The Blue Ox Sway Pro is one of the most popular and highly rated trailer sway control systems on the market. With its innovative design and patented technology, Blue Ox touts the Sway Pro as the ultimate solution for preventing trailer sway and improving towing stability.
However, as with any product, the Sway Pro has received its fair share of complaints from users over the years. In this comprehensive article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the most common Blue Ox Sway Pro problems reported by consumers and RV owners.
Problems With Blue Ox Sway Pro
Here is a list of these complaints:
- Sway Not Eliminated Completely
- Noise When Towing
- Difficult Adjustment and Installation
- Durability and Quality Control Issues
- Lack of Compatibility
- Inadequate Support for Heavy Trailers
- Failure to Fix Extreme Sway
- Short Lifespan of Parts
- Insufficient Tow Vehicle Braking
Let’s talk about these problems in detail:
- Complaint #1: Sway Not Eliminated Completely
One of the most common complaints with the Blue Ox Sway Pro is that it does not fully eliminate trailer sway, especially in high winds or when large vehicles pass.
The pendulum system helps counteract sway forces, but it does not anchor the trailer as firmly as a traditional anti-sway bar.
Many customers find that the Sway Pro reduces sway significantly, but their trailer still has some mild rocking or movement when towing.
For RV owners who bought the Sway Pro expecting their trailer to tow like it’s on rails, anything short of completely eliminating sway is disappointing.
The Sway Pro improves towing stability, but realistically some sway will persist.
Also Read: Differences Between Heavy Hitch And Piranha Tooth Bars.
- Complaint #2: Noise When Towing
A number of owners report excessive noise coming from the Sway Pro unit during towing. This is typically described as a clanking or rattling sound as the pendulum swings back and forth.
The noise tends to be most pronounced at low speeds or when starting/stopping.
Some noise is to be expected given the mechanical nature of the pendulum design. But too much noise can be an annoyance and sign that something is wrong. In some cases, the noise is caused by a defective unit or the need for lubrication and maintenance.
Adjusting the telescoping arms can also help minimize noise on bumpy roads.
- Complaint #3: Difficult Adjustment and Installation
While Blue Ox touts an easy 15-minute installation for the Sway Pro, many customers report significant difficulty getting the unit adjusted properly and installed correctly on their trailer.
This is especially true for fifth wheel trailers, which present some unique installation challenges.
Users cite issues getting the telescoping arms extended to the proper length and keeping the unit level. The pendulum also needs to be adjusted front-to-back so it sits near vertical at rest. If any parts are off, it can affect performance.
The mounting brackets also have a steep learning curve. Taking the time to adjust everything just right is critical, but not always easy for DIY installers.
- Complaint #4: Durability and Quality Control Issues
Some complaints mention issues with durability and quality control on Sway Pro units. Specifically, there are reports of the telescoping arms jamming or slipping, plastic parts cracking, and metal components rusting out faster than expected.
Given the moving parts and mechanical nature of the device, it’s not unreasonable to expect occasional quality defects or durability problems. But multiple complaints about parts failing or seizing up prematurely mean quality control could use improvement.
Careful inspection of parts and materials before installation is a must.
- Complaint #5: Lack of Compatibility
A smaller subset of owners run into compatibility issues when trying to install the Sway Pro on their specific trailer. This is especially common with fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers that may have unique frame dimensions or limited space for mounting the unit.
There are also isolated reports of the Sway Pro not fitting certain hitch receiver sizes properly. Users with non-standard hitches may run into fit issues.
Blue Ox does provide some guidance for compatibility, but measuring your individual trailer is important before purchasing. Lack of compatibility requires finding a different sway control option.
Also Read: Comparison of B&W Gooseneck and Curt Hitch.
- Complaint #6: Inadequate Support for Heavy Trailers
Some owners report that the Blue Ox Sway Pro does not provide enough sway control for larger, heavier trailers.
Even when installed correctly, the pendulum system may struggle to stabilize trailers over 8,000 or 9,000 pounds.
Heavy fifth wheels or travel trailers tend to overpower the Sway Pro’s capabilities.
