Community Forums

NH Dave · 10-21-2016, 04:30 PM

Anyone else out there purchase the Blue Ox Avail tow bar 'protective' cover and notice that it actually does a better job of trapping moisture and keeping the bar damp, rather than actually protecting it?

I'm disappointed to see mine rusting up so prematurely, so I just removed the cover completely and no longer use it. The cover just doesn't seem to breathe at all.

Anyone else have the same problem? I'd like to protect it, but that thing seems to actually hurt more than help.

Any other BETTER product or solution out there that actually protects it that anyone has tried and had good luck with?

I appreciate the input!

Thanks!

dennis45 · 10-21-2016, 04:38 PM

Personally, I gave up using the cover. My thought was that it sees a lot worse conditions when on the road towing than it ever would when parked. What's a little rain compared to road slime?
But then I'm kinda lazy in nature so if it ain't broke, don't fix it is my moto.

ByeTheWay · 10-21-2016, 04:42 PM

I live in AZ. It protects the rubber parts from the sun and moisture is not a problem here

NH Dave · 10-21-2016, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dennis45

Personally, I gave up using the cover. My thought was that it sees a lot worse conditions when on the road towing than it ever would when parked. What's a little rain compared to road slime?

Very good point Dennis. I thought of just leaving it alone, but being the gadget geek/putterer that I am, I'm game for trying or even making a better solution to get more life out of it. So, I thought it was worth doing a little fishing on here. If there's nothing else, or I don't think of a better solution myself, I agree and I'll probably end up just leaving it be.

We'll see if anyone else has had luck with another solution…?

Thanks for your input...

NH Dave · 10-21-2016, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ByeTheWay

I live in AZ. It protects the rubber parts from the sun and moisture is not a problem here

Makes sense...I would imagine in 120º dry heat, the thing works great for UV protection.

tmw188 · 10-21-2016, 04:59 PM

I only cover mine at the site gives it a nice finish look and hurts less when you bump into it. I bring the tow bar home when the RV is in storage.

iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum

Cousin Ed · 10-21-2016, 06:40 PM

I use a quad-chair cover. It seems to breathe well and they are free.

NH Dave · 10-21-2016, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cousin Ed

I use a quad-chair cover. It seems to breathe well and they are free.

GREAT idea and super easy! I will give that a shot. Thanks Cousin Ed.

Hey, any relation to the Griswalds?

vsheetz · 10-21-2016, 08:21 PM

I keep the BO cover on mine after not doing so for some time. Keeps it cleaner, IMHO. I like the chair cover idea.

Cbones · 10-21-2016, 08:33 PM

I give the rubber boots a spritz of 303 1x/month. I have never covered the tow bar. Seems to work fine.

deSanford · 10-21-2016, 08:41 PM

What is a "quad chair cover"?

meddiver · 10-26-2016, 09:11 PM

I used to use the cover, but mine rusted as well. I live in a rainy part of the country, and my idea was it would prevent the rust. Wrong! I started spraying it with WD40 and it seems to be doing OK now.
I am thinking about putting UV protectant on the rubber to save it.

jfran304 · 10-26-2016, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deSanford

What is a "quad chair cover"?

The cover that comes with the collapsible quad camping chairs.

Jon

NH Dave · 10-27-2016, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meddiver

I used to use the cover, but mine rusted as well. I live in a rainy part of the country, and my idea was it would prevent the rust. Wrong! I started spraying it with WD40 and it seems to be doing OK now.
I am thinking about putting UV protectant on the rubber to save it.

Yes, they really should state somewhere before the purchase that the cover is intended only for UV protection in drier climates and will trap moisture if used otherwise. Rather than us finding out the hard way after the purchase…but, I guess that wouldn't sell as many units.

Its unfortunate that we spend even more money on something to protect something expensive, made by the same company for that purpose, only to find out it's destroying it faster.

Oh well, live and learn…