Community Forums

fsudelt · 10-29-2019, 11:36 AM

We have had our current Blue Ox tow bar for about 4-5 years now. What should the useful life be on one, or how long do most keep one before replacing it?

Thanks!

twojayhawks · 10-29-2019, 11:51 AM

Doubt there is only one answer for this question. I don't full time & my NSA Ready Brute Elite is over 10 years old. It's in great shape & I'm not planning to replace any time soon. I did send it back 3 years ago to have it checked out etc.

Mr_D · 10-29-2019, 11:55 AM

I've seen on this forum that some manufacturers are refusing to rebuild some models after 10 years.

TJ · 10-29-2019, 12:02 PM

Most tow bars (Blue Ox included) are rated at about 8-10 years useful life. They can be rebuilt. If/when your tow bar starts to feel a bit loose/sloppy, it is time for a rebuild.

Our tow bar (Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain) is five years old with about 20K miles of towing on it. It is still tight and I inspect it annually for cracks, looseness, binding, etc. Here's a link to what Roadmaster recommends for its tow bars.

https://www.roadmasterinc.com/produc..._of_towbar.php

I suspect Blue Ox would probably make the same recommendation.

TJ

Stealth01 · 10-29-2019, 12:02 PM

Interesting question... Blue OX does not have or provide an “Expected Life” figure! When I asked the question, their reply was “it depends...”. It depends on: How has it been Maintained/Used/Stored, How much weight does it pull, How many turns has it made (I found that one interesting), Have the washers been replaced when worn? I think the answer you seek will be found when the Tow Bar is inspected! I know I damn near had a heart attack when I found my 7 year old RoadMaster Tow Bar cracked!

fsudelt · 10-29-2019, 12:20 PM

Thanks everyone, I know it’s an open ended question but was curious on others. I’m attending the Newmar rally at Tampa RV show with the primary reason to have my Blue Ox tow bar serviced (as I have not yet had them look at it since purchase).

GMDLA · 10-29-2019, 01:01 PM

I have an old Demco tow bar era 1996. After 20 years, I called to see if they would refurbish. Their first question was what's wrong with it. Sent it in and completely overhauled for about $100, they paid shipping back. I figure I have 15 years or so left. Side note, this is old school heavy duty.
So, it depends.

TonyMac · 10-29-2019, 01:23 PM

My Blue Ox was over 20 years old when I replaced it. It was mounted on the front of my toad and covered for all of its life. It had a minor malfunction that did not result in a separation, but damaged the towbar, so rather than fix a 20 year old toad mounted towbar, I put an 8 year-old inherited RV mounted towbar into use.

96 Wideglide · 10-29-2019, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMDLA

I have an old Demco tow bar era 1996. After 20 years, I called to see if they would refurbish. Their first question was what's wrong with it. Sent it in and completely overhauled for about $100, they paid shipping back. I figure I have 15 years or so left. Side note, this is old school heavy duty.
So, it depends.

Is it an original 10K Excalibar?
I have one of these, don't think it's quite as old as yours, but, they built them like tanks

!

RKins · 10-29-2019, 05:05 PM

I bought a used Excali-Bar - an oldie (1st edition) 10k model and then called Demco and bought the bushings to rebuild it myself. This was 2 years ago and quite a few miles. Seems to be very tight still. Has the release handles built into it.

ptw · 10-29-2019, 05:18 PM

We have our tow bar inspected by Blue Ox every other year. It gets more expensive as it gets older. Last time they inspected it, they put a sticker on it with a date. Here are the rates they charge at events.

Service Pricing Tow Bars Aged 1-3 years – $50 Tow Bars Aged 3-5 years – $75 Tow Bars Aged 5-8 years – $125

mre · 10-29-2019, 05:42 PM

I had a 7500 lbs Blue Ox that only lasted 18 months and 11000 miles when it failed. Toad weighs about 4100 lbs. No real rough road driving like you find in northern Canada or Alaska. The passenger's side telescoping arm would not stay extended.

fsudelt · 10-29-2019, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptw

We have our tow bar inspected by Blue Ox every other year. It gets more expensive as it gets older. Last time they inspected it, they put a sticker on it with a date. Here are the rates they charge at events.

Service Pricing Tow Bars Aged 1-3 years – $50 Tow Bars Aged 3-5 years – $75 Tow Bars Aged 5-8 years – $125

You all going to be at the Tampa Show again? Hope all is well! Where have you all got your tow bar inspected in the past.

Dutch Star Don · 10-29-2019, 09:12 PM

I have the Roadmaster Falcon (10K rating). I've been a Roadmaster fan since day one. I had a Roadmaster All Terrain for several years, but needed a 10K tow bar. Roadmaster offered a trade in and gave me a great price for my All Terrain since it was in great shape.

The Falcon is now about 7 years old. I found that the center (main) pivot point was getting sloppy. While at Quartzsite last year, I took it to Roadmaster's rebuild booth. For $150, they made it like new again. I expect to get another 7 years.