My Blue Ox Sway Pro Experience (Bad, but now resolved)

[freymann]

I bought a 19 foot trailer about 10 years ago and it came with the basic Reese Weight distribution bars and the anti sway bar and did the job.

We later upgraded to a heavier 21 foot travel trailer and brought the Reese system with us. I guess it worked ok.

Last year we upgraded again to a 26 foot TT after upgrading our tow vehicle (2008 Ford F150 XLT Crew CAb). The Reese system moved with us but I didn't feel it was doing a good job with the 26 footer so I decided, after changing TV again (to a 2010 Dodge Ram Quad Cab) that I still wasn't happy with the way the TT towed so I was going to buy a new weight distribution system with anti sway.

I had decided on looking at the Husky Centre Line, Eqaulizer, and Blue Ox Sway Pro.

I called a dealer that was recommended to me, Peterborough RV and discussed my 3 choices. Rick said he doesn't recommend the Husky at all, said they prefer the Equalizer and when I mentioned Blue Ox he said they have never installed one but have only heard great things about the company. My friend has the Blue Ox, same truck, and a 28 foot TT, so I decided to go with Blue Ox.

I arranged a time when we were camping in Peterborough to have the old Reese system removed and the new Blue Ox installed at the end of one our camping trip in the area. Peterborough RV said this was the first Blue Ox system they have installed in 17 years of being in the business.

The tech seemed to have issues with the driver's side rotating latch coming undone and rotating and dropping the chains and bar when he lowered the rig to check for level. I witnessed this twice during the installation. This was a Monday and the tech didn't seem to be a good mood at all that day.

After more than an hour I am told everything is fine and I can leave. No instructions provided.

It towed home very well and I felt pleased.

Get home and try to remove the thing? I end up with cuts and bruises and **** near a broken arm.

I find their rotating latches to be a real problem. Instead of facing the trailer frame, where you have lots of room and lots of leverage, you have to position your body facing the front of your trailer to get leverage to rotate the latch. On the other side you have to face the rear of your truck.

The little "wrench" they provide to rotate the latch is small and awkward and rides too close to the bar and trailer frame. It can be difficult to have your hand around the wrench and rotate it because there's no room for your hand when you rotate past the bar or trailer frame. This thing requires a good half rotation or more to lock or unlock, so it's pretty difficult to spin it without finding your hand or arms dangerously close to something.

Even raising the trailer and TV didn't seem to help out much here. Who wants to risk injury every time you hook up and disconnect?

Ok, so I figure maybe it's just me. When we leave on our next trip I am careful to try and not position the wrench where I can't get hurt. Easier said then done.

It was a struggle and was scary trying to work with this system and not injure yourself. Wearing gloves helps prevent srapes and scratches.

I made it through a couple trips but then found out when backing up, the driver's side latch would rotate and come undone, causing the bar to hit the ground, and if on grass or dirt, it would embed itself and you would have to drive the truck forward and have somebody pulling on the chains to get it lose and over far enough that you could remove it. Not too handy when on a busy path.

I called Peterborough RV a couple of times to let Rick know I wasn't very happy with the system. I suggested they remove it and install the Equalizer system instead. Rick said NO as the warehouse won't accept used returns. When I explained the above issues to him all he said was he would call Blue Ox and see what they advise. Oh boy.

After 2 days of waiting I called Blue Ox myself and they decided to ship me replacement latches. When I asked for a refund they said that was up to Peterborough RV not them.

The new rotating latches arrive and Fed-Ex wanted $60 in import fees. I refused delivery as why would I want to spend more money on a system I don't like?!

I call Blue Ox back. Now they tell me if I had made the payment they would have paid me back. Oh well. So they agree to send another.

In the meantime I continue to struggle with putting it on and taking it off and it continues to pop off the driver's side bar when I back up. I advise Peterborough RV but my concerns seem to fall upon deaf ears.

Second replacement package arrives, no extra fees from Fed-Ex. I remove the driver's side rotating latch and place it next to the new one. I can see right away that the locking pin is not doing the correct job on the original. It barely goes into the hole! Glad it never rotated while we were driving down the highway!

