Determining if Underslung Weight Distribution System is Needed for Trailer

Question:

Good Morning, I am seriously considering purchasing the Blue Ox Sway Pro 10,000. However, I do have a question for my trailer set up. I am restoring a 1976 Silver Streak Travel Trailer and the while coupler is top welded thus Blue Ox says to use BWX4011 the Standard Hitch Head. However, as you can see in the attached photo the coupler seems to be more recessed down much like a coupler that is welded to the bottom of the frame thus needing BWX4012 the Underslung Hitch Head. So my main question is does the standard vs. underslung have more to do with the location of the weld OR shape of where the coupler is located in relation to the frame...or simply put which hitch head do I need for my application? Possibly pertinent info: Tow vehicle: 2010 GMC Savana 2500 Passenger van Regualr wheel base Camper: 1976 Silver Streak Supreme Luxury Liner UVW 5960, GVW 8,000 and Unloaded Tounge weight 700. I know that based upon this info we might be able to use the BXW0750 but we do have a storage box and gear that rides behind the axle of the van that I am confident is more than 50 lbs and I will have 2 30lb propane tanks and battery rack on the tongue, so thus needing to go to the BXW1000 as we would be over the 750lbs tongue weight. Thanks for your help,

asked by: Jarrett C

Expert Reply:

The primary difference between the standard Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution System # BXW1000 and the Blue Ox # BXW1003 that is designed for underslung couplers simply has to do with the reduced ground clearance that you would have with an underslung coupler. The weight distribution head for the underslung model features a different angle where the hitch ball mounts, which allows trailers with this type of coupler to use the system without having any clearance issues with the spring bars getting too close to the ground.

While the coupler on your Silver Streak Travel Trailer (looking great by the way!) is a bit more recessed and further down the A-frame, you will still want to use the standard head that comes with the Blue Ox # BXW1000. I have attached an additional image of an underslung coupler just so you can see that there is still a pretty big difference between an official underslung unit and what you have.

This Blue Ox System features a tongue weight capacity of 750 to 1,000 pounds. As long as your total tongue weight (loaded tongue weight on the trailer + loaded cargo coming from behind the rear axle of your GMC Savana) fall comfortably within this range, this system will work great. The only thing you would need to add is a compatible hitch ball like the 2 inch # 63845 or the 2-5/16 inch # 19286.

I have a short video demonstration on this system that you can also check out.