tow bars

[bounder45]

We have a class A and tow a Smart Car. Only 1 tow bar arm will lock and it is not always the same one. Has anyone else had this problem. The tow bar is a RoadMaster all terrain. Thanks

[OneRVer]

Do you find this after you have been driving for a while? I noticed this on mine, Blue Ox, but when I go about a block and get out and recheck it both arms are locked.

[bounder45]

Usually one arm is not locked, but we have found that both are locked. This happens when we are just pulling out, when we turn or when we stop and move again. It is very frustrating to get out and unlock the arms when we are in traffic. Have you found a solution?

[OneRVer]

I am not sure what you are asking, sorry. Why would you unlock the arms unless you are disconnecting. Have you cotacted Roadmaster with you question?

[ahicks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bounder45 Usually one arm is not locked, but we have found that both are locked. This happens when we are just pulling out, when we turn or when we stop and move again. It is very frustrating to get out and unlock the arms when we are in traffic. Have you found a solution?

If you're saying what I think you are, you're doing something not required at all. Unlocking the arms is part of the connecting/disconnecting process, is required to be done only then?

You might want to re-read your directions or call Roadmaster for clarification.

[Hikerdogs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bounder45 Usually one arm is not locked, but we have found that both are locked. This happens when we are just pulling out, when we turn or when we stop and move again. It is very frustrating to get out and unlock the arms when we are in traffic. Have you found a solution?

Both arms are supposed to be locked anytime the car is being pulled by the motorhome. When you hook up generally 1 arm is extended farther than the other unless you're in perfect alignment with the motorhome. As you start to move the arms will fully extend and lock into place. If you're way off center when you hook up you may have to start to turn a corner to get one arm to lock.

The towbar forms a rigid triangle between the coach and the car when traveling. If it didn't the car could wander all over the road when being pulled and possibly slam into the rear of the coach when you attempt to stop. It would also be difficult to turn a corner because there wouldn't be sufficient tension on the bar on the outer radius of the turn to pull the car around the corner.

The object of the levers is to unlock the arms when disconnecting the car. When they are unlocked the arms can be extended slightly to remove tension. Then the connecting pins can be removed, the bars can be fully collapsed, and the entire unit can be folded against the motorhome for storage.

[Gary RVRoamer]

What hikerdogs says - the arms are supposed to be locked at all times when under way.

[ArtDeCamper]

My Blue Ox is the same, it appears to be locked only on one side at times because there is no pressure on one arm the release lever appears to be unlocked, but it is if the lever is up. You have no concern there at all if the lever is in the lock position.