I install the replacement, call Blue Ox to tell them what I discovered, ask them to speak to Peterborough RV.

We just did our last trip last weekend and I'm still struggling with this system. It is not pleasant to hook up and even worse to take off.

I emailed Connor at Blue Ox to state how unsatisfied I am with this thing and I print a copy and write a short letter to Peterborough RV stating how disappointed I am with them, the dealer, for not standing behind what they sell.

My goal was to upgrade to the latest and greatest and instead I am stuck with a system that is dangerous and difficult to use.

Based on my experience, I cannot recommend the Blux Ox Sway Pro system and I certainly do not recommend Peterborough RV either.

I don't have $1100.00 CDN to throw away again but when I do have some bucks I will have Blue Ox system removed and something else installed in its place.

In the meantime I can only cross my fingers and hope I don't hurt myself when hooking up.

What a huge disappointment.

[freymann]

SoundGuy wrote:

hohenwald48 wrote:
The only person with a real vested interest in proper installation and adjustment is the owner/operator. If you don't want the responsibility of proper ownership and usage of your own RV equipment you might think about considering a different hobby. That's just the way it is. RV aren't cars, aren't built like cars, don't have the quality control of cars and would be completely out of most folks financial reach if they were.

Well put, couldn't agree more ... and one doesn't have to be an "expert" to achieve responsible RV ownership, just a bit of time and interest. :B

Maybe I'm reading these comments wrong, but I feel compelled to add one more post here...

We upgraded to our 4th travel trailer, 26 feet long. Each time we bought a new trailer the dealer involved, all different dealers, told me that my Reese Weight Distribution and anti sway bar system was fine.

I could tell, as the driver, that it wasn't "fine" with the most recent 26 footer (and over 2 different tow vehicles) and being the responsible RV owner I researched Weight Distribution and Anti Sway systems and came up with 3 I felt were worth looking at.

I then discussed my concerns that I was after a proper tow package with Peterborough RV, a model was chosen, and an appointment to have the old system removed and the new system installed was made.

You go to a Dentist to have your teeth cared for. I went to a RV Dealer to have my RV cared for. I was being responsible for my RV and the safety of my family and those on the highway with me.

After the install I could tell something was wrong with the system and I complained about it. The dealer wasn't interested but fortunately Blue Ox was, and wanted to ensure that I was a happy customer of theirs. My dealer? *shrugs* Beats me.

Now with some of my own leg work, some more research, and a good discussion on this forum, two issues were found and will be resolved. I've already had the ball raised 3 inches and now I'm working on exchanging the bars.

Mission accomplished.

Let's conclude this thread on a happy note 🙂 and be proud that the RV.NET forums has helped another RV'er and possibly other RV'ers in the future that may find themselves in a similar situation and can read our content and learn from it.

[TomG2]

I agree. No argument here. I do my own work and those that can't should find another hobby. Don't tell the two brothers that run my local dealership that their work needs your supervision though. They will hand you the tools and walk away.

[SoundGuy]

hohenwald48 wrote:
The only person with a real vested interest in proper installation and adjustment is the owner/operator. If you don't want the responsibility of proper ownership and usage of your own RV equipment you might think about considering a different hobby. That's just the way it is. RV aren't cars, aren't built like cars, don't have the quality control of cars and would be completely out of most folks financial reach if they were.

Well put, couldn't agree more ... and one doesn't have to be an "expert" to achieve responsible RV ownership, just a bit of time and interest. :B

[hohenwald48]

I have seen more improperly installed/adjusted WDH systems than I can count. Most were installed and adjusted by an RV dealership. Most were probably installed by a tech who had no factory or manufacturer training and had no real idea as to the function or operation of a WDH.

The only person with a real vested interest in proper installation and adjustment is the owner/operator. If you don't want the responsibility of proper ownership and usage of your own RV equipment you might think about considering a different hobby. That's just the way it is. RV aren't cars, aren't built like cars, don't have the quality control of cars and would be completely out of most folks financial reach if they were.

