, the front of my truck is 1" higher then the back,(measure the wheel well) I had some issues on my last trip when big trucks passed me. My RV dealer did the install and he told me to count 7 links, I have look to find answers on why so many links, do you think adding more links would level out my truck and give me better control?
I count down 9 links because that is what my installer said, and the SwayPro manual says the same. It is hard for me to say if 7 is better for your setup, but going to 9 should put more tension on the spring bars. Which should help. It sounds like you are having similar problems to what I was getting though. I have a recent follow up video where I made an adjustment to my hitch and it helped a TON. Give this a look and see if it helps you at all. th-cam.com/video/SpFqcYuT6EI/w-d-xo.html
And my dealer said 8 links! I wonder if it varies from truck/trailer combo. I have an F250 and a 39' camper, and I feel it rides perfectly level. Try adding another link and see how it looks.
@@justinkerry9275 I watched the Blue Ox install video and another one by a you tuber and they indicate 9 links. I tried 8 and it was better but not great, I went up to nine and I had to raise my truck pretty high to snap it into lock but what a difference made in driving. We did a 700 mile round trip and night and day between 7 and 9 links. I could drive one handed if needed and not one white knuckle event. I will stick with the nine.
I can understand why the blue ox bar flex. I cannot understand why the equalizer bars bend so much!
This video appears to only talk about weight distribution. I don’t think there was anything about sway. How is sway mitigated with the system?
Good question. The sway mitigation was good with the Blue Ox SwayPro, but I have found it to be better with the Blue Ox TrackPro. I continue to use the TrackPro today.
I see you have 3 1/2 chain links sticking out when it’s setup. I’ve had 4 1/2 and can’t go much over 70 mph without getting away. Maybe I don’t have enough tension. I’m just under 5000 lb dry weight (close to 6000 loaded). 2014 F150 and looks like the exact same Blue Ox hitch
I generally count down 9 links. If I understand correctly, you may be using 10 links, which I would think would have more tension. Assuming all your weights are within specs for your truck and trailer, maybe the issue is just speed. Over 70 may be really pushing it. I generally won't break 65 and typically 60 if I'm using the SwayPro or its windy. My TrackPro feels more stable at 65. In my opinion, anything over 65 can really increase risk of sway or a tire blow out (if you haven't upgraded your trailer tires).
@@GoTogetherGoFar I think I'm putting the 9th link in I will confirm the next time I hook up (tomorrow). After I lock it in I've always had 4 and 1/2 links sticking out which would be less tension on the spring bar than 3 and 1/2. I will try 3 and 1/2 tomorrow to see how it goes. I'd really like to check things on a scale to see how my load is distributed as well. That could be part of my issue. That said, I guess 70 mph is not bad hauling a TT though haha
Lol, yeah maybe it's more stable than your thought. Ha. I really recommend trying a CAT scale. I did it in a video, but I legitimately learned a ton. After that video I have so much more confidence in my equipment and how I'm towing. My goal is to go camping and relax, not be constantly stressed that I'm towing wrong and going to crash and die. It is worth a Saturday afternoon of tinkering to figure it out.
Here is the video if you're interested. th-cam.com/video/8GcgBHhqB6Q/w-d-xo.html
BlueOx seems better than the weight dist hitch I currently use
Are those bars supposed to bow down ?
Yes they are supposed to be bowing. That tension is what creates the stability and anti-sway.
What’s the weight on that TT? Just curious as I have a 19 f150 and we are currently looking. Ford says I can pull 9,000.
Hi Bill.
My Salem is a 2017 30KQBSS. It has an Unloaded Weight of 6943 lbs. The hitch weight is 899 lbs. The specs say I can take another 2756 in cargo in the trailer, but I don't do anything like that. Maybe a couple of hundred pounds of clothing, food, camping gear, etc. I never travel with full fresh/grey/black tanks. My F-150 has the max tow package and other configurations that give me a towing capacity of about 12,500 lbs. Generally, the towing capacity isn't the problem with modern 1/2 tons. It is the cargo capacity of your truck. The sticker on the inside of my door says my specific vehicle can carry 1762 lbs. The 899 pounds from my trailer count against that. So does 10-15% of the weight of the cargo in my trailer. Add in another 450 lbs for me, my wife, and six-year-old twins.
