mjac

I have decided to use a WDH on my ~3800 lb loaded hybrid trailer. Using a max 15% because the trailer is tall and lifted for better ground clearance, max tongue wt will come in at ~670 lbs (including/allowing 100 lbs for the WDH)

I have an opportunity to buy a Blue OX Swaypro with 1500 lb spring bars. I realize its way over what the rig requires, but its priced very well and local to me.

My question is: Am I going too far? What problems will I encounter? Should I scrap the deal and seek out another WDH? Recommendations are welcome.

Or scrap using any WDH?

I have poured over numerous threads here but I have not found any info related to my rather light tongue weight.

TIA

Trek1

I have a Blue Ox Sway Pro WDH, that I use to pull my Open Range travel trailer, and am very pleased with it. The 1500 lb spring bars are certainly overkill for your trailer, and most likely result in a overly harsh ride. Spring bars are replaceable, so if the price is right and you think there is a possibly you might upgrade to a larger trailer later, it might be a good purchase. Additionally, there is a market for used Blue Ox spring bars, so you might be able to sell or trade yours on eBay or Craigslist.

charles_slc

I'd contact BlueOx and ask...

My guess is they will tell you to go with 550# bars.

As I understand it, having the wrong bars will mess up the anti-sway properties.

smokeywren

You should be fine with that hitch. You simply do not tighten the spring bars as tight as they will go. You tighten the spring bars only tight enough to bring the front fender well of the tow vehicle down to the same distance from the ground it was without a trailer.

My WD hitch also has 1500 pound spring bars and my hitch weight is about 750 pounds including the weight of the WD hitch. No problem. Simply tighten the spring bars to match the hitch weight, and all is well. I've towed my TT from coast to coast and border to border with no notice of anything wrong with my hitch or setup.

However, if you want to have lighter spring bars, they are available. For your hitch weight, you'd want spring bars rated 750 pounds. Here they are for the Blue Ox SwayPro:


Yep, not free. About $200. But if you get a really-good deal on the used SwayPro hitch, then $200 for the different spring bars should not break the bank.

A good thing about Blue Ox SwayPro hitch is you can change the TW rating without having to change anything other than the spring bars. Same with the Husky CenterLine HD, but not with most good WD hitches.

But before you spend that $200, tow your trailer on a long RV trip with the 1,500 pound spring bars, properly adjusted to match your actual hitch weight. Then I'll bet you don't bother spending that $200.

No way! If your hitch weight might be over 500 pounds, then you must tow with a WD hitch. And I personally would recommend a WD hitch for any hitch weight over about 250 pounds.

feifel

iTrader: (3)

The blue ox will not preform properly with those bars that's why they offer different sizes

mjac

Thanks to all who replied on and off list. I have made an offer on the Blue OX. Its an older style with head adjustment.

mjac

Well I stole it, I mean I bought it. Its heavy.

The good news is it came with an extra set of NIB 1500# bars. These will probably go to fleabay to fund smaller set of bars if I need them.

The bad news is the clamp on latches are not the ratcheting latching type and the head is adjustable.

I can not find any info on how to set up the head or how to use the chain latches.
Anyone have any instructions for this antique? Or point me to a web source of info?

What did I buy?

TIA

smokeywren

I would go to Blue Ox and ask them.


Contact Blue Ox
Toll Free: 800-228-9289
Phone: 402-385-3051
After hours: 800-566-9869
Fax: 402-385-3360
Email: info@blueox.com


http://www.blueox.com/contact-us/

mjac

Thanks wren.
Chad at Blue Ox was very helpful id'ing my Blur Ox hitch and is sending instructions. I learned a lot from our conversation.
I can use the newer ratchet latches if I decide to get them, however bars sized with the dot system will not work with this 6~7 year old head I have. I would have to find bars with the weight number stamped on them. Weight number stamped bars are no longer in production.

Boulevard

Keep the 1500 lb bars. I to have an older Blue Ox like yours and I had bought the 750 lb bars for a 6000 pound trailer....they were bent before you could say WTF. I am now using the 1500 lb bars on a 6000 lb trailer and they are working really well. To me, Smokeywren is right, stay with the bars or at least try them out.

I have found that a harsh ride and bucking has more to do with set up than big bars but it would't hurt to move as much weight as you can too the front of the trailer and let the bars do the rest.