Blue OX Tow Bar - Frozen Arm

[The_Breeze]

The extension arm on my 4330 blue ox tow bar recently froze in the collapsed position and I was unable to break it free by hand.

I was able to fully extend it by attaching it to the motorhome and use the tow vehicle to gently extend it into the locked position.

I posed a question to Blue Ox through their Contact Us function, asking if there was anything I could do, and wanted to cover this base as well to see if anyone else experienced this before I struck out on my own.

Anyone else? I'd rather not blindly tear into it.

[cpmath]

Spray it down good with wD40 or a penetrating oil.

[halfprice]

Use a dry silicone, something that won't attract dirt

[The_Breeze]

Thanks.

There is a precise hole in both tubes and I'm unsure what it's there for. I'd hate to break the boot seal but it may be necessary.

[Mr Sunshine]

Let us know what the folks at Blue Ox say.

When we stopped to tour their factory in Pender Nebraska, they took the arms off my hitch, checked them out and put on new seals. We were impressed!

[halfprice]

My ready brute arms have zerk fitting for grease. Does yours???

[The_Breeze]

Originally Posted by halfprice

My ready brute arms have zerk fitting for grease. Does yours???

No. Just two holes that were purposely drilled into the casing where the arm slides in and out of.

[The_Breeze]

Originally Posted by Mr Sunshine

Let us know what the folks at Blue Ox say.

When we stopped to tour their factory in Pender Nebraska, they took the arms off my hitch, checked them out and put on new seals. We were impressed!

Thanks. Make that sound like a known problem? And to think I passed right through there to get where I am. But, of course, nothing wrong then.

[Sanford]

My boot seal tore on a trip. I regreased the shafts and replaced both boots with zip ties. Worked well.

[The_Breeze]

Originally Posted by Sanford

My boot seal tore on a trip. I regreased the shafts and replaced both boots with zip ties. Worked well.

Thank you. I believe that's where I'm headed.

[Galobo]

I would try penetrating oil if that doesn’t free it up you may have bent the bar and to be safe you may need to replaced it I think the replacements are about $200.00. ��

[DaveDopp]

Blue Ox recommends servicing the tow bar every two years or 10,000 miles. It's an easy DIY project. (The link below is to an RV Geeks how to video.)

I'd also recommend you have it checked out at a Blue Ox authorized shop at least every five years (or sooner if you notice a cracked or torn boot!) The shop will examine and replace or repair any worn parts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOw08HzLHo8