As you can see, I start to creep up on the max cargo of the truck. The Blue Ox SwayPro helps stabilize everything. Honestly, I probably should have gone a little smaller on a trailer, and I am considering moving up to an F250 next year. If you're still in the market for a travel trailer, I recommend getting one that is well under what your max capacity is. I hope this helps. Let me know if I can answer any other questions.
Happy camping!
Go Together Go Far Thanks for the reply. The one we are after has a dry weight of 6740 and max load of 8485. Hitch weight of 889. My truck payload is a little higher @1885. We aren’t one to load the house into the camper or travel with anything other than a few gallons in the grey and black tanks for cleaning, so I think we’ll be safe. Thanks again for the info and the video!!
Awesome! Have fun!
@@GoTogetherGoFar just remember that every pound you put in the truck counts against payload. Whereas every pound you put in the trailer only counts at 10-15%. So much better to carry coolers, ect in the trailer rather than the truck.
How do you measure the tongue weight ?
I've never independently measured tongue weight. I would refer to the sticker on your trailer. It should have a tongue weight listed. If you really want to confirm it, I think you can use Cat Scales, but I have yet to do that. I may do that this camping season.
How long is your trailer?
33 feet.
One issue is you didn’t mention where to mount the brackets or what to do if the 9 links doesn’t work. Or even what holes to use on the hitch. You already had all that set up from your dealer.
I think it’s a little overkill on the pre load after end of video. The chains I think are one link too tight and the hitch unfortunately is too far from back end of truck. Noteing you have propane takes in the way. Eventually going down hill onto level ground Is going to warp your A-frame of trailer and the extra inches from truck of receiver side is more prone to sway. Even with all that your sorta defeating the purpose.
How is sway?
This hitch helps a lot.
Is that a 30KQBSS?
It sure it. Forrest River Salem.
@@GoTogetherGoFar nice! I'm getting the same hitch for the same trailer (2017), looks like it should be a good match
@@tannernewton8543 If it matters, mine is a 2017 as well. Good luck! It's a great trailer.
how do you remove it?
I actually did a video on that exact thing. Check it out: th-cam.com/video/by18GvR0fGo/w-d-xo.html
I don’t really see anything unique about this weight distribution hitch. I don’t see that it’s going to offer anymore anti sway ability than a standard weight distribution hitch would.
Am I wrong? If so ... how?
Good questions. I guess it depends on how we define "standard" weight distribution hitch. I think you're generally right in the sense that the Blue Ox SwayPro isn't a radical departure from what you think of in sway control. Some features are a little different. The spring bar and chain setup actively pushes the trailer back in line when it starts to sway. Some other sway control hitches only use friction to slow the sway, not correct it. Also, there are some brands out there (Curt for example) that you're suppose to disconnect the sway bars before backing up (especially if you need to turn your trailer). That isn't the case with Blue Ox. Don't get me wrong, there are other really good hitches out there. I hear good things about the Hensley Hitch too. I just happen to have the Blue Ox and it works really well for me.
@@GoTogetherGoFar Ok ... fair enough. Thanks
That sway bar to chain connection is held together by 2 small bolts??? Problematic...
The main problem I see with this setup is that there is no Anti-Sway dampening. Not even rubber (after the fact) dampers. It looks like it will work for weight distribution. But how is it going to prevent sway? You never explain how it will prevent sway ???
At 556 you say "take your trailers ( )" , I am not sure what word you trying to say, I know you mean "tongue jack"!
Hi Daniel. Yeah I think you're right. The correct wording was tongue jack. To be honest, I get so tongue tied in these videos, I'm not sure how I ever get them right. I bet I took 5-7 takes on that part alone.
8R
Blue ox sucks
Disagree.
You can't put a level on the back of the bed of your truck and tell me that you're going to level the truck in the trailer together by doing so. If you're going to level anything put it on the neck of the trailer. My God man what a fool
Hey I appreciate the feedback, but you clearly weren't really watching. The level on the back of the truck was just to show viewers the difference between the before and after, with and without the weight distribution hitch. The video wasn't about trying to specifically level the truck or trailer. You're right though. If the goal was leveling the trailer/truck, the trailer neck would have been the right place.