Can Blue Ox SwayPro Rated For 2,000 lb Tongue Weight be Used on Multiple Smaller Trailers

Question:

Hello, I transport Fifth Wheel and Travel Trailers for a living. Because of the nature of the work, I often transport travel trailers ranging from 4k lbs. to 14k lbs. dry weight. I drove a 2015 Ram 3500 SRW for 4 years doing this and never used a weight distribution setup. With air bags on the truck and excellent heavy duty shocks, I never had a need for a WD setup. My new truck will be a 2021 Ram 3500 DRW and I will also have air bags installed on it as well. I had planned on hauling these travel trailers the same way I always have, with a 2-1/2 inch shank and 2-5/16 inch ball that is rated for what the truck is rated for at the receiver since I occasionally haul heavier bumper pull trailers outside of work that have occasionally exceeded 14k lbs. Well, now the company Im contracted through is requiring a WD setup regardless of truck and regardless of what size travel trailer were hauling. Im trying to avoid having to carry multiple hitches for work and personal use for trailers with a 2-5/16 inch tongue. So my question is, can I use this WD hitch for travel trailers safely that are far below its weight ratings? Thank you.

asked by: Paul

Expert Reply:

Technically, as long as the system will fit the trailers (have a frame height between 3" and 6"), even if they are much lighter you can use the SwayPro system you asked about with a 2,000 lb tongue weight rating:

- Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - Underslung - 20K GTW, 2K TW # BXW2003

The issue though, is that with a system rated so much higher than needed, the ride will be very stiff and rigid, and the trailer will bounce a lot to the point that it would be uncomfortable and excessive bounce on a trailer can - worst-case scenario - be dangerous. That said, the Blue Ox SwayPro systems are unique from others in that spring bars are interchangeable.

What that means is you don't have to carry multiple hitches, you could just use different-rated spring bars as need be. So you can use the 2,000 lb-rated bars, but depending on what trailer you are hauling, switch out the spring bars with any of the following:

- 1,000 lbs - 1,500 lbs Tongue Weight: Replacement Spring Bars for Blue Ox SwayPro # BXW4008

- 750 lbs - 1,000 lbs Tongue Weight: Replacement Spring Bars for Blue Ox SwayPro # BXW4007

- 550 lbs - 750 lbs Tongue Weight: Replacement Spring Bars for Blue Ox SwayPro # BXW4006

- 350 lbs - 550 lbs Tongue Weight: Replacement Spring Bars for Blue Ox SwayPro # BXW4005