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06-29-2008, 02:08 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Panama City, FL
Posts: 208
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While I have been towing a travel trailer for many years, we have just recently made the switch to a class A motorhome. We are needing to tow our 2006 Saturn Vue as a dinghy, and I have not had any first hand experience with tow bars.
I have the opportunity to purchase a used Blue Ox Aladdin tow bar, with all the locks, cables (safety and electrical), extension, bike rack, etc at what I think is a very good price. I have seen a picture of the bar but have not had the chance to personally inspect it as it is over 100 miles away.
Our son lives only about 15 or 20 minutes from the man who is selling the bar and is going to go over to take a look at it and buy it for me if it looks good.
My question is what items on the bar and what general things should he be looking for while checking it out for me? Any information, comments, hints, tips, etc will be greatly appriciated.
Thanks,
__________________
Capt Joe
2004 Winnebago Brave 32v on W20 w/8.1L and Allison
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06-29-2008, 02:08 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Panama City, FL
Posts: 208
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While I have been towing a travel trailer for many years, we have just recently made the switch to a class A motorhome. We are needing to tow our 2006 Saturn Vue as a dinghy, and I have not had any first hand experience with tow bars.
I have the opportunity to purchase a used Blue Ox Aladdin tow bar, with all the locks, cables (safety and electrical), extension, bike rack, etc at what I think is a very good price. I have seen a picture of the bar but have not had the chance to personally inspect it as it is over 100 miles away.
Our son lives only about 15 or 20 minutes from the man who is selling the bar and is going to go over to take a look at it and buy it for me if it looks good.
My question is what items on the bar and what general things should he be looking for while checking it out for me? Any information, comments, hints, tips, etc will be greatly appriciated.
Thanks,
__________________
Capt Joe
2004 Winnebago Brave 32v on W20 w/8.1L and Allison
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06-29-2008, 03:28 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AMESBURY MA.
Posts: 2,103
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Get the serial # and find out how old it is from Blue-ox.Check for general wear or unusual wear.,eaze of operation,do the bars slide easy and evenly?make sure self locks work properly.I bought a bar on ebay from a guy who sold it as is and didnt know anything about it. It wouldnt lock,I went crazy trying to figure it out,called roadmaster and we determined it was a bent shaft,had new arm in a week at my cost.It was still a good value,but question buying items prone to wear and damage from ebay.Blue-ox ,from what everyone says ,is a great company to deal with,so is Roadmaster.
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Frankie
2006 FOUR WINDS HURRICANE 34N F-53
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06-29-2008, 03:39 AM
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#4
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Administrator in Memoriam
Newmar Owners Club Retired Fire Service RVer's Spartan Chassis
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Newark, DE
Posts: 25,898
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Obvious signs of damage, bent or excessively worn parts.
Check for too much play or looseness in all pivot points. New or refurbished bars are a bit tight and a bit difficult to move.
Check that the bars lock securely when extended.
The Aladdin is aluminum and the aluminum should be checked closely.
More info HERE AT BLUE OX.
__________________
Adios, Dirk - '84 Real Lite Truck Camper, '86 Wilderness Cimarron TT, previously 4 years as a fulltimer in a '07 DSDP
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06-29-2008, 03:48 PM
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#5
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: West Palm Beach, FL. USA
Posts: 27,563
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After you buy it (assuming no obvious flaws), attend a major RV rally or drop in at the Blue Ox factory in Nebraska and Blue Ox will inspect and overhaul it for you for free.
__________________
Gary Brinck
Former owner of 2004 American Tradition and several other RVs
Home is West Palm Beach, FL
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06-29-2008, 05:32 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Panama City, FL
Posts: 208
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Thanks for the replies and comments on the tow bar. Our son went over to day and looked it over for me. Found it to be in very good shape with the legs straight, the releases worked fine, no wear on the attachment bases, pins all in good shape with no wear evident, no rust, etc. I had talked with the owner earlier and we agreed on a price of $150 for everything..which included the Aladdin tow bar, safety cables, coiled electrig cord for the lights, a 2" receiver extension and the Blue Ox 3 bicycle rack that fits on the extension to carry the bikes between the toad and the motorhome.
All in all, I think I got a pretty good deal, even if I had to replace a part or two.
Now, I just have to get some Blue Ox base plates for our 2006 Saturn Vue and I'll be ready to roll. ( I bought a Blue Ox Apollo brake system that was virtually unused a few weeks ago from a guy who had sold his HR Admiral and didn't need it anymore...AND I know there are better brake systems out there but the price was right so I am going to try it for a bit).
Thanks again for the help.
__________________
Capt Joe
2004 Winnebago Brave 32v on W20 w/8.1L and Allison
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06-30-2008, 02:47 AM
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#7
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Administrator in Memoriam
Newmar Owners Club Retired Fire Service RVer's Spartan Chassis
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Newark, DE
Posts: 25,898
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">$150 for everything.. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
A bargain!
__________________
Adios, Dirk - '84 Real Lite Truck Camper, '86 Wilderness Cimarron TT, previously 4 years as a fulltimer in a '07 DSDP
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06-30-2008, 03:13 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AMESBURY MA.
Posts: 2,103
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Route 66:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">$150 for everything.. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
A bargain! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I'll say. Where does this guy live again?
__________________
Frankie
2006 FOUR WINDS HURRICANE 34N F-53
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