[TomG2]

I can overhaul a V-8 Chevrolet engine, repair brakes, and install any WD hitch ever built, but my friends don't have that interest or ability. They use dealers for their expertise and trust them based on their reputation and experience. I still contend that this thread would not have even have one full page if the OP had purchased a hitch that the Dealer was familiar with. Whether the OP knew the difference between a wheel bearing or a strut. Some people know all there is about RVing and they are on here.

[trail-explorer]

this thread is spiraling out of control fast.... just sayin'

[SoundGuy]

SoundGuy wrote:
...snip...... it's clear to me that one would always be much further ahead investing a bit of time trying to first understand the issue(s) at hand and not by relying entirely on "the dealer" to solve them for us.

TomG2 wrote:
Not everyone has the mechanical aptitude and/or tools to become expert in all phases of RVing. Should they be required to sit at home?

And just where did I say anything about any RV owner being an "expert in all phases of RVing" or anything about "sitting at home"? Typical forum exaggeration. :S

[TomG2]

SoundGuy wrote:
...snip...... it's clear to me that one would always be much further ahead investing a bit of time trying to first understand the issue(s) at hand and not by relying entirely on "the dealer" to solve them for us.

Not everyone has the mechanical aptitude and/or tools to become expert in all phases of RVing. Should they be required to sit at home? Half my Single Group would not be qualified to set up a weight distributing hitch. And that is just the men. Most are smart enough to choose a good dealer who is familiar with their purchases.

The tipoff was when the tech acted like he was in a bad mood while installing the hitch. It was time to call "Time out" and talk to a manager

[SoundGuy]

wowens79 wrote:
The "shame" is the fact that many retailers/salespeople have very little product knowledge. This case was a little different since the OP had his dealer get him something that was out of his normal products. Although since the dealer sold and installed it, he should have took the time to make sure it was done correctly.

Also it was a good chance for the dealer to learn, and try a new product without the risk of ordering something that he might be stuck with.

The difficulty I have with this common forum rhetoric is the clumping together of everyone who may work at an RV dealership as "the dealer", as in "the dealer did this" or "the dealer failed to do that". RV dealerships everywhere are staffed by individuals, all with varying degrees of skill and knowledge so the answer(s) one may get at any given time will largely depend on the individual with whom one is dealing with. Not everyone who works at one of these dealerships even owns an RV of their own, in fact many dealerships often have hardly anyone at all who actually camps on a regular basis. Whether we as consumers like it or not the reality is that most often we'll end up dealing with staff who are there working 40, 50, 60 hrs a week just trying to earn a living selling, servicing, or selling parts for RVs, and not necessarily anyone who has a passion for the sport. Given this, it's clear to me that one would always be much further ahead investing a bit of time trying to first understand the issue(s) at hand and not by relying entirely on "the dealer" to solve them for us.

[RevStarscream]

freymann wrote:

lots2seeinmyrv wrote:

We have had ours for 5 years with no problems. We do not jack up the trailer to install or uninstall it. Ours was flipped and mounted different than yours.

Have you emailed your pictures to Blue Ox? We like ours, it is quiet, easy to install and works well.

Yes I did. At first their email server blocked the email so I posted them on ***Link Removed*** where they could see them. Although come to think of it, the pictures I was showing at the time were just of the rotating latches so they could see how the locking pin wasn't engaging fully.

Hmmmm. mine may be mounted upside down, as is teh OP's. I looked at pics and video and the support bracket usually appears as your does.

here's mine.



Edit: in this vid, just after the two minute mark the reviewer says it can go either way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLDhAYw943U

[RevStarscream]

The first time I used mine I had a hard time getting the bars off (the dealer had hooked it up). Then I had a hard time getting enough links in the holder to really be set up properly. But on my second try at disconnecting it I did as others have said and raised the trailer to take the weight off and it disconnected easily. Did the same to hook it up and drive it away and it was so easy. It also towed like a charm. For a minute there I thought, oh boy, I'm going to have to struggle with this thing every time I use it. But after a little trial and error I now have no worries about it. I do remove the sway bars before I back up. I was told I don't have to, but I guess I worry about bending something.

