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Tow bar

Yahoo Message Number: 118057
I have a roadmaster sterling tow bar on my coach. One of the sliding bars is binding. I saw a video a while back showing how to replace the sliding bar. For the life of me I can't find the video anywhere. Has anyone seen it and if so where.

Glen Coulter
2003 intrigue

Re: Tow bar

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118058
Hello Glen. I've had the same tow bar since 2000, and have found that spraying the sliding bars with a good lubricant like CRC 56 or Evinrude/Johnson DPL while the tow is standing up in its stowed position will loosen the crud on the stainless bars. Sliding them in and out as much as possible, repeating the spray application, and wiping the bars each time with a rag to clean the wet crud has given them new life each time. I avoid lubricating them any more than is necessary between cleanings.

I hope this technique works well for you in lieu of replacing the bars. Safe travels.

Jeff Thurston
2003 Intrigue

Re: Tow bar

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118059
Remove the bolt at the attachment bracket end and slide the bar out the tube. Make a swab with a rag and clothes hanger wire and clean the tube. Clean the rod and generously lube with silicone spray. Don't use WD-40, it attracts dust. Lube the lever and mechanism inside as well. I've had the same towbar since 2001 and it keeps it slick.
Don Krahling
'01 Intrigue #11238

Re: Tow bar

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118060
Glen
I saw that video at the roadmaster web site. My shaft is bent and I will be replacing it soon.

Brian O'Day
Portland, Oregon
2006 inspire #51565
2015 Grand Cheroke toad

Re: Tow bar

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118061
The tow bar shaft can be bent back to its original position. A machine shop can bend it in a hydraulic press.
I have done both sides, 1 in Mexico and the other in Texas, and am still using the hitch

.
John Beach
06 Allure 31309

Re: Tow bar

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118398
Just curious. Those with bent tow bars - did they bend from backing up? I've discovered that you CAN back up a flat tow, but only very carefully and very slowly. I've done it a couple times at need, for just a very few feet. Would love to know if I'm likely to bend a bar doing that...?
Don Hutchins
'08 Allure #31613
Don Hutchins
'08 Allure 470 #31613
40' w/tag, Cat C-9 & Cat tranny

Re: Tow bar

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118399
I bent one once, and no idea how I did it I had not backed up. An old motorhomer friend of mine told me that if he put his wife in the towed vehicle with the engine running and she held the steering straight, he could back up.

 

Re: Tow bar

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118404
I've had a 10k lb. Blue Ox Aventa LX for 14 years. Until about two years ago I towed a 9000 pound Ford Excursion 4x4 6.0 diesel with it. I backed up a bunch of times at gas stations. I don't think that it was very good for the bar to go more than if you feet straight back. After 12 years the ball was very sloppy (all kinds of things were worn) but nothing ever bent. Blue Ox has a program where, for less than $100 as I recall, I sent it back and they completely rebuilt it with almost all new parts other than the steel bar itself, including a new ball. They did a fantastic job, it's very tight now no slop whatsoever. I now tow a 6000 pound Lexus and it's staying tight for 2 years now. I think the Excursion was a bit much for it especially some of the off-road situations.

Rich 2002 Magna