Reason for Bounce and Sway on Trailer With Blue Ox TrackPro WDH

Question:

I have a 2019 Chevy Silverado and i am getting a feeling of a bonce of the rear wheels and have a lot of sway. I have a Blue Ox Track Pro weight distribution system. The trailer is 35 foot and weighs dry at 8500. What is causing all this sway and bounce. Hitch was set up by RV one dealer.

asked by: Peter H

Expert Reply:

I'm not sure which Blue Ox TrackPro weight distribution hitch they gave you but based on the bouncing there is a good chance the system is rated too high for your tongue weight. It could also be that it isn't rated high enough so it is completely ineffective.

Tongue weight is typically 10-15% of your loaded trailer weight and with a dry weight of 8,500 lbs you're already looking at 850-1,275 lbs of tongue weight. Based on that you're already pushing the limits of the highest rated TrackPro like the # BLU27FR with a tongue weight range of 1,000-1,300 lbs.

I recommend using a scale like the # e99044 to find the tongue weight of your fully loaded setup to be sure. Once you have that information you can decide if the system you have is right for you. If you got this at the dealer I would see if they could swap it out for one with a higher rating. Sticking with Blue Ox, something like the SwayPro # BXW1500 might be more appropriate with a tongue weight rating of 1,000-1,500 lbs.

Another thing to consider is your tow vehicle since this is a heavy travel trailer. I'm not sure which Silverado you have but if you're towing with a 1500 and pushing your limit for towing capacity it is going to be unpleasant one way or another. If you have a 3500 with the right configuration it won't be nearly as bad. If you're on the light end of the Silverado models and almost at your max towing capacity that could definitely be part of the problem.

expert reply by: Robin H