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    Why are we told not to back up with the weight distribution hitch attached?

  • #2
    I thought it was more of a case to not have an external friction bar anti-sway device engaged when backing up. When backing a trailer up, you are able to get a sharper angle between the TV and the trailer as opposed to pulling forward. This means that you could potentially push the bar further than it can go, and put excessive pressure on the little ball that is used to connect the sway bar, potentially breaking it.

    Also when backing up on a sharp angle, be careful if your WDH has a wide profile 'side to side'. Ours is wide enough that if the angle is sharp enough, the hitch can start hitting the frame of the trailer. I have a couple small witness marks on the hitch head from one particular spot we were getting into...
    2019 Imagine 2400BH
    2019 F150 XLT Super Crew, EcoBoost, 6.5' box, Max tow package with 3.55 ratio

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    • #3
      Originally posted by arjerram View Post
      Why are we told not to back up with the weight distribution hitch attached?
      What WDH are you using?
      Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

      2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

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      • #4
        Most of the modern design ones, have no restrictions backing up with it still attached. The one I had on my TT had no restrictions, and never had any problems.

        There are obviously some that do have the restrictions, so do your research, and buy one that doesn't. One less thing to worry about.
        2021 GD Momentum 320G 8K Axle
        2023 Chevy 3500HD LTZ SB CC 4x4 Dmax

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        • #5
          I'm using a Blue Ox hitch, and it has no prohibitions against backing.

          Jim
          Jim and Ginnie
          2024 Solitude 310GK
          GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
          GDRV Rally Support Coordinator

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          • #6
            Originally posted by TucsonJim View Post
            I'm using a Blue Ox hitch, and it has no prohibitions against backing.

            Jim
            Depends on the Blue Ox model. The lowest end model (2-point) does NOT support backing up with WDH engaged. The middle (TrackPro) and top model (SwayPro) support backing up with WDH engaged.

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            • #7
              BLoflin -- I didn't know about that limitation. Out of curiousity I downloaded the installation instructions for the smallest of the Blue Ox lineup, the BXW0675 (2 point 600 lbs) at https://www.blueox.com/product/bxw06...tongue-weight/ . I also downloaded the literature available on the Blue Ox website and searched both documents for the words "back" and "reverse". Neither search turned up anything of note.

              Can you point me to a reference that shows the Blue Ox limitation? It's an important consideration!

              Howard
              Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

              2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

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              • #8
                Originally posted by BLoflin View Post

                Depends on the Blue Ox model. The lowest end model (2-point) does NOT support backing up with WDH engaged. The middle (TrackPro) and top model (SwayPro) support backing up with WDH engaged.
                Yeah, mine is the Sway Pro.

                Jim
                Jim and Ginnie
                2024 Solitude 310GK
                GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
                GDRV Rally Support Coordinator

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                • #9
                  We run the Sway Pro also and the only noise we hear is when we back into something.
                  Robert and Chris
                  2021 XLS 22MLE (somewhat factory stock)
                  2018 Silverado 1500 Z71 Crew Cab

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                  • #10
                    The only noises i ever heard with the Sway Pro was the bars pivoting or ball to coupler noise. Did it in both directions. Even with copious amounts of grease sometimes it's hard to get lubricant into the correct areas. Usually after a bit of travel the noise subsided.

                    The only issue I ever had with backing using the sway pro was radius. With it attached, the trailer would not "cut" as hard as fast, which lead to having to make multiple attempts some times.
                    Joseph
                    Tow
                    Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
                    Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
                    South of Houston Texas

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by arjerram View Post
                      Why are we told not to back up with the weight distribution hitch attached?
                      Which hitch are you using? An Equalizer hitch allows backing and adding the sway bracket jackets also eliminates all noise. Also on the Equalizer, the head (only) must be greased.

                      https://www.amazon.com/Equal-i-zer-9.../dp/B007HRJNIE

                      Jim

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                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Capt Bob View Post
                        We run the Sway Pro also and the only noise we hear is when we back into something.
                        I hate that noise....

                        2018 Dodge 3500 6.7 Cummins w Aisin and 9 cup holders
                        Not to brag or anything about my finances, but my bank calls me about every day to tell me my balance is OUTSTANDING!

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                        • #13
                          Originally posted by arjerram View Post
                          Why are we told not to back up with the weight distribution hitch attached?
                          IMHO, it has more to do with the extreme angles/pivoting that one does when backing/maneuvering into a spot. Depending on the WDH the arms would cross each other and cause binding maybe?
                          Bob P.
                          2018 F-350 CCLB 4X4 Dually
                          2020 337RLS
                          VIN last 8 L3326309

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