Community Forums

mdbaggs · 06-08-2012, 02:40 AM

My aventa is virtually frozen. It is requiring a lot of force just to get it into position. Specifically,the ball joint feels all but frozen and I have to use all of my 200lbs to jerk it down. The owners manual states not to lubricate the ball joint, but if it gets any stiffer I won't be able to use it. Any suggestions? I was thinking of just a little WD40 in there. I find it surprising and a little amusing to find another thread where some aventa's the arms fall to the ground. Mine is definitely 180 degrees the other direction.

ahicks · 06-08-2012, 06:20 AM

This is after coming being in storage a while, or after it's been in use on a longer trip?

I'm guessing they don't advise lube as it may attract a fair amount of the grit blowing around back there? I would be tempted to use WD-40 on it myself. That stuff seems to evaporate pretty quickly?

Gary RVRoamer · 06-08-2012, 11:52 AM

Mine is really stiff too, but I'm not lubricating it ever again. I lubed it initially and the arms always fell right to the ground thereafter, even after 3 years of road dirt. Then the towbar got bent in an accident and Blue Ox rebuilt it for me, so now it is tight again.

There are bolts that hold the ball joint together. I suppose you could back them off a 1/4 turn to allow a bit more play.

If you feel you must lube it, use a drop of light machine oil, not WD40.

bluepill · 06-08-2012, 12:04 PM

At 4 years, mine was also sticky at the ball. I used WD-40 to free it up, then cleaned off the WD with compressed air. 10K miles later, I see no dirt build-up.

Gary RVRoamer · 06-09-2012, 03:28 PM

Why not give Blue Ox Cusomer Service a call or email and see what they say?

Blue Ox Towing Products

mdbaggs · 06-11-2012, 02:11 PM

I contacted customer service. They said to use some silicone spray and then wash in and around joint with soap and water to prevent dirt from getting in joint. They said not to use any petroleum based product like wd40. Thanks everybody.