Staff Answer
Oct 16, 2026 - 06:23 AM
No, the Blue Ox SwayPro hitch heads are not all identical, and yes, you can swap out different rate spring bars, but within certain structural design limits.
Hitch Head Differences
While many standard SwayPro heads share a similar overall architecture, Blue Ox manufactures different head variations or kits tailored to specific gross towing weight and tongue weight classes (such as standard-duty versus heavy-duty systems like the 20,000 lb high-capacity setups). Always verify the specific weight rating stamp or part number of your hitch head to ensure it matches your intended application.
Using Different Rate Spring Bars
Yes, you can swap out spring bars for different weight ratings on the same system, provided the bars match the physical receiver pockets on your hitch head and align with your trailer's actual tongue weight.
Blue Ox spring bars are categorized by tongue weight capacity and identified by a dot-code system stamped on the shank end:
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No Dots: 350 lbs
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1 Dot: 550 lbs
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2 Dots: 750 lbs
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3 Dots: 1,000 lbs
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4 Dots: 1,500 lbs
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5 Dots: 2,000 lbs
- If you change your trailer or cargo load, you can replace just the spring bars to match the new tongue weight, as long as you stay within the operational limits of your specific hitch head. Avoid using bars that are drastically under-rated or over-rated for your actual tongue weight, as this will result in poor weight distribution or an excessively harsh ride.
