Community Forums

RottenRalph · 07-22-2015, 09:29 AM

I've been towing 4 down for several yrs with the equipment in my signature. To this point I have never had any failures except for small things that I did or didn't do. Prior to towing, I usually do a quick inspection of any component related to towing. The only thing I have ever heard of failing was the pins between the tow bar and the base plate. I have changed these a few times over the yrs.

Is there a point at which I should send in a tow bar into manufacture for inspection?
Have any of you had issues that may be common to towing 4 down?
Are there any other components that need special attention?

Thanks

bullheaded · 07-22-2015, 09:36 AM

I had a #10k Blue Ox latch in the slider break earlier this year pulling a GMC 2500 HD with a Harley Street Glide in the bed. Bar was 4 years old and about 30k miles of towing. No damage.....

Nana25K · 07-22-2015, 10:19 AM

We had a failure of one of the connector pins. The ones that slip in to attach the tow bar arms to the post on the base plate. Totaled the tow bar and caused some minor damage to the car. Replace them every year now

lanerd · 07-22-2015, 12:02 PM

I don't know about Demco, but every time we go to almost any large rally, Roadmaster has a maintenance truck there and they will inspect, clean, and adjust my tow bar free of charge. Sometimes they even come to where my coach is parked, do the same service and leave me a note explaining what they did.

Ron

walt2137 · 07-23-2015, 06:02 PM

Scott i will be at the FMCA rally in Perry GA this year and as Ron has stated Roadmaster will check a Roadmaster tow bar free or did and Blue Ox will check the tow bar for a small fee. Don't know about Demco. I will have my tow bar checked.

dennis45 · 07-23-2015, 06:51 PM

After our AK trip last year I sent my Aventa in to Blueox for inspection and repair as required. They replaced the ball assy and rebuilt the arms. Basically a new bar for under $200. The bar came with the coach when I bought it and I put on another 20K miles so I consider that pretty cheap for what this thing does.

rream · 07-24-2015, 06:31 AM

A few years ago we had a spring fail in our blue ox bar and could not tow

Called Blue Ox when we got within cell phone range - they had me use wood and duct tape to hold the handle up

FedEx me new spring and I had them put on at my next stop

DAJO · 07-24-2015, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nana25K

We had a failure of one of the connector pins. The ones that slip in to attach the tow bar arms to the post on the base plate. Totaled the tow bar and caused some minor damage to the car. Replace them every year now

What tow bar? manufacturer?

RottenRalph · 07-24-2015, 10:04 AM

Looks like I may have to start attending rallies. I haven't in the past because kids always kept us busy with various summertime sporting activities.

I did call Demco to ask if they had stated protocol for inspections of my style towbar. They said the towbar itself should good for over 50,000 miles. Pins and boots should be changed as needed.

I was asked if the male portion that slides into my receiver was split and welded down the center or was it one unwelded square tube. Mine is split and welded. Demco said that, over the years, they had a couple of problems with the split insert and will send me a solid replacement at no charge.

Thanks for all replies.