Tow Bar Age

[FloridaRosebud]

I was given a Blue Ox 10,000lb tow bar by my neighbor. They full-timed for 7 years, then it sat in their garage for 6 or 7 years. Everything appears to be in working order. No binding, and the arms extend smoothly and lock. I emailed Blue Ox to see if they would refurb it for me (just to be on the safe side), and they said no, they recommend replacement after 8-10 years so I need to buy a new one. So who out there is using an older tow bar, and have you had any issues? Should I just buy a new one? Thoughts?

Al

[lryrob9301]

I am still using the same Demco Commander tow bar that I bought in 2008. It's still tight and sound. I recently had a machine shop friend of mine magnaflux all the welds and no problems were found. The reason Blue Ox says their tow bars need replacing is because they are aware of the build quality and want to sell you a new one.

[Horsedoc]

I towed with one several years and it was still strong as a dollar. It did get scratched and loose. I found another in Tennessee a guy was wanting to sell and started using it. A friend bought a MH and knew nothing about towing. I gave him the old one. Danged if he didn't sell the MH within a few months and the Blue Ox with it.

[sundancer268]

My RoadMaster Sterling All-Terrain was purchased new in 2009 and I see no issues with the age, everything is tight and works smoothly in fact we are hitting the road Wednesday for two weeks.