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partimcmpr's avatar
partimcmpr
Explorer
Jul 20, 2015

Blue Ox Sway Pro BXW2000 - shank size

I have a new trailer which has a heavy tongue weight(TW). Having used the older sway pro in the past, I decided to go with the Blue OX Sway Pro BXW2000. It came with a 2 1/2 inch weight distribution shank. My installing dealer had just installed a truck hitch with a 2 inch receiver. Try as I may, I just cannot get that 2 1/2 inch shank in the 2 inch receiver! ;)

When checking the TW specs on the various shanks, I am finding conflicting information for the shanks. The BXW2000 ships with the 2 1/2 inch shank, so I would hope it is rated for up to 2000 lbs. tongue weight. But I have also found it listed on the blue ox web site at 1500lbs. TW. I have also found the 2 inch shank listed at both 1500 and 2000 pounds TW.

Anyone done research on this, or know for sure if the 2 shank can support 2000 pounds TW?

Anyone using the BXW2000 with the 2 1/2 shank? Or with a 2 inch shank?

Thanks in advance!

ParTimCmpr
  • BadDogPSD's avatar
    BadDogPSD
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2015
    Typically the 2 1/2" receivers have a higher weight rating than the 2" receivers, but some newer 2" receiver hitches also have high weight ratings.

    My SwayPro is scheduled to be delivered Monday. I'm hoping it has the 2 1/2" shank as my F350 has the 2 1/2" receiver.

    On my truck, using the reducer sleeve lowers the max tongue & tow weights by quite a bit.

    ** UPDATE ** My SwayPro BWX2000 came with the 2 1/2" shank.
  • partimcmpr's avatar
    partimcmpr
    Explorer
    Jul 23, 2015
    carringb wrote:
    My understanding is the whole hitch is rated for 2,000/20,000 pounds except for the lower rated spring bars, so those can be just swapped out if the trailer gets heavier.


    The confusion was because many websites show the shanks as having a lower rating. The previous sway pro was limited to 15000/1500, but the new sway pro has the 20000/2000 capability. The pages for the shank have not been consistently updated as far as I can tell.
  • partimcmpr's avatar
    partimcmpr
    Explorer
    Jul 23, 2015
    I think that is why the made the 2 1/2 inch shank - so you would not have to use the spacer. My installing dealer hates hitches with 2 1/2 receivers. I am not sure what really requires them. I hope I did not make a mistake letting him put a 2 inch receiver on. The hitch meets my weight requirements so I think I will be OK with it.
  • sncraig's avatar
    sncraig
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2015
    wish i lived close to you, I would trade. My 2"shank is coming today and wish i had a 2.5" so I don't have to use the spacer but the extra $$ didn't out weigh the use of the spacer.
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2015
    My understanding is the whole hitch is rated for 2,000/20,000 pounds except for the lower rated spring bars, so those can be just swapped out if the trailer gets heavier.
  • partimcmpr's avatar
    partimcmpr
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2015
    After several calls to Blue Ox, they tell me the 2 inch shank is fine for the 2000 pound TW. I asked about the reason for the 2 and half inch shank, and they said they did it because many OEM hitch receivers are 2 1/2 and people were asking for it.
  • BenK's avatar
    BenK
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2015
    If the installing dealer also sold the BlueOx...then I'd have them replace
    the receiver with a 2.5' receiver...

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