Risks w/purchasing 3-year old Blue Ox Tow bar

[tholtman]

I have the opportunity to purchase a 3-year old Blue Ox Tow bar at a pretty good cost. Apparently, it's been used for 35k miles. It's the BX8875 model with the cables and all required equipment - sans base plate.

This will be my first tow bar so, don't know what I don't know. Anything I should be cautious of? Or just buy new and not worry?

The last thing I want to go cheap on is a tow bar.

[tholtman]

Originally Posted by tholtman

I have the opportunity to purchase a 3-year old Blue Ox Tow bar at a pretty good cost. Apparently, it's been used for 35k miles. It's the BX7365 model with the cables and all required equipment - sans base plate.

This will be my first tow bar so, don't know what I don't know. Anything I should be cautious of? Or just buy new and not worry?

The last thing I want to go cheap on is a tow bar.

Correction: it's the BX7365 w/6,500lb capacity

[Gary RVRoamer]

They are pretty rugged, so not much to worry about. Obvious rust at swivel joints, loose or sloppy fitting swivels, and extensions arms that don't extend easily.

That said, you can always return it to the factory or a certified Blue Ox dealer for a re-build and they will sned it back like new. Shipping can be expensive to Nebraska, but there may be a qualified rebuild dealer nearer. The Hitching Post in Ocala,FL, is one such.

That model has a 3 year warranty too.

I used an Aventa LX for 10 years and its still going strong. Just put it up for sale because we switched toads to one that can only tow on a dolly. Not as simple towing, but we love the car!

[JFXG]

tholtman..... Three years is not a long time for a tow bar. On the other hand, 35K miles is a bit high for three years. All things considered, though, this bar likely ought to be in pretty good shape. As someone else mentioned, you could have it rebuilt as a safety check. Not expensive. Or, (if Blue Ox does this) you could buy the rebuild kit and do it yourself. I have a 13 y/o Roadmaster Sterling that I just rebuilt. Works like brand new.

In any case, you've got a good bar there, and I'm sure you'll be pleased with it.


John & Diane, fulltiming since '12
'02 DS, FL, Cat, '04 Element
NHSO RVM103

[vsheetz]

Good unit. They last a long time. I have mine inspected and serviced every couple three years by BO at rallies they attend. If it's tight and looks ok, buy it.

[BPoland]

The only reservation that I would have, and it's a minor one, you don't know what, if any abuse the tow bar has been subjected to. If it looks good, I would probably go for it and send it off to Blue Ox for a safety check.

[tholtman]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I'm moving forward.

[TonyDi]

I have a Blue Ox Aventa. Been using it for 6 yrs. If your will attending any big RV show, call Blue Ox and ask if they will have a service desk there. I've had mine done at the Hershey RV show. It's much cheaper then having it done at the factory, and my unit looks new after it was done.

[jim27358]

I've had a BO Aventa for at least 8 years, still looks and works great. Do the checks others have said you should be good to go.

[Fiesta48]

Bought an old Roadmaster. Never was lubed and many joints sloppy. Some would not turn. Knowing what I know now would not have bought it, ($500 for everything but the base plate including Brake Buddy) but after some repairs is working good for the last 10k miles.

[BeachDude]

Originally Posted by BPoland

The only reservation that I would have, and it's a minor one, you don't know what, if any abuse the tow bar has been subjected to. If it looks good, I would probably go for it and send it off to Blue Ox for a safety check.

Obvious abuse or normal long term wear is usually easy to spot. Some signs are:

- Bent or banged up release levers, arms don't smoothly slide in and out.
- Different nuts and bolts on the left and right arms.
- Missing or damaged protective bellows, (if equipped).
- The whole unit is floppy when you go to stow it on the hitch, (it should be tight).