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Topic: New BlueOx Tow Bar (Read 193 times) previous topic - next topic
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New BlueOx Tow Bar
Our previous tow bar was 15 years old with more than 80k miles, and one leg was slightly bent.  BlueOx doesn’t sell replacement parts for this older model.  So it seemed wise to get a new tow bar.  I have often wondered what is the “useful life” of a tow bar.  At any rate, this should be our last tow bar. 

 
Re: New BlueOx Tow Bar
Reply #1
So what Blue Ox model did you get?
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: New BlueOx Tow Bar
Reply #2
I have often wondered what is the “useful life” of a tow bar. 

8-10 years, max.  Typically in the 40-80K towed miles range.

Blue Ox has a 10 year limit on their towbars.  I think Roadmaster is a little bit less, maybe 7 years.

Any towbar with visible damage, like a bend or wear you can see, should either be refurbished or replaced as age dictates.  Never use a towbar that's damaged.

Re: New BlueOx Tow Bar
Reply #3
I don’t understand WHY this topic was moved to Around the Campfire.   How is a discussion about a tow bar different than tires, batteries, or ANY other accessory or parts?    This action seems very arbitrary.  Please explain. 

Re: New BlueOx Tow Bar
Reply #4
Agreed.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: New BlueOx Tow Bar
Reply #5
I don’t understand WHY this topic was moved to Around the Campfire.  

Lazy Daze Renovations & Improvements is for discussion of projects that are specific to updating/remodeling a Lazy Daze.

Tow bars (and other RV accessories) are applicable to all types and brands of motorhomes.

It's similar to how discussion of what folks use for mobile Internet is a general RV question that would go in Campfire, but asking how to mount a Starlink dish and routing the wires would fit best in either LD Improvements or LD Technical, because it involves the coach itself.

Having this distinction keeps the Lazy Daze Discussion/Technical/Improvements boards focused on the coaches and those aspects that are specific to the brand, construction, and systems that are part of, and special to, it being a Lazy Daze.

I hope that explains it.

Re: New BlueOx Tow Bar
Reply #6
I have used Roadmaster towbars for over twenty years and have been able to buy rebuild parts when the towbars loosen up, usually just requiring full set of bushings and nylon washers.
Our 2001 Cherokee's Roadmaster Stowmaster has over 100,000 miles on it and has been rebuilt twice, with the bushings and lock pins replaced.
Our 2020 Wrangler has a Sterling All-Terrain towbar that I bought used and rebuilt, we have put almost 30,000 miles on it and have no idea how many miles it was used previously. The Sterling AT is a heavy-duty towbar good for anything an LD can tow.
Towbars do not age out, they wear out from use.

Etrailer is a good source of repair parts for Roadmaster towbars.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze