Forum Discussion

moisheh's avatar
moisheh
Explorer
Feb 25, 2014

Towing Issues

For 6 years we used a Blue OX 10,000 tow bar. It worked very well. I had it checked out twice @ Q and once I had a problem with the shank bolt being loose. I also began to have problems with the 5/8 pin holes in the shank. They were elongated as were the holes in my hitch riser. I ordered a new Aventa LX and bought a Roadmaster riser. The Roadmaster uses a solid steel shank. My toad is 1 4x4 extended cab Silverado. About 6400 lbs. Yesterday I noticed the elongated hole problem again. Why would I have this problem: too much weight,soft steel, pins too hard, too much slack between the tube and the shank???? Any ideas? Does anyone else have this problem. I am suspecting the weight as when I had a Tacoma toad ( 4300 lbs.) I did not have this problem. Everything I am using is rated @ 10,000 lbs. Class 5.

Moisheh
Class A
  • crasster's avatar
    crasster
    Explorer II
    Feb 26, 2014
    I am almost suspecting weight. Elongated parts.... Silverado is a heavy toad... Plus you had no problems with the Tacoma. Can you post some pics?
  • moisheh's avatar
    moisheh
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2014
    Thanks skip. I have a hitch extender and there is some movement in the hitch. I was told that is normal.

    Moisheh
  • sjholt's avatar
    sjholt
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2014
    Check the side to side/up and down movement of your hitch. You may think everything is ok, but your tow may be weaving side to side while you are towing.
    I have a rear view camera and I saw the Subie I tow moving around excessively and made some shims to go in the hitch to tighten up the movement. I also clean and lube the hitch pin every long trip.
    HTH
  • moisheh's avatar
    moisheh
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2014
    Hank: A tow bar is never supposed to be angled down at the MH. Very dangerous.

    Moisheh
  • Hank_MI's avatar
    Hank_MI
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2014
    No expert but you'd be better with MH lower than higher than toad. Rear of MH goes up while braking, plus your tag lifts while braking then you're even higher. I know 2" isn't much but level or lower would be better.
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    Feb 26, 2014
    Could possibly be your tag usage as I've never had any issues. I only raise the tag if I'm in a tight position. Rest of the time it's down. The HHR only weighs 3100# tho....have you talked to Blue Ox? about it. I know they worked on it before...Dennis
  • moisheh's avatar
    moisheh
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2014
    Dennis: No binding. Toad follow perfectly. With my riser the MH is slightly higher than the toad. Less than 2 inches. Could having a tag axle put some undue stress on the bar? I always have my tag set to lift when the MH slows down. But at anything over about 10 mph it is down.

    Moisheh
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    Feb 25, 2014
    First question that comes to mind is the level of the towing system. Having the tow system too high or too low puts undue stress on all the parts. The tow vehicle may seem a little squirrely as well. Make sure your system is level then check to ensure there is no binding while turning....Dennis

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