Tow Bar (Replacement Bushings and Washers)

Would be interested in hearing opinions about rebuilding Tow Bars.

I see on You Tube that replacement bushings and washers are available as a Kit from various MFG.

I inherited a Roadmaster, BLACKHAWK 2 tow bar with a recent Jeep Purchase.  I do notice that when placing the unit into Stow position on the back of the RV the Arms are pretty free wheeling and move almost effortlessly. 

Just curious to the general opinions from fellow peanut gallery members around here to what, if anything, Ya'LL do when it comes to Maintaining the bar assembly?

Option 1: Run it hard until it craters, is the oilfield approach.  Give things a hard eyeball when hooking it up.

Option 2: Apply Rebuild Kit, bushings, bolts.

Option 3: Never even thought about doing anything.  The Dumb and happy approach. (Only Joking)

Opinions?

JD

I'm an "don't fix it if it ain't broke" kind of guy, so Option #1 but shift to Option #2 once the "hard eyeball" raises any question at all.  I do an annual clean and lube, which is also when the really hard eyeballing occurs.

I clean, lube and do a thorogh inspection in the spring b4 our first outing, then every 4-5000 miles.  Additionally, I check things pretty closely at every fuel stop and when connecting the toad.

Roadmaster generally has a crew at big FMCA events and will check and repair their towbars free. You need to get on the list fairly early because they can only do so maney in the time frame.
I have Blue Ox and they, Blue Ox charge $30.00 but completely rebuild and stamp a certification on the bar. Same deal you need to get on the list.
Bill

I don't think you'll find any big FMCA events these days.

ChasA said:

I don't think you'll find any big FMCA events these days.

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Tell me anyone who is doing any big events right now.
October 21-24, 2020
Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson, Arizona
Contact Jamie Erickson, 505-330-1380, [email protected]

March 10-13, 2021
Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, Perry, Georgia
Registration to begin autumn 2020.

July 7-10, 2021
CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities, Gillette, Wyoming
Registration to begin winter 2020.
Of course everything is subject to change.
I will be at a local chapter rally at the Choctaw Casino KOA The 11 to 14 June. Come on by.
Bill

Thanks for the replies.  I just keep a eye on things, check it when I am out of the vehicle, and run it till it craters.

I will keep that note about the Rally Rebuild Opportunities in my mind for future reference.

JD

WILDEBILL308 said:

Roadmaster generally has a crew at big FMCA events and will check and repair their towbars free. You need to get on the list fairly early because they can only do so maney in the time frame.
I have Blue Ox and they, Blue Ox charge $30.00 but completely rebuild and stamp a certification on the bar. Same deal you need to get on the list.
Bill

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WILDEBILL308
However FMCA events are far from FREE.

Some Roadmaster & Blue Ox dealers are now certified to rebuild tow bars.  A lot cheaper than sending back to the factory because it saves the high shipping cost.

mel s said:

WILDEBILL308
However FMCA events are far from FREE.

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By the way what RV and towbar do you have? I am confused are you saying you can't afford to go to a FMCA rally or can't afford to take advantage of  the free or low cost rebuild at a rally?
Bill

Had to throw a hail Mary Pass, (Roger Staubach to Drew Pearson equivalent)....

Connecting the tow parts to the Jeep for the first time today.  When I went to slide the tow bar adapters into the base plate the holes on the Jeep the Big Holes did not line up so I could Latch pin the adapters to the base plate. 

I immediately went to the tow bar on the back of the motor home and saw that they matched the bar ends.... I was like OK? 

I soon realized Home Depot was closing soon and I need a 4.5" cut off wheel.  Came back. lopped off a ear on both and had to trim off a 1/2" off the square tubing so it would go deeper so I could get the holes to accept the latch Pins. Still way far away from the factory hole about a 1" for the latch bar, so I know I am not going to rip the adapter bar out even though I trimmed a 1/2" from end of square tubing. 

I was glad the cut off wheel held together as I did not have a vice to hold it as I was cutting both tubes, Plus I was not real enthused about that carbide wheel spinning at 12,000+ RPMs near my face. 

While I was cutting, I was thinking I should have bought a face shield too.  ;D  Luckily for me the Big Man watches over Fools and I came out unscathed. 

After I got things together I texted the seller.  He gave me the adapter set he was towing his 4x4 pick up with by mistake.  (Come to find out the trucks adapter arms are 1/2" longer on the square tubing that slides into the Jeep's Base Plate), so that explained why the latch Pins did not line up.   

// I know that trimming off a 1/2" messed with the Geometry, but not freaking out as I am sure as long as I don't crank the RV steering wheel hard right or left I should be OK.  I hope. 

I know they made that Jeep adapter bar a certain length for a very good reason (Math-Geometry), but willing to roll the dice and go with it temporarily.  As far as connecting safely with all pins and cables I am good to go. 

JD

mel s said:

WILDEBILL308
However FMCA events are far from FREE.

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The Big Tent in Quartzsite is free every January and Roadmaster has a service and installation shop set up in back.  I had my Falcon tow bar rebuilt there a few years back when one of the arm latches failed after my uncle-in-law drove the motorhome and toad from WA to CA with the steering locked.  Roadmaster provided the parts free, all they asked was I tip the technician $20 because they were volunteering their time for the event.

Lou Schneider said:

The Big Tent in Quartzsite is free every January and Roadmaster has a service and installation shop set up in back.  I had my Falcon tow bar rebuilt there a few years back when one of the arm latches failed after my uncle-in-law drove the motorhome and toad from WA to CA with the steering locked.  Roadmaster provided the parts free, all they asked was I tip the technician $20 because they were volunteering their time for the event.

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Lou a $20 Beer tip for the Tech seemed like a small price to pay. 

Did you put your uncle in a wrastlin headlock until he screamed uncle for tearing up your bar and sculpting the rubber on your front tires?

I went to M&G in Athens TX on my first 300 mile test run with the Jeep in Tow with the Roadmaster Blackhawk 2 bar.  I had Monte at M&G give me his opinion on my bar.  His opinion was it was fine.  The bar linkage move freely, but at the end of the day it is not the nylon washers it is the Hardened bolts and the welds doing the heavy work of the tow.

M&G put their Supplemental Air Tank (Tanks Alot  - John from Detroit) for giving me this tip about being able to add their M&G supplemental air kit with Air tank Reservoir to my Hydraulic braked Class C. 

That M&G original system made a world of difference on the 300 mile trip on the way back home.  It will come in Handy in Utah and Colorado soon.

In Texas under a certain total weight supplemental braking is not required.  I can say the 4300 LBs of the Jeep are very noticeable with and without braking.  Probably not so much for the Big Diesel Pushers, but for my stretched to the limit 32.5 foot class C yea...Huge.

M&G original system is quality!!!  Of course the Air Kit system I would not have done if the Jeep was not "Plumbed" for M&G by original owner.

M&G Manufacturing out of Athens Texas.  Monte who has been working their since 1995 did a great install for me.  For $260 out the door labor cost, a BARGAIN!!

JD