Quote:
Originally Posted by rmcobb
As I do the research and try to decide which towbar, as well as everything else, I am curious as to the criticality of the length of the tow bar arms.
I can't seem to find the dimensions stated anywhere, and so without calling each mfg, you don't know what the length is to compare. I am thinking that depending on which toad, it might be a problem if the tow bar you choose is one that has shorter arms and it doesn't work (i.e. tight turns create a binding or interference with the toad). Am I off base here?
My situation is a bit different due to the Cruiserlift motorcycle lift and extension that is used. I am thinking that a tow bar could end up being too short and might result in my toad (Dodge Dakota) contacting the tray.
Anyone have any issues like this, or heard of any issues with a certain towbar not working where a different one with longer arms did work?
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rmcobb,
Well Sir, I had the exact same concerns when we were setting up our coach with a Hydralift and, towing our '04 Jeep Rubicon. Our coach, an '04 Itasca Horizon 36GD with the C-7 330HP CAT, carried our '08 Honda GL 1800 Goldwing on the Hydralift which, maybe like your Cruiserlift, had it's own receiver. Well, that receiver was a tad low for our lifted Jeep and, just as you are concerned, if we'd used our Blue Ox Alladin aluminum tow bar without any extension, it would have been dangerously close on turns and, driveway entrances/exits.
So, I cured two birds with two stones, so to speak. First off, I needed to raise the tow bar height on the back of the coach, by about 6" to make it tow level. So, that primarily also, extended the point at which the tow bar hooked into the receiver on the lift. That amount, would have been almost sufficient in length needed for toad to lift platform clearance.
But, I had an ace up my sleeve. I was also going to setup a "Ready Brake" to be used as toad braking in the Jeep. That gave me an extra 15"-16" or so.
So, that Ready Brake actuator, along with my 6" riser that also was an extension, worked out great in terms of providing adequate clearance between the Jeeps Hood/front end and, the Hydralift platform.
Now, as far as tow bar extension length for each arm, they're all real close. My Blue Ox Aladdin pops out around maybe 17"-20" or so while my Blue Ox Aventa is somewhat close in the same length. I've checked out Demco and used to own a Falcon and, both of them extended very close to the same amount. So, in my opinion, all you need is an extension on your receiver and, you'll be good to go. Good luck.
Scott
2018 Goldwing Tour DCT Airbag
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