Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - Underslung - 10K GTW, 1K TW

by: David02/20/2018

I have had the Blue Ox BXW1003 for a year now and overall we are pretty happy with it. With our previous camper (Dutchmen) we were using a Draw-Tite WD hitch with a separate friction sway control bar. When we bought our new Jayco camper, we had a different A Frame design (underslug coupler) and it is a much bigger camper so we needed to upgrade the hitch. We liked chain style connection of the Draw-Tite but didn't like having to get out and remove the friction sway control bar when backing into a site. With the Blue Ox we just pull up to the site, someone hops out to guide clear the site as we back right in. It is nice to have a chain setup because there are times where I need more spring assist than others. For instance, we dry camp from time to time and have an A Frame Shelf above the propane tanks for our generator. The dealer recommended the Blue Ox over the equalizer because of this changing load requirement and it has worked.

The only reasons I am not giving it 5 stars is because there are times where I have to fight with the release pin a bit. You have to turn the cam a bit to get it to release. It isn't a big deal and doesn't happen all the time but enough to stick in the back of my mind. The tool for turning the cam is a bit short and because of the A Frame shelf I have to be careful about where I put it on or as I turn the cam, it could pinch my hand up against the shelf mount. Like many people, I just got a big socket and breaker bar to replace the included tool. In my case I already had the breaker bar for torquing the wheels so I just needed a socket. Because the socket pivots it can't pinch your hand and is longer so more leverage. Also a drawback is because of the design, if we were get a new trailer that maybe doesn't use an underslung coupler, but the same weight as our current camper, we would have to buy a new hitch as well. This is because there are different models based on hitch type, where an Equalizer can be adjusted to accommodate either coupler style, the Blue Ox can't. Sure you could probably replace the parts needed to convert it or just buy a new one. This is a minor thing in my book and the nice part about this is that it makes it much easier to set up at home since there are not as many points of adjustment. If we didn't change our load frequently depending on where we are going and traded in campers every other year, then we would have been better off going with the Equalizer. For us the Blue Ox was the better fit.

I will say that before buying I contacted Blue Ox's Customer Support as I had a question. I wanted to make sure I had the right model to work with the coupler on our camper. I was 80% sure I was right but didn't want to get there to pick it up and find out it wasn't the right one. Not only did they clear that up but the rep reached out to engineering and asked about my tow vehicle so they could verify that the included drop hitch was the right one. Which wasn't even a question that I had.477291

by: David 02/17/2021

I have no experience with other WDH's but this unit does what I expect it to do. I pull a 33' 7,500# Jayco trailer and it allows me to move the weight as needed to the front axle and it seems to control sway very well. I originally used this with an F-150 that was exceeding my rear axle rating so it was crucial that I get the weight shifted forward which this unit did well. I have since moved up to an F-250 so it is not nearly as critical but it still makes the trips pleasant. This unit is specific to underslung couplers like Jayco uses. Also being able to back the trailer without disengaging the WDH is an advantage over some of the other brands. The action of the chains during disconnect can be intimidating and dangerous until you get accustomed to the process. The one complaint I have is not with the unit itself but the wrench that is provided to load and unload the chains. It is flat (hurts your hand) and too short to get adequate leverage. I suggest you use an 18-24" cheater bar with a 1" socket to load/unload the chains. Otherwise very happy with the purchase960163

etrailer is excellent as far as providing vast amounts of info before the sale and providing communication after placing your order through order delivery, and even after delivery. What other company shows you when and who processed your order, who packed your order, who shipped your order - providing names and pictures of the people involved along the way, along with all the other tracking info.
As far as the equalizer hitch, I haven't towed with it yet but seems extremely heavy duty and well made and should do the job. Most reviews I researched on it were good. I will follow-up once I tow with it.
I do have a few issues with it though before even using it.
First issue is that the spring for the spring loaded button that holds each equalizer bar into each side of the head is so strong that it can't be lifted up with fingers in order to release the equalizer bar when removing them. Need to remember to have a screwdriver handy to pry the button up in order to release the bars. I did see 2 versions of equalizer bars in videos. One version had a slot, one version had a blind hole that these buttons went into. The bars having the slot allowed the bars to be rotated during disassembly for easy removal. Can't do that with the blind hole version. I don't know which version is the latest or best - I will call etrailer or Blue-Ox to find out. I had 3 people try to lift up on the buttons with the hitch assembled but not installed, and no one could lift them enough to release them. That might be a good thing though - prevents them from inadvertently releasing.
Also, based on the 2 sets of exploded views that came with the instructions (one dated 2013, one dated 2020), it appears I might have received an older model that comes with a flat rotating latch wrench because the newer dated exploded view shows a rounded wrench (like a lug nut wrench) with a different p/n. I'll have to call etrailer or Blue Ox on this issue too.
Lastly, the box the hitch came in was heavy duty, but it still should have been a little stronger knowing how very heavy packages get handled by delivery services. The box had a small opening ripped open in it in the corner and the hand hold slots were ripped open twice as big as normal, along with the hardware bag inside was ripped open. Some hardware was scattered inside the box when I opened it and 2 of the 4 hex headed "set screws" were missing. Although you only need 2 set screws, these were different lengths, so I contacted etrailer and they have been working on getting me replacements.
Lastly, I can now see after watching some of the review videos on You Tube and playing with the hitch - about what some people were talking about - how the chains could get wedged during use unless you twist them somewhat, and I can also see how when you try to do a controlled release of the tension on the equalizer bars with the rotating latch wrench - if you don't have a lot of the pressure off of them by jacking the hitch up high enough before releasing them that this may cause the wrench to uncontrollably rotate into the released position unless you really have a good hold on it - which may be hard to do since you're other hand would be busy removing the release pin on the rotating latch. I'll know more when I actually use it, but it has me a little concerned.1038807

