Storing the Tow Bar

[Moffittclan]

New to Dingy towing and Class A. I've installed a BlueOx towbar/baseplate to pull my Wrangler with. When not towing, do most leave the towbar in place (I've seen a cover you can buy) or do you remove it? If I have to remove it, that's more storage to account for...If I leave it, do I have to worry about it bouncing around and coming out of the "stored" position? Other considerations I haven't thought of yet?

Mike

[RJsfishin]

I don't know how I'd tow my boat, and my sxs atv if I left it on.

[bigdaddy51200]

stays on covered , I use a bungee to secure to the hitch to make sure it doesn't come unlatched and bounce around.

[tatest]

Mine stays on the motorhome, covered, in season. I pull it off for winter storage, or for extended trips when I'm not towing.

[catkins]

On the motorhome and covered when stored.

Remember to follow manufacturers cleaning and lubrication instructions on the retracting rods on the tow bar. EASY!

[camper19709]

Roadmaster tow bar stays on motorhome. Gets covered if not going to be used again in the next few days.

[dons2346]

Mine stays on the coach uncovered. A simple clean and lube every once in awhile and you are good to go.

The bar is locked on the coach but I do not lock the bar to the toad. Reason being that in case of a fire in either unit, it takes to long to unlock and you could end up burning everything to the ground.

An acquaintance locked everything and one day, his toad caught fire. Didn't have the keys handy and coach burned up along with the toad

[tenbear]

Mine stays in place all summer, uncovered.

I remove it when I winterize and put it back on in the spring. I have been doing the same for over 10 years with no problem.

A few years ago, about 3, I had Blue Ox inspect it at a GS rally and they replaced some of the parts, nuts and bolt stuff. The inspection cost $25 as I remember and included all the repairs.

[mowermech]

I have a Roadmaster tow bar that folds up on the front of the truck. It often stays there all summer. I wash the bugs off it now and then, and lubricate it with silicone spray as needed. No problems.
Oh, wait, last fall I did encounter a problem. The towbar had been in place so long that the adapters were rusted in place. I had a hard time removing them. So, I cleaned them and coated them with copper based anti-seize compound. If you normally leave your towbar attached, you might want to consider removing it for cleaning now and then. It doesn't take much rust to make it a permanent fixture!
When I was towing a Jeep, I had a fixed arm adjustable width A-frame towbar by Reese that stayed on the front of the Jeep. I used the safety chains to hold the bar upright. It worked great! Yes, here in Montana that is not against the law.

[WyoTraveler]

Blue Ox sell a cover and also a set of 3 locks. Larger pin holds it into receiver. The other 2 pins attach it to your toad. One key key fits all 3 locks. I also use the Blue Ox Kar Gard for rock protection. It is made to fit the Blue Ox tow bar. The tow bar folds and a latch holds it in place. I roll up the Kar Gard and put a bungee around it. It all stays attached to the MH.

[Two_Hands]

I always keep mine covered when it's not in use. I use a Blue Ox cover I ordered from Amazon.

[janstey]

Covered.

[avan]

Mine also stays attached all the time. I have a Blue Ox locking pin which should keep it relatively safe. No need to bungee etc. as no amount of a bump or jar is going to move it out of its storage position. I do have a cover which I use if I'm not going to be towing for the next week or so. If I'm just somewhere for a night or two or three, I don't use it. The only exception is if I'm at a beach or desert type location with sand blowing around, I'll cover it even for a short stay. Doubt there are really any right or wrong answers.

[Bumpyroad]

stays on the motorhome, covered.
bumpy

[Moffittclan]

Just the answers I wanted! Now, those that leave them on, do you put a cover on it or just leave it exposed and keep it someone clean?