Why are we told not to back up with the weight distribution hitch attached?
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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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Originally posted by arjerram View PostWhy are we told not to back up with the weight distribution hitch attached?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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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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Originally posted by TucsonJim View PostI'm using a Blue Ox hitch, and it has no prohibitions against backing.
Jim
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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!
HowardForum 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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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.
JimJim and Ginnie
2024 Solitude 310GK - 2020 F350 Dually
GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
GDRV Rally Support Coordinator
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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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Originally posted by arjerram View PostWhy are we told not to back up with the weight distribution hitch attached?
https://www.amazon.com/Equal-i-zer-9.../dp/B007HRJNIE
Jim
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Originally posted by arjerram View PostWhy are we told not to back up with the weight distribution hitch attached?Bob P.
2018 F-350 CCLB 4X4 Dually
2020 337RLS
VIN last 8 L3326309
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