Tow bar lubrication

[traveylin]

A caravan pulled into the campground up on the northern part of the alcan and this dude proceeds to start disconnecting his toad towbar using a hammer to release the shaft locks. And using a hammer, hammering away. I explained to him that he might want to lubricate the towbar tubes as the parts were aluminum and subject to galling. Even showed him the ports where he could add some 3/1 oil. Response was its just tight and needs hammering.

go figure

pops

[mowermech]

I would never use oil of any kind on parts that live in a climate of dust and grit. Oil gets sticky and collects dirt.
I use a dry silicone spray (as recommended by the manufacturer) on my Roadmaster stainless steel towbar. When (not if) it sticks, I just use it exactly the way I used my old fixed arm towbar. Once it is disconnected, it releases and folds just the way it is designed to do.
No hammer, no problem.