by: Richard04/15/2018

I love the Blue OX. Much easier to use and maintain than the Equalizer, which is what I had previously. I think the BO is equal in effectiveness at sway control to the EQ but not sure because I'm now pulling a bigger trailer. The cam latch system with the BO is easy to use but you must raise the trailer tongue "to the sky" in order to release the tension from the load bars before releasing the chains. The load bars will slam down if you're not careful creating a hazard if you're not careful. 496829

by: Mike H04/05/2020

Had a Pro Pride but hitching up at an up/down angle frustrated me so when I bought my new Airstream, I went with the Blue Ox. No problems now and took it on a two month trip to Canada with no issues.774907

Way too heavy for me to install. My son installed it. Once he figured out how to avoid being hurt when releasing chain, he was much happier with it. Drove all day in high winds and trailer swayed a little but it would have been MUCH worse without this WDH! I would not have driven that day without this product.365698

Everything went great with the installation. Looked at etrailer's video on line and that really helped. etrailer kept me informed on the shipping. Very happy with everything.698244

by: Tom02/17/2018

1 year later, nothing but good things to say about the Blue Ox hitch. etrailer got me set up with the right equipment from the start.476737

by: Todd08/22/2020

Works great and can back up without issues like other devices. Others I know have switch to this system from others..866739

by: Robert 12/14/2021

Great product, high quality! 1223929

Haven’t done a long trip to compare away control. Just installed. Cons first: On an Airstream Globetrotter 25 FBT, it is impossible to get a socket in between the A frame and the battery box to use a torque wrench to measure 40 lbs when tightening the jam bolt. Plus it’s a square bolt head. But it’s only 40 lbs, so we hand tightened hard. Also, when tightening the jam bolt, the chain latch thingy (I’m tired. It’s hot out there!) moved a bit so either hang onto it really well or move it a bit before tightening down and it will move right back to its 29 inch place.

Now the pros: The whole assembly weighs far less than the equalizer we replaced. Installation was easier. No washers so once the hitch head height was determined, we only had to torque once. If we need to adjust weight distribution, we move the chain. My husband compared the two installations like this: “This was junior high math while the equalizer was like college calculus."
And, FWIW, the front and rear end difference in height for our truck and trailer was way more accurate than we could get with the equalizer. Well, maybe we could have, but we would have had to adjust the hitch head and the washers.
The cherry on top was that it was very quiet turning and backing up.1599107

Click to Enlarge

Shipped as promised. Came with everything. Installed per excellent instructions.
Works very well on 21 chevy tahoe towing 6000lb 25 ft travel trailer.
Works as advertised. Havnt been in crosswinds, but trucks passing and meeting, hitch has good control. Load leveling works excellent.1236188

Click to Enlarge

The Blue Ox WD hitch has been great for me. What I like is 1. No hitch head angle adjustment needed. 2. No greasy trundle bars. You can store the clean bars in your outside storage without messing up your compartment 3. The large auto style lug wrench provides high leverage for pulling the chains up. 3. Unit is quiet around corners.1523023

by: Lostpathfindr02/21/2024

I love this hitch. So I did a lot of research online A lot of people complained about their Weight Distribution Hitch(WDH) making noise or hard to install. This hitch went to Yellowstone with me (about 38 hr drive each way) with 7k cargo. Worked perfectly. The only time it made any noises is when I had to turn a tight turn. We all know WDH do not like tight turns. This one is no exception but when I say tight, I mean where the trailer tongue is inches from my bumper. It helped with sway. And it def put the weight on the front. Easy install (def watch some videos) and I recently took it off and installed on new trailer. Easy swap. Be warned. Hold that lug bar with both hands when tightening the bars. Do not allow that thing to slip. I broke my arm and was trying to use the bar. Dumb move on my part.1736150

