Community Forums

Hootie-Owl · 03-18-2012, 08:13 AM

I just got my Honda Pilot setup to be towed behind my RV.
I have a Blue Ox System with the Air Force braking system.

The tow Bar height at the front of the car is roughly 5 inches higher than at the receiver of the RV. Will this be a problem and should I get an attachment to raise the receiver hitch up on the RV side?

Thanks for any advise.

Vinnie

**CLIFFTALL** · 03-18-2012, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hootie-Owl

I just got my Honda Pilot setup to be towed behind my RV.
I have a Blue Ox System with the Air Force braking system.

The tow Bar height at the front of the car is roughly 5 inches higher than at the receiver of the RV. Will this be a problem and should I get an attachment to raise the receiver hitch up on the RV side?

Thanks for any advise.

Vinnie

Blue Ox says that 4" is acceptable. You may want to get the opposite of what I use. I use a drop down receiver. My toad is 8 " lower. I don't know what they call the one you need.

az bound · 03-18-2012, 08:23 AM

Yes, it should be as level as possible.

Hootie-Owl · 03-18-2012, 08:26 AM

OK. Thanks. I will get the part needed to raise the front up 5 inches. Thanks

FlyingDiver · 03-18-2012, 08:41 AM

The Blue Ox recommendation is that the tow bar should be level to no more than 4" LOWER at the car end. If you car is currently 5" higher, you should get a 6" drop receiver to move the tow bar mounting point up to slightly higher than the car.

Also, make sure you're measuring the difference with the RV in full travel mode. Air bags all the way inflated, etc. The height when parked is usually way off from ready to travel.

Cliff - it's still a drop receiver, you just use it upside down.

joe

Here's the definitive posting on this: http://www.irv2.com/forums/f85/tow-b...nce-16631.html

new2RVn · 03-18-2012, 09:27 AM

If all else fails remover the reciever hitch and turn it over, swap the ball to topside. This should be about a 4" change. It makes no difference which way the receiver is turned, they are designed to work both ways. But do check ride height in traveling mode first.

FlyingDiver · 03-18-2012, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by new2RVn

If all else fails remover the reciever hitch and turn it over, swap the ball to topside. This should be about a 4" change. It makes no difference which way the receiver is turned, they are designed to work both ways. But do check ride height in traveling mode first.

Most Blue Ox towbars don't use a receiver ball hitch. They're permanently installed on the RV receiver, not stowed on the front of the toad like your Stowmaster. The OP never said exactly which towbar he was using, but if since it's a Blue OX, it's probably an RV mount, not a toad mount.

joe

new2RVn · 03-18-2012, 11:03 AM

Oops

, my bad. I'm not that familiar with those. I have Roadmaster that stays attached to my Jeep. Sorry.

Hootie-Owl · 03-18-2012, 11:40 AM

You are correct. The Blue Ox Tow Bar attaches to the RV. no Ball Hitch on it.

Thanks again for the advise. I'm looking for a drop down for it now. I'm surprised how expensive they are.

SarahW · 03-18-2012, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hootie-Owl

You are correct. The Blue Ox Tow Bar attaches to the RV. no Ball Hitch on it.

Thanks again for the advise. I'm looking for a drop down for it now. I'm surprised how expensive they are.

EVERYTHING to do with a motorhome is expensive!!

We bought our setup from TowBarsUnlimited.com. Here's the page with the drop receivers. Ready Brake Price List

From them, shipping is free and we didn't pay sales tax, which helped.

FlyingDiver · 03-18-2012, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hootie-Owl

You are correct. The Blue Ox Tow Bar attaches to the RV. no Ball Hitch on it.

Thanks again for the advise. I'm looking for a drop down for it now. I'm surprised how expensive they are.

High quality welded steel isn't cheap.

rvupgrades.com is a good place to check. Or if you have a local hitch repair or welding shop, they might make one up cheaper. No shipping, anyway.

joe

paz · 03-18-2012, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

Blue Ox says that 4" is acceptable. You may want to get the opposite of what I use. I use a drop down receiver. My toad is 8 " lower. I don't know what they call the one you need.

You would use a drop receiver turned upside down to raise the receiver end.