what is life expectancy of a tow bar
We have a 5 year old Blue Ox Aladdin tow bar with about 60,000 miles on it. It has been maintained well (semi annual cleaning and greasing) but I am thinking that it might be a good time to replace it...
Forum Discussion
I don't know of any manufacturer that has a recommended replacement time or mileage for tow bars. We had a Roadmaster Sterling (not the Sterling All Terrain) for 7 years and over 100,000 miles. It was in excellent condition right up to the time the Jeep we were towing was rear ended.
Most manufacturers recommend an annual inspection and assessment. We cleaned and inspected our Sterling regularly in the 7 years we had it. We replaced a few of the thrust washers at the 5 year mark. At that age when I called the manufacturer for parts I needed to supply the serial number. It was one of the last in that series so parts were still available. I was told at the time that once the current parts stock was depleted they wouldn't be manufacturing any more and the bar would be considered obsolete, and no longer supported.
Basically what it comes down to is that as long as the manufacturer is willing to provide replacement parts you can repair the unit. At some point in time they're going to decide that there aren't enough of that particular model on the road and stop supplying parts. At that time you have to decide whether you still consider it a viable unit.
Most manufacturers recommend an annual inspection and assessment. We cleaned and inspected our Sterling regularly in the 7 years we had it. We replaced a few of the thrust washers at the 5 year mark. At that age when I called the manufacturer for parts I needed to supply the serial number. It was one of the last in that series so parts were still available. I was told at the time that once the current parts stock was depleted they wouldn't be manufacturing any more and the bar would be considered obsolete, and no longer supported.
Basically what it comes down to is that as long as the manufacturer is willing to provide replacement parts you can repair the unit. At some point in time they're going to decide that there aren't enough of that particular model on the road and stop supplying parts. At that time you have to decide whether you still consider it a viable unit.
