Recommended Blue Ox Weight Distribution System for 5000 lb Travel Trailer
Question:
I’m just getting into the Rv life and am trying to learn everything I can. I heard through a friend that the Blue Ox is the way to go for various reasons, and reviews I’ve read seem to back that up. In researching, I see that my soon to be purchased trailer 2021 Keystone Springdale 220BHWE has a tongue weight of 570lbs, which falls within the range of this stock number. Am I reading that right? I’ll be using a 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71. What ball stock number would you suggest to fit this? Is there anything else I need to consider? Thank you!
asked by: John M
Expert Reply:
The 570 lb figure you mention is the dry tongue weight, but in order to choose the correct weight distribution system for your needs you'll need to determine the travel trailer's tongue weight when it's loaded up as it would be when you tow it, complete with gear, propane, water tanks, etc. You'll also want to add the weight of anything carried in the bed of the truck behind the rear axle to that figure, which is the amount of tongue weight you'll be asking your W/D system to handle.
I'll link to an article that lists a couple of methods of determining the trailer's tongue weight, but the easiest method would be to use a tongue weight scale like the etrailer part # e99044.
Given the 540 lb dry tongue weight, which would be the absolute minimum and around 1100 lbs being the maximum (about 15% of the GVWR which would be the maximum safe amount the travel trailer and its contents could weigh), the # BXW0756 SwayPro would work if you find the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight is below 750 lbs. If the loaded tongue weight is between 750 and 1000 lbs, use # BXW1006.
Since it's pretty unlikely you'll tow your travel trailer loaded all the way up to the GVWR, one of the systems mentioned above should cover you just fine, depending on the as-loaded weight of your travel trailer.
I've linked to some product videos that you might find beneficial, as well as to a help article that goes into detail about how weight distribution works.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Severe Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 900 lbs
- Blue Ox
more information >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - 7,500 lbs GTW, 750 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Severe Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 600 lbs
- Blue Ox
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Does The Curt True Course Allow The User To Adjust Its Sensitivity?
- Q&A: Can the Curt True Course Sway Controller Be Used With the New StabiliTrak Electronic Sway Control
- Q&A: Will Brake Lights Flash When Using Curt True Course Sway Control
- Q&A: How to Use B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount with GM MultiPro Tailgate
- Shop: Curt True Course Advanced Bluetooth Trailer Sway Control - 1 to 4 Axles
- Shop: Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Video: Review of BulletProof Hitches Ball Mounts - Adjustable Ball Mount - SWAYCONTROLBALL
- Q&A: Do I Need Weight Distribution or Sway Control To Haul a Camper
- Q&A: Availability of B and W Tow and Stow Ball Mount for GM Multipro Tailgate and 2-1/2 inch Hitch
- Shop: InfiniteRule Locking Pins for B & W Tow and Stow 10K and 14.5K Ball Mounts - Qty 4
- Shop: B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount - Compatible with GM MultiPro Tailgate - 2.5" Hitch - 18K
- Shop: Gen-Y Torsion 2-Ball Mount w/ Stacked Receivers - 2-1/2" Hitch - 15" Drop - 21K
- Q&A: Is the ProPride Weight Distribution Really Better Than Other Systems
- Shop: Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12K GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Shop: Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Video: B&W Continuum Weight Distribution System Review
- Shop: Tonneau Cover
- Search Results: blue ox sway pro
- Search Results: sway pro
- Search Results: underslung coupler
- Article: How to Install a Weight Distribution Hitch (With Pictures & Video)
- Video: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit Installation - 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Video: Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution System Install - 2017 Forest River Grey Wolf Travel Trailer
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
on Weight Distribution Hitch
