The Blue Ox SwayPro has been linked to injuries caused by the force of its rotating latch wrench that is used to unhook the product’s spring bars. The Minnesota products liability Attorneys at Goldenberg Lauricella are currently investigating cases where individuals have been injured after using the Blue Ox SwayPro. Contact us today for a free Blue Ox SwayPro lawsuit consultation.
The Blue Ox SwayPro is a weight distribution hitch manufactured by Blue Ox. . It is used for towing recreational vehicles. The SwayPro consists of a hitch mount and two steel spring bars that are attached the trailer. The spring bars attach to the trailer with chains connected to a rotating latch on each side. These latches are under tension from the weight of the trailer.
Blue Ox SwayPro
Weight Of Trailer Puts Extreme Tension On Spring Bars
The danger with this product comes when attempting to unhook the spring bars after you arrive with your camper at your destination. Unhooking the spring bars allows you to separate the trailer from your vehicle. However, the weight of the trailer creates significant tension on the spring bars that must be alleviated when unhooking from the rotating latches. In addition to the weight of the trailer, the tension on the spring bars is dependent on several factors, including:
- How level the ground is;
- How high your trailer is elevated;
- What is holding the trailer wheels;
- How many loops of chain you use; and
- The truck you’re using
The SwayPro instructions do not include detailed instructions for many of the conditions required to safely unhook the spring bars.
When unhooking the chains from the rotating latch, a large, heavy metal wrench resembling a tire iron is used. At first, the tension in the rotating latch will pull against you, requiring the operator to pull the wrench against this force. However, once the rotating latch goes over center, the force of the wrench will powerfully shift to the opposite direction. This sudden shift causes the metal wrench to abruptly, and without warning, swing towards your face. There have been multiple facial fractures linked to the wrench’s forceful change of direction.
SwayPro Locking Pin Removal Puts Operator In Danger
Compounding this problem in the design of the SwayPro is an issue in the design of the locking pin. The locking pin is intended to keep the rotating latches from unhooking while you are driving. During the unhooking process, this pin needs to be pulled after you start putting pressure on the wrench and held open before the latches can be turned. This puts the operator in greater danger, as they now have only one hand on the wrench and need to be even closer to the wrench to pull the pin.
These two issues result in a product that requires an operator to put their face close to a heavy metal wrench that will suddenly swing the opposite direction with tremendous force. As a result, there is an elevated risk of the wrench striking the operator with the tension of a massive camper or trailer.
Blue Ox SwayPro Injuries
Injuries linked to the Blue Ox SwayPro hitch system include:
- Fractured jaw
- Fractured nose
- Fractured facial bones
- Concussion
- Traumatic Brain Injury
Minnesota Recreational Vehicle Injury Attorneys
The Minnesota recreational vehicle attorneys at Goldenberg Lauricella are currently representing individuals who have been injured by the Blue Ox SwayPro hitch system. We have over 37 years of experience litigating complex products liability cases. We have the experience you need to pursue a case for the injuries you suffered from using the Blue Ox SwayPro hitch for your recreational vehicle. Contact us today at 1-800-903-1643 for a free Blue Ox SwayPro Lawsuit consultation.