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Commerce's avatar
Commerce
Explorer
Nov 12, 2015

Tow Bar Age, how old is too old ?

I have a 2005 Roadmaster All-Terrain non binding tow bar and have LOVED it and its ease of use. Recently one of the arms is stiff and harder to extend etc but maybe I should grease it somehow. My question is should I replace the tow bar after 10 years and about 30,000 tow miles on it or should I just try to use pb blaster or some other liquid wrench to ease it back up or should I buy a new tow bar from Roadmaster to fit with the tow brackets already on the car.

Maybe I am overthinking this but maybe there can be some good input about this.
  • I bought my Roadmaster towbar new in 1999, this is my 16th year. I have it inspected once a year and I spray silicone spray before and after every time I use it. Good question!
  • I have the same towbar. I've used it for 10 years, 80,000 miles and three toads.

    About once a year I clean it with WD40, spraying and wiping it down for a good half hour or so till it works smoothly.

    You can disassemble them but my method has worked well for me so that's how I do it.
  • If it is binding, I'd check to see if it bent. it doesn't take much. If it is the part can be replaced.
  • Roadmaster is good when it comes to issues like that. All they can say is they can't help you....call them!
  • I would not worry about reliability of 100 years old anvil, if you follow my mind.
  • If it appears not to operate correctly and lube doesn't help I would contact Roadmaster.
  • My roadmaster bar is from 2004 38,000 towing miles on it still works fine use silicone spray you'll see a little small holes underneath the bar you could use that hole to spray in the silicone contact roadmaster they will send you a rebuild kit sometimes for free do not use grease on it the silicone spray Will not attract dirt like Grease will