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Old 10-26-2013, 12:12 PM   #1
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Tiffin Owners Club
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Blue Ox Aladdin will not latch when folding

I've been using an Aladdin BX4325 for ten years maybe. It engages well and tows just fine. Problem is this: I can not get the pin to go into the slot when folding. It folds up and the pin goes into the middle of the vertical opening of the slot. However when moved to either side the pin will not go into either side horizontal side of the slot to lock it in position.
It starts to move to the side freely but then the pin will rise above the hitch connector slot and hit the bracket.
There appears to be play in the bolts but I can't move it enough to get the pin or "hold up bolt" to go into the slot.
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance
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Old 10-26-2013, 03:09 PM   #2
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Tim

It sounds like fair wear and tear might be taking its toll on your tow bar. I had the same tow bar, Aladdin 4835 model which would be 7 years old now if I still had it. This model was rated for a maximum 5000 lbs, not 7500 like the new version. My toad was 3500 lbs. so I thought I was well under the maximum weight and therefore the unit should last. This was not the case as one arm pulled apart as I was doing a 180 degree turn! Fortunately, it was at a very slow speed! Blue ox was very good about replacing the tow bar. I upgraded to the 10,000 lb. all steel model two years ago and have had not problem since. Ten years is a long time for an aluminum tow bar. I would call Blue Ox customer service and discuss the issue and possible options with them. It might be the symptom of a more serious problem. Most Blue Ox dealers will give you a credit for your old unit when buying a new one.

Good Luck,

Knightly
2007 Itasca, 35A, W24 chassis, Toad-HHR, Blue Ox Aventa LX
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Old 10-26-2013, 04:21 PM   #3
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What are the odds that you can visit Pender, NE before Thanksgiving,,, I'd not suggest it after Thanksgiving.

There is a very nice little campground just around the corner from the main plant/office entrance.. It is owned by Blue-Ox and it's full hook up 50 amps till winter sets in and they turn off the water...
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Old 10-27-2013, 07:07 AM   #4
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tim - there is another option if you are handy with tools - rebuild the bar yourself. Below is the URL for an excellent video by a Blue Ox tech on how to do it.



Go here Replacement Washer Kit for Blue Ox Aladdin, Aventa II and Aventa LX Tow Bars Blue Ox Accessories and Parts BX84-0089 for the parts kit.

You do not have to have the impact wrench - I did it all with just a 1/2" drive socket set and a breaker bar.

Mark
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Old 10-27-2013, 08:07 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Knightly View Post
Tim

It sounds like fair wear and tear might be taking its toll on your tow bar. I had the same tow bar, Aladdin 4835 model which would be 7 years old now if I still had it. This model was rated for a maximum 5000 lbs, not 7500 like the new version. My toad was 3500 lbs. so I thought I was well under the maximum weight and therefore the unit should last. This was not the case as one arm pulled apart as I was doing a 180 degree turn! Fortunately, it was at a very slow speed! Blue ox was very good about replacing the tow bar. I upgraded to the 10,000 lb. all steel model two years ago and have had not problem since. Ten years is a long time for an aluminum tow bar. I would call Blue Ox customer service and discuss the issue and possible options with them. It might be the symptom of a more serious problem. Most Blue Ox dealers will give you a credit for your old unit when buying a new one.

Good Luck,

Knightly
2007 Itasca, 35A, W24 chassis, Toad-HHR, Blue Ox Aventa LX
Thanks for your reply,
Yes, I will contact Blue Ox. I do remember this happening awhile ago and it was suggested that I tighten one of the bolts. Of course, I can't remember which one.
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Old 10-27-2013, 08:13 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc Mark View Post
tim - there is another option if you are handy with tools - rebuild the bar yourself. Below is the URL for an excellent video by a Blue Ox tech on how to do it.



Go here Replacement Washer Kit for Blue Ox Aladdin, Aventa II and Aventa LX Tow Bars Blue Ox Accessories and Parts BX84-0089 for the parts kit.

You do not have to have the impact wrench - I did it all with just a 1/2" drive socket set and a breaker bar.

Mark
Hi Wa8yxm and Mark,
Going out to Neb is not in the cards for us. I bet it would be a great learning experience.
Wow, the Blue Ox tech makes it look easy. It's a bit over my head though.
Maybe, I can find a Blue Ox service center here in the east.
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Old 10-27-2013, 12:29 PM   #7
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