Community Forums

toneumanns · 06-22-2013, 02:22 PM

I have had a bit of a tail wag towing my Jeep. I have ordered the Blue Ox Immobilizer. Has anyone used this item & what were the results?

FlyingDiver · 06-22-2013, 02:55 PM

I use a couple different models of those to keep my tow bar and drop hitch from rattling. They work well.

However, I would be very surprised if you have enough play in those connections to effect the Jeep tow. If the Jeep is wagging a lot, there's probably some other problem.

Route 66 · 06-22-2013, 03:00 PM

I agree. There usually is not enough play in the hitch/tow bar to cause toad tracking problems.

MRUSA14 · 06-22-2013, 03:14 PM

The bigger problem is hitch chafing and rubbing and this leads to elongation of the hitch pin hole which leads to more chafing and rubbing etc. I use the Blue Ox Immobilizer II and it works well but it makes removing the hitch a chore. Thankfully removing the hitch is rarely necessary.

bdickson · 06-22-2013, 08:12 PM

I have the Immobilizer (two actually since I use a drop hitch) and they do a great job of tightening up the tow bar and preventing rattles and noises. However, it would do nothing to cure a tail wag. Assuming you mean that the motor home is tail wagging, then you probably need a rear track bar. If it is the Jeep that is wagging or swaying from side to side, then it has a steering geometry problem, most likely castor angle.

toneumanns · 07-12-2013, 09:34 AM

After installing 2 of them the play in the toad is much improved.

Wayne M · 07-13-2013, 07:58 AM

I use the Demco Silent Hitch Pin. Works great to keep the rattles down.

I don't think the hitch is your problem unless maybe it is off center.

wa8yxm · 07-14-2013, 06:52 AM

I use one but for different reasons.. Won't help with your problem.

If by "Tail wag" you mean the jeep wanders.. See an alignment specialist and be sure to tell him it's a towed.

If you mean the motor home is wagging.. Track bar did wonders for my rig.

toneumanns · 07-18-2013, 07:23 PM

Now that I have 2 immobilizers installed it has improved my towing experience. With all the play removed the Jeep is much more stable.

FIRE UP · 07-22-2013, 12:58 AM

Well gang,
There IS TAIL WAGGING on some toads. And it IS CAUSED BY LOOSE receivers and sliders. In my case, the height of the receiver on the coach is too low for a straight/level tow bar between my coach and newer 2011 GMC 1500 Sierra 4x4. So, I have to install a RISER to compensate and make the tow bar level. But I also use the Ready Brake system. So, I have THREE connections/ 5/8" pins back there. The first one is for the front part of the riser, the second one is for the non-ball type Ready brake actuation unit and, the third is for the Blue Ox tow bar.

I have two, home made receiver/slider tightening devices that get those things seriously tight but, as we just completed a 1500 mile trip, I watched that GMC move side to side in the lane as I towed it. And NO, THERE IS NO ALIGNMENT problems or issues with the GMC or any other issues with the coach or truck. The movement is IN THE RECEIVERS PERIOD!!!.

I could get back there and no matter how much I tried, I could not move them up and down but, I could move them side to side, even with the hitch tighteners dog gone tight. So, my answer is to drill the sides of the receivers and weld on a fine thread 1/2" nut. Then, a fine thread 1/2" bolt is installed and used as a "set screw" for keeping the lateral movement down to "ZERO".

I've done that before, many times on the vertical side and it works well. But, do not assume that just because a tow vehicle wanders, it's the vehicles fault. Prove it before you spend money and it does not cure the issue.
Scott