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Old 06-29-2008, 02:08 AM   #1
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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,
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Old 06-29-2008, 02:08 AM   #2
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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,
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Old 06-29-2008, 03:28 AM   #3
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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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Old 06-29-2008, 03:39 AM   #4
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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.
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Old 06-29-2008, 03:48 PM   #5
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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.
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Old 06-29-2008, 05:32 PM   #6
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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.
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Old 06-30-2008, 02:47 AM   #7
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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!
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Old 06-30-2008, 03:13 AM   #8
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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?
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