Tow Bar Lubrication

[BusyTexans]

We have a Roadmaster Facon 2 All-Terrain tow bar setup. It appears to need lubrication on the arms. What is the best lubricant and method the to properly grease the tow bars? Any advice would be helpfull. Thanks.

[Elkhartjim]

Maybe Roadmaster's website can provide the information.

[chasfm11]

I agree with the Jim that the best source is the Roadmaster site.

We have a Falcon 2 and I've been using silicon lube on the bars. I extend them, spray them lightly with the silicone and then push them in and out a few times. There is generally a black residue which I wipe off and then lightly spray again. It usually takes about 3 times until the lubricant remains clear.

I also lightly spray all of the joints, particularly the knuckles near where the pins attach.

I've been doing this since 2004 without problems.

Roadmaster also recommends checking the torque on the baseplate every 3K miles.

[TXiceman]

The manual on the tow bar cover lubrication and maintenance of the tow bar. You do not want a lubricant that attracts and hold dirt.

Ken

[BusyTexans]

Thanks Guys. You've been a big help. Just started noticing the arms getting a little tighter when I extend them. The silicon spray sounds like a great idea to avoid problems. With our intense drought, you wouldn't think anything would rust in Texas!

Thanks again, Jim

[Elkhartjim]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BusyTexans Thanks Guys. You've been a big help. Just started noticing the arms getting a little tighter when I extend them. The silicon spray sounds like a great idea to avoid problems. With our intense drought, you wouldn't think anything would rust in Texas! Thanks again, Jim

According to the Roadmaster website, you may be making a mistake by just spraying silicone. It needs to be cleaned before spraying or you're possibly creating a bigger problem and it sounds as if dirt may be your problem. Maybe it would be wise to read the Roadmaster care and cleaning instructions on their website or in your manual.

[n9iui]

I got the accessory kit with my Roadmaster Sterling All-terrain and it came with a can of silicon spray.

[JC2]

We clean our tb with brake cleaner, wipe with paper towels and then spray with this stuff, Jig-A-Loo - an invisible silicone-based lubricant and water-repellent !. We also use it on our hydraulic jacks and kwikee steps. Slicker than baby snot and does not attract dirt. Wally World and most auto parts store carry it.

[Elkhartjim]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC2 Slicker than baby snot and does not attract dirt.

And if anybody knows baby snot, its Jerry.

[xctraveler]

I use Voom cleaner since I saw the Roadmaster service crew using it at a FMCA Convention on every Roadmaster bar they were servicing. They then followed up with their own branded silicone spray. I use little enough that I usually use their branded spray although I am sure any decent quality Silicone spray would work.

Be sure to lubricate the knuckle where the towbar joins the car. It needs to be able to rotate a few degrees easily. Also, if it gets really stiff you can remove the rod and then ease the shim out of its groove and clean that out before restoring the shim. This is a trivial for one side and for the other it can become a major project. Do not lose the springs that may pop out when you pull the rod.

PS slide the rod further into the bar and then fish the shim out of the nose. Get instruction from Roadmaster if you are not comfortable with this procedure. I am not a mechanic, but have done this several times.