by: RJ06/22/2023

The Blue OX weight distribution hitch is the way to go. With the sway control built in it makes the system more manageable and easy to use. The bars are straight instead of an L for easier storage and the chain tensioner is much easier to load then the typical system that requires going over a high center. I bolted the tensioners to my frame but the standard mount works fine.1606241

by: Tod 02/21/2024

Love the ease of connecting truck to the trailer and peace of mind as I travel knowing I can trust my Blue Ox hitch no matter the conditions1736235

by: William03/06/2024

Worked great for our 40' toy hauler (a heavy beast).
Watch out for the excess grease at the pivot points when you're stepping over the hitch.1743126

by: David09/26/2021

I have used my Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW Item #BXW1000 now for the past year towing our Airstream 27FB with a Ford F150 over 5000 miles and six weeks of road trips.

For comparison, I had used Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control hitches on three prior travel trailers over eight years - including a prior 27FB.

For comparable levels of weight distribution, I have found:
1. The sway control with the Blue Ox is more of a dampening of sway - making it tolerable, while the Reese seemed to eliminate the sway from starting in the first place. A noticeable difference with crosswinds and passing semis at highway speeds.
2. Tightening and loosening the torsion bars with the supplied wrench and rotating cam of the Blue Ox is more stressful and unpredictable than using the lever pipe and lift bracket for the cam of the Reese. I bought a longer torsion bar and socket to replace the supplied wrench which helps (see photo).
3. While the Reese torsion bars and cams require routine topical application of grease, the Blue Ox torsion bar swivel attachments (see photo) require a grease gun to keep lubricated which is a nuisance.
4. Routine wear on the paint of the Blue Ox cam (see photo) adds rust as a maintenance problem that I didn't have with the Reese systems.1163344

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

by: Randall04/30/2022

This is a good system, though it can require some tinkering when hitching up. Sometimes it's super easy (connect the bars to the receiver, loop the links to the clamps, and rotate until it clicks into place, done!) while occasionally as the ground varies one bar may resist getting loaded and you have to find a level spot to adjust it. We have found the need to change frequently which link its cranked to. In fact, a couple times I've gone to our standard setting but later had to pull over and crank a couple extra links tighter to keep the sway down. That said, it fit all the criteria for the weight range, frame mount points, etc. and has worked over multiple trips and several hundred miles so far.

I would say the powder coating has been pretty durable, there is a bit of rust developing on the clamps where there's been contact with the chains for one year. But the bars, links, and receiver are looking fine overall.

Overall, it wasn't the first model we had our eye on but it fit the situation and we are fairly happy with how it all turned out.1292206

Click to Enlarge

I have been using the Blue Ox SwayPro WD Hitch for 1,500 tongue weight on our 30' Arctic Fox travel trailer for one year now. No regrets as this hitch has been an easy to setup and use and it seems to do it's job nicely. Due to the height of our trailer's hitch I ordered a Reese Titan Weight Dist Shank to use with the SwayPro and the pair work great together.135639

Click to Enlarge

I’m not very happy with my purchase. The weight distribution hitch I purchased does not fit on my trailer. There is a welded support bracket right where the hitch bracket is supposed to go 29 inches back on my trailer. Can the bracket go further back or does it need to go right above the chain? I’ve attached a photo of my issue.579199

Click to Enlarge

I had the unfortunate experience with having your new airstream 20' taken out by a hydroplaning car last month. The airstream rolled right and on to its side, and the hitch released keeping our Suburban from rolling. The stabilizer bars and chains maintained the trailer connection and eased the stop with the rear tires of ground. The hitch bent the receiver on the truck, and the only damage appeared to be one " sprung" spring bar. A good result from a bad experience!237404

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

by: Tim 01/16/2022

Bought a 30’ enclosed race car trailer with 1.5’ extra height and pulled it back from Dallas, Tx. with my 3500 DuraMax with no weight distribution hitch! It was not a pleasant drive. I weighted the tongue when I got home and came in at 1650# empty. Got this hitch, BX2000, loaded trailer with car, tools, fuel, generator, and did not re-weight tongue but estimate to be at least 2k. Pulls completely different! Sway is almost nothing. My old trailer was a 50’ goose neck which pulled better but was much heavier and harder for the truck to pull. This hitch will make the difference in a heavy tongue weight bumper pull trailer1244547

by: Daniel 02/28/2024

I love the blue ox, although the bars were beginning to show rust really from the time they arrived.1739642

by: Michael11/02/2023

I have 2 trailers and had this on a 34 foot travel trailer that weighs 9200 fully loaded. The weight distribution and sway control was subpar at best. My husky centerline rode better and controlled sway and weight distribution. Had to put this on the smaller of our travel trailers because it didn't do the job.1688779