Upgrading to a heavier duty sway control system is recommended for large trailers.
- Complaint #7: Failure to Fix Extreme Sway
In severe cases of trailer sway, such as when descending steep grades or being passed by large trucks, the Blue Ox Sway Pro may not prevent extreme sway. The forces exerted on the trailer can simply be too great for the Sway Pro to counteract completely.
This results in scary fish-tailing of the trailer even with the Sway Pro installed. Adding supplementary sway controls provides a backup protection.
- Complaint #8: Short Lifespan of Parts
Some Sway Pro owners mention that certain component parts like the bushings, telescoping arms, and pivot brackets wear out faster than expected. Replacing these parts to keep the Sway Pro working properly gets expensive after a few years.
Using the Sway Pro in harsh driving climates seems to accelerate wear too. Improved materials could help extend the service life.
- Complaint #9: Insufficient Tow Vehicle Braking
A properly functioning trailer brake controller is essential to utilize the full potential of the Blue Ox Sway Pro. But some complaints mention inadequate trailer braking when towing, especially downhill.
This puts more pressure on the Sway Pro. Integrating the Sway Pro with a high-quality brake controller and properly adjusted trailer brakes enhances the sway prevention.
Tips for Improving Performance and Satisfaction
While many RV owners are very happy with their Blue Ox Sway Pro units, the above complaints show there can be some drawbacks or hassles involved too. Here are some tips for improving performance and satisfaction if you experience any issues:
- Take time to adjust and install properly – don’t rush this critical step
- Inspect all parts closely for defects before installing
- Lubricate moving parts to reduce noise
- Confirm compatibility before purchasing
- Have realistic expectations for sway reduction
- Consider adding a supplemental anti-sway accessory for maximum stability
With proper setup and realistic expectations, the Blue Ox Sway Pro can significantly improve towing stability and sway control. But it may not fully eliminate all trailer movement in all conditions.
Also Read: Comparison of Andersen And Blue Ox Hitch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Blue Ox Sway Pro is one of the highest rated and most innovative anti-sway hitches, but it’s not perfect. When installed and adjusted properly, the Blue Ox Sway Pro is very effective at reducing trailer sway compared to a standard hitch. However, it may not fully eliminate all sway, especially in high winds. It also requires careful installation and has some potential downsides like noise. For most users it greatly improves stability, but your experience can vary.
The Blue Ox Sway Pro uses a patented pendulum weight system that counteracts sway forces on the trailer. As the trailer starts to sway side-to-side, the weighted pendulum arm swinging in the opposite direction applies an equal and opposite force to stabilize the trailer. This creates resistance against the sway motion and helps keep the trailer towing straight.
Anti-sway bars can be an effective solution for controlling trailer sway. The bars provide a rigid connection between the tow vehicle and trailer that limits side-to-side movement. This helps prevent the trailer from swaying at higher speeds, during passing vehicles, and in windy conditions. Sway bars need to be properly adjusted and allow some flexibility. For best results, use sway bars in conjunction with hitch adapters that also deter sway forces.
There is no definitive “best” type of sway control system. The ideal solution depends on your specific trailer setup and needs. But some of the most effective options include:
1. Integrated hitches like the Blue Ox Sway Pro with built-in sway prevention
2. Supplemental anti-sway bars that connect the tow vehicle and trailer
3. Adjustable hitch ball mounts to ensure proper tow angle
4. Weight distribution hitches that transfer weight to front axle of vehicle
5. Suspension enhancements like leaf spring stiffeners
A dual or multi-point system that combines a sway-minimizing hitch with a separate anti-sway accessory often provides the maximum control.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Blue Ox Sway Pro remains one of the top-rated and most innovative sway control systems despite some potential complaints. When set up properly and with realistic expectations, the Sway Pro effectively enhances towing stability for most trailers.
But every product has its limitations, and install challenges can prevent the Sway Pro from reaching its full potential benefit in all applications. Understanding common issues reported by users can help determine if the Blue Ox Sway Pro is the right solution for your trailer.
