Community Forums

Gadget Man · 12-26-2013, 10:21 AM

I just read a short article in a camping magazine that said dingy tow bars should be replaced every 7 years or 70,000 miles. It didn’t say why, but I’m assuming possible metal fatigue(?). I’ve been RVing for many years, but this is the first I’ve heard of a life expectancy for a tow bar. Is this a common theory?

Craig

Cooperhawk · 12-26-2013, 10:24 AM

Great sales pitch for the industry. Create a little uneasiness and fear..........

UFO Pilot · 12-26-2013, 10:26 AM

I have mine inspected and repaired as necessary every January. The first one was worn out at 5 years.

Papa_Jim · 12-26-2013, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot

I have mine inspected and repaired as necessary every January. The first one was worn out at 5 years.

What brand of tow bar was it?

Do you know what part of the tow bar was worn out?

Jim

Easyrider · 12-26-2013, 10:43 AM

I'm with Wayne, go by inspection. If it looks like it needs some repair or maintenence then do so. If it is worn out, replace it. Tow bars will wear out at different rates for different people dependant upon how they are used and cared for. We're still working and our RV is stored during the winter months with my tow bar kept in our garage when it's not being used year around. So I'm guessing it will last a lot longer than it would if we were fulltiming in the RV. It has yet to be even rained on.

UFO Pilot · 12-26-2013, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa_Jim

What brand of tow bar was it?

Do you know what part of the tow bar was worn out?

Jim

Blue-Ox Aladdin.

It was worn severely where the arms are attached to the car mounting brackets. I saw the wear and was shocked at how much it had worn since the last inspection.

1ciderdog · 12-26-2013, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot

Blue-Ox Aladdin.

It was worn severely where the arms are attached to the car mounting brackets. I saw the wear and was shocked at how much it had worn since the last inspection.

I never thought about having a tow bar inspected. Do you have that done by a local RV shop or????
Thanks

UFO Pilot · 12-26-2013, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ciderdog

I never thought about having a tow bar inspected. Do you have that done by a local RV shop or????
Thanks

We attend the FMCA Western Rally in Indio every January. Blue-Ox is always there and they do the inspections and repairs, they charge $25. Roadmaster does the same thing for free.

1ciderdog · 12-26-2013, 11:23 AM

Thanks, we may make it to Indio.

UFO Pilot · 12-26-2013, 11:30 AM

Our RV Club are the "greeters" you see on the street as you are nearing the Fair Grounds. If you make it to Indio, give us a wave as you go by. We will be parked under the Palm trees in the middle.

Mekanic · 12-26-2013, 11:34 AM

I'd think the simpelest way to see wear would be to have it all hooked up. stand to the side and have some one get in the toad start it up drop it in drive at a idle then drop in reverse (again idle engine speed will work.) and watch to see if and where there is slop and movement.
This will check EVERYTHING from the tow brackets on the toad to the hitch on the TV.

Algoma · 12-26-2013, 11:45 AM

If you have Blue Ox (like me) check with them which shows they will have service at. They don't go to them all. As has been said they will replace any worn parts for a $25 flat fee. Find them as soon as the show starts and get on the list. They have a limited number of slots and they fill up quickly.

GaryKD · 12-26-2013, 02:37 PM

2X on what Algoma posted. $25 well spent. Quality work without interruption of my schedule. Can't be beat.

MRUSA14 · 12-26-2013, 09:03 PM

Roadmaster checked mine for "free". They wound up selling me a new one because the old one had a lot of wear and would have needed expensive repairs. This was after about 5 yrs/40,000 miles.