Does The Blue Ox Sway Pro BXW2003 Include a 2" or 2-1/2" Shank?

Question:

Does this come with a 2.5inch shank ? The video shows 2 inch? Does this come with multiple spring poles? Or sold separately? Can I use DT45508 RECIEVER with this BXW2003? Can I use C79NR ball mount with this BXW2003 ? How do I order options? Its going on a 2016 f350 reg cab and 8ft bed 6.2L flex fuel gas do I have to remove the 18inch rim full size spare tire permanently? If these items do not work please advise me on what to get.? Goal is 20000lb towing max and 2000lb tongue weight max? 2016 f350 super duty XL or XLT reg cab 8 ft bed 6.2l gas with 11300lb gvwr package

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

The Blue Ox SwayPro # BXW2003 you looked at includes a shank for a 2-1/2" hitch, so it'll work just fine with the Draw-Tite # DT45508 you have installed on your '16 Ford F-250.

This kit like all weight distribution hitches only includes one set of spring bars and is rated for 1,500 - 2,000lb tongue weight with the trailer loaded. You need to measure the actual tongue weight of the loaded trailer you'll be towing, as it needs to fall in the middle of the range above or you won't have a optimized system. If you find you need a different spring bar due to your total tongue weight being outside of this range just let me know and I'll get you the right spring bars for your trailer.

The # BXW2003 is also designed for an underslung coupler which is really only common on Jayco trailers, so chances are you need the # BXW2000 which is designed for standard couplers that mount to the top of the frame instead as that's what 90% of trailers use.

You need to stick with the included shank, and can't use ball mount # C79NR due to how the hitch head angle is adjusted, it needs a very specific shank.

The Draw-Tite # DT45508 won't require you to remove your spare tire, but it's only rated to 18,000lbs towing due to your truck not being rated to tow 18,000lbs. If you need to tow 20,000lbs you'll need a truck that's designed to tow that much. Based on what I can find from Ford the max a '16 F-350 gas is rated for, options depending, is 22,000lbs GCWR which is trailer weight plus vehicle weight so you'll be quite a bit under 18,000lbs max.