Loose pins in tow bar??

[bruceh]

I have a Blue Ox tow bar and tow a 98 Jeep Cherokee (not Grand) that weighs about 4000 pounds.

The last time that I towed it, I noticed it oscillating (over about 3 inches) side to side. I checked the pins and they seem loose. Just how tight should they be?

I intend to replace the steering damper and possibly the shocks on the Jeep. These things took a beating on my last trip to Death Valley.

How best to approach this?

[DonnaB]

Contact Blue Ox technical support directly. We have found them always helpful when having a question or experiencing a problem. Also if you are planning on attending a rally they are at, they will do any adjustment and most repairs free of charge while you are there.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I assume you mean the pins that connect the bar to the base plates? They should be pretty tight. You ought to be able to turn them by hand if the rig is on the level, but they shouldn't be sloppy.

[DSouthw524]

I suspect that you will find that the front end of the Jeep is out of alignment.

[TXiceman]

Quote:

Originally posted by DSouthw524: I suspect that you will find that the front end of the Jeep is out of alignment.

I agree and you need to get the Jeep checked. Loose pins or not, the jeep should track straight.

ken

[Mike Canter]

The main adjustment that allows a vehicle to track in a straight line or follow the vehicle towing it is caster. The more positive caster the more the vehicle will track in a straight line. My Jeep Wrangler is set at the upper limit of the factory specs which is +8*. This is providing that there is no wear on anything else in the front suspension and the toe in is set correctly. Now if you have worn tie rod ends that allow the toe in to go to toe out that will cause a problem in tracking or ocillating back and forth. I agree you should get the whole front suspension checked.

[Sixpack98]

Quote:

Originally posted by RV Roamer: I assume you mean the pins that connect the bar to the base plates? They should be pretty tight. You ought to be able to turn them by hand if the rig is on the level, but they shouldn't be sloppy.

I agree with RV Roamer. Check to see if the pins are not eroded or metal scalding. Pins that are too loose can result in pin shearing and you don't want that to happen. Pins are cheap, replace them with made in USA made pins not Chinese. Some Chinese steel is suspect and it's not worth taking a chance for a dollar or two.

[Mike Canter]

Yes, if the pins show abnormal wear then they should be replaced but it is not worn pins that is causing the toad to oscillate. The wear on the pins may be caused from the toad oscillating. The toad should track in a straight line behind the MH even if it was pulled by a single rope (just and example so don't anyone get worked up). The toad oscillating back and forth is caused by something not correct in the front suspension of the toad. Lets don't put the cart infront of the horse(lol).

[bruceh]

My two front shocks are leaking and will be replaced along with the rear shocks. The stabilizer is also being replaced. That should do it for the Jeep.

The towbar is a different story. Blue Ox aimed me at a local dealer who informed me that he has not been a Blue Ox dealer for 18 months. Back to Blue Ox, the next nearest dealer is about 100 miles away and wants nothing to do with this. The best compromise is to send the unit back to Blue Ox for rebuild at a cost of about $300 and time of about a month. This is not my idea of excellent customer service. I am still trying to figure out what I want to do.