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Hemling's avatar
Hemling
Explorer
Jul 26, 2017

Blue Ox Swaypro how many links?

How many chain links do you tighten your Blue Ox Swaypro to? Please include truck and trailer details. I have a ~9,000 lb loaded 38' tt behind an Excursion. I've experimented with different settings and mine seems to tow well at 9 links tension (the 9th link is the one held in the perch). Does adding more tension distribute more weight to the front AND tighten up the sway control? If not, how do you adjust for more sway control, or can't you? I feel like I'm at a good point with weight distribution but if it's possible to get more sway control that would be nice.
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  • NWnative's avatar
    NWnative
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2017
    7TH link from the unattached end for my setup. Have 4 1/2 showing when hooked and latched.
  • coolbreeze01's avatar
    coolbreeze01
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2017
    Raise enough with the jack and chains can be latched/unlatched with your fingers. No pressure, no danger.
  • ricks99's avatar
    ricks99
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2017
    This may be a silly question.... when you say on the 9th or 10th link, are you counting from the open chain end or from the end attached to the weight bar?
  • Hemling's avatar
    Hemling
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2017
    It's all about the tension on the chains. Just like raising the hitch with the trailer makes it easier to crank the tension up when hitching, doing the same when unhitching makes it less 'explosive' when releasing. I can never get by without a mild concussive blast though. And it's impossible to do with the propane cover on.
  • Atlee's avatar
    Atlee
    Explorer II
    Jul 27, 2017
    I was having the same problem. However, someone on here advised to use a 2 ft breaker bar instead of that thing called a "wrench"
    supplied by Blue OX. Between that and raising the truck/trailer further up, the last time I released the bars, it was pretty civilized.

    My Blue Ox instructions said start with the 9th link.

    Hemling wrote:
    Yeah I'm afraid I'm going to detonate my propane tank with the force of the unlatching sometimes.
  • Hemling's avatar
    Hemling
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2017
    Yeah I'm afraid I'm going to detonate my propane tank with the force of the unlatching sometimes.
  • Walaby's avatar
    Walaby
    Explorer II
    Jul 27, 2017
    Im at 9, but each vehicle is different. You should set it up per the instructions. If you want to experiment and go from 9 to 10, go for it.

    Adding tension would add more weight up front, but shouldn't change sway control.

    Mike
  • 73guna's avatar
    73guna
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2017
    I think the Blue ox directions say take it to the 10th length.
    More links distribute more weight.
    My trailer pulls/rides best on 10, but is down right dangerous when rotating latches during hook/unhook.
    I keep it on 9.
    Try it on the 10th link and see how it pulls.
    You may have to adjust the ball height if the hitch rides nose high.

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