How to Select Correct Weight Distribution Spring Bars to Match Trailer Tongue Weight

Updated 05/15/2019 | Published 05/13/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Spring Bars for Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution System - 750 lbs TW

(27)

$270.65

Replacement Spring Bars for Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution System - 1,000 lbs TW

(56)

$238.35

Question:

I have an unloaded trailer with tongue weight of 456Lbs according to travel trailer data sheet. I would imagine after loading travel trailer with misc stuff like tools, hoses, grill, pots and pans etc, the tongue weight will be more. Any idea which spring bar set up id need?

asked by: Scott N

Expert Reply:

Weight distribution system bars like the Blue Ox Sway Pro # BXW4006 all work well over a range of loaded trailer tongue weight (TW). These particular bars are suited for a trailer with a loaded TW of 550 to 750-lbs. All Blue Ox bars are shown on the linked page.

If you trailer's dry hitch weight is 456-lbs, then by the time you load your gear and supplies and fill your water and/or propane tanks it is quite likely you'll be in the range of 650 to 700-lbs TW. In this case these bars would be just right. If your TW were to be more like 800-lbs then you'd want to use spring bars # BXW4007.

Do note that any cargo that sits behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle will act like trailer TW and it needs to be factored in when you select a system or new spring bars. Let's say your actual loaded trailer TW is 600-bs and you have a 100-lb generator in the back of the truck; this means your total effective TW becomes 700-lbs.

We do offer a scale # e99044 that takes all the guesswork out of the selecting the right WD system. Just load your trailer with your usual mix of cargo items and measure. The ideal situation is that your actual fully-loaded TW will fall somewhere in the middle of the system's range.

expert reply by: Adam R