Will A WD Hitch For A 8,500 lb Trailer Work With A 3,500 lb Trailer?

Updated 09/12/2025 | Published 05/19/2025

Question:

I have a weight distribution hitch from my old 8500lb travel trailer. Can I use it on my new 3500lb travel trailer?

asked by: Jeff S

Expert Reply:

Hello Jeff, good question. The short answer is, probably not. All weight distribution (WD) hitches have a range of tongue weights they will work with, and you want to make sure your trailers weight falls within that specified range.

For example, the Blue Ox TrackPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control # BLU77FR will work on trailers with a tongue weight between 800 and 1,000 lbs. So this could be used on a 8,500 lb trailer, but would not work for a 3,500 lb trailer. The tongue weight would not be enough to put adequate tension on the spring bars, so you would not get good results.

What WD hitch do you have now?

In all likelihood you will need something different for the 3,500 lb trailer. What I recommend is the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control # BXW0550. This will work on trailers with a tongue weight between 350 and 550 lb so this would be much better suited for you.

The video I linked below will show you the SwayPro WD hitch in more detail.

Hit the reply button below and let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Blue Ox SwayPro
(click to enlarge)

Jesse M.

9/12/2025

Hey Jeff, did you have a chance to check the tongue weight of your new trailer to see if the SwayPro hitch would be a good fit? I'm here to help if you need more assistance with finding the right solution.