To teh OP, sorry your experience has not been as pleasant as many.

[Retired_JSO]

You said you tighten the chains to get the trailer and TV level. That may be your problem too. Our F250 squats a bit along with the host of out 25' trailer. Our trailer sticker it was 6600 dry with a tongue weight of 900. BOSP with 1500 bars would not level anything. We used the 2000lb bars and are still squatting but it tows fine.

[wowens79]

SoundGuy wrote:

proxim2020 wrote:
Don't take my comments the wrong way. I know this is all new to you and you're still learning. We've all been there at some point.

Actually if you read the OP's original post you'll note he's not a newbie at all, having owned travel trailers previously, also equipped with weight distribution. I also have to disagree with another poster's comment that it's a "shame" that as RV owners we need to have some understanding of how the various systems work. The reality is that we all need to take a certain degree of ownership for our rigs, including the importance of understanding trailer gross weight, trailer gross tongue weight, and how that relates to weight distribution. For any trailer owner to not have any idea at all how much their trailer typically weighs when loaded for camping nor it's related gross tongue weight and to rely solely on a dealer to tell them is just inviting the sort of errors the OP has described. Critical I suppose but one might reasonably aruge the OP's Sway Pro issues were self induced, which is particularly unfortunate as he still hasn't modified the title of his thread discussion that as it is now reflects badly on Blue Ox which as we now know after all these pages of discussion bear no blame at all for the OP's unfortunate experience.

I may not have worded my comment about "shame" correctly. I do think we as consumers have a responsibility to be informed. I'm a reseachaholic and I know about a product before I purchase it. The "shame" is the fact that many retailers/salespeople have very little product knowledge. This case was a little different since the OP had his dealer get him something that was out of his normal products. Although since the dealer sold and installed it, he should have took the time to make sure it was done correctly.

Also it was a good chance for the dealer to learn, and try a new product without the risk of ordering something that he might be stuck with. It's a popular hitch that most seem to really like. I've been very happy with mine, but it's my first WDH

[SoundGuy]

proxim2020 wrote:
Don't take my comments the wrong way. I know this is all new to you and you're still learning. We've all been there at some point.

Actually if you read the OP's original post you'll note he's not a newbie at all, having owned travel trailers previously, also equipped with weight distribution. I also have to disagree with another poster's comment that it's a "shame" that as RV owners we need to have some understanding of how the various systems work. The reality is that we all need to take a certain degree of ownership for our rigs, including the importance of understanding trailer gross weight, trailer gross tongue weight, and how that relates to weight distribution. For any trailer owner to not have any idea at all how much their trailer typically weighs when loaded for camping nor it's related gross tongue weight and to rely solely on a dealer to tell them is just inviting the sort of errors the OP has described. Critical I suppose but one might reasonably aruge the OP's Sway Pro issues were self induced, which is particularly unfortunate as he still hasn't modified the title of his thread discussion that as it is now reflects badly on Blue Ox which as we now know after all these pages of discussion bear no blame at all for the OP's unfortunate experience.

[Community Alumni]

SoundGuy wrote:

TomG2 wrote:
And thethe moral of this story is? Buy products from dealers who are familiar with them instead of a one off sale.

Actually the real moral to the story is to fully understand what you're buying, how it's intended to work, and what it takes to install properly even if you don't intend to do the installation yourself. 😉

I have to agree. Before I bought my Blue Ox, I watched quite a few videos on it's operation and installation. I also read the manual a couple of times. I was prepared to install it myself until the dealer offered to do it for me. It was their first time installing one and they followed the direction the T. I know because I saw the guys reading the manual as they installed it lol. I still double checked their work before I pulled away and haven't had a problem with it's operation since.

OP - Being off by 3 inches isn't a little off, it's a lot. The instructions say that the height of the ball and the leveled coupler have to be within 0"-1" of each other. Sounds like they just eye balled it. Those 1500 lbs bars will be a lot more helpful than those 1000 lbs based on your published dry weight.

Don't take my comments the wrong way. I know this is all new to you and you're still learning. We've all been there at some point.