Tow bar angle shock!

[TXBart]

Measured my tow bar height against my leg; MH receiver and attach point at my car, they were very close to the same. When I hooked up the car the first time in the driveway I looked at the tow bar was pretty level. I noticed a few other times and felt it was close to level. I often hook up at a park when the coach isn't at ride height, when I hook up at home it is at ride height.

At a fuel stop on the way home I looked and saw what is shown in the picture! It is borderline too low as it sat at a fuel pump. I don't know if I should add a drop or accept what I see normally.

[CLIFFTALL]

I would get a drop down receiver. The acceptable variance is about 4" ( on a Blue Ox ). I always preferred to be level ( in at least this area of my life )

[DSL417]

Drop looks about 3 inches...thought that was OK, but no expert. OTOH, the picture is kinda pointing at an angle, so it is hard to really see how mach drop.

[Bill in FL]

What is the height of your receiver as it sits?

[Dr4Film]

Level would be the best situation for the tow bar but if that's not possible, they allow 2 inches up or down from level.

This should be measured when the coach and car are both on a know level surface.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[TXBart]

Roadmaster says 3". I think the pic is right at that. Of course I didn't check with a tape and it will be a while before I have to coach at ride height.

I have pulled this car behind my Entegra for >6,000 miles to date without issue which doesn't mean something won't fail 3 miles into our next trip!

Now I'm gonna obsess until I can resolve it in my mind and with measurements.[ moderator edit ]

[CLIFFTALL]

Here's an interesting article from Blue Ox.

http://blueox.com/t-TowingPhysics101.aspx

[gauto5150]

If you're worried about the angle, you should also be worried about a drop adapter since that itself puts unequal loads on the hitch.

[Dr4Film]

Here is another good article about proper height for the tow bar from coach to car.

Tow Bar Safety and Maintenance

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[ghutch]

Was the fuel drive level? Looks to me that the front of the MH may be lower then the rear, thus raising the hitch. Check the measurements again on level surface.

[Dr4Film]

What's a "fuel drive"?

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[ImagineIF]

Before doing anything, validate the data.

-- With the MH on a flat surface that extends beyond the rear of the coach, and with the coach at ride height, measure from the ground to the middle of the receiver.
-- This time, with the towed on a flat surface that extends beyond the front bumper, measure from the ground to the middle of your tow bar's attachment.

Any difference between the 2 measurements is the number that must be within the tow bar manufacturer limits. Ideally, if you get these numbers to match you are better off and less stress will be placed on the base plate mounting area of the towed.

Looking at a picture taken at level other than the level of the tow bar is too hard to judge.

[ddgilmore]

Txbart, you have the exact same towbar as me. I purchased the Roadmaster 6" drop hitch from, "e-trailer.com($99.00). My bar is now totally level. My tow vehicle is a 07 Ford Expplorer; Eddie Bauer. By the way, the angle on your vehicle looks the same as mine.. be safe...dd