Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 12, 2025 ...

Blue Ox Aventa towbar problem

May 12, 2015, 05:33:02 pm

I am having a problem getting my towbar to unlock if the coach and car are not level and straight. Under these conditions there is a tension on the legs of the towbar so that the pins cannot be pulled. Is this normal?

Quote Selected

Re: Blue Ox Aventa towbar problem

Reply #1 – May 12, 2015, 05:41:02 pm

I use a small hammer to drive the pins out.

Quote Selected

Re: Blue Ox Aventa towbar problem

Reply #2 – May 12, 2015, 05:42:31 pm

Royce,

Do you have an older Road Master that is a frustration to disconnect at an angle? I too fought it for a long time (release pry bar plus a hammer), but the newer versions are gimbled to make this easier... for the most part. Yea, I know, just another coach buck.

Jim

Quote Selected

Re: Blue Ox Aventa towbar problem

Reply #3 – May 12, 2015, 05:47:54 pm

I have an aluminum Blue Ox, looks very similar in design to yours. I also have problems releasing if out of alignment by very much. It is really a problem if you get into a tight place where you "thought" you could U-turn then find that you can't. I have found no solution other than a hammer. I go thru Pender, NE about every other year to have mine overhauled, not a maintenance issue.

Quote Selected

Re: Blue Ox Aventa towbar problem

Reply #4 – May 12, 2015, 05:51:05 pm

This is a new Aventa LX, purchased in January at MOT.

Quote Selected

Re: Blue Ox Aventa towbar problem

Reply #5 – May 12, 2015, 05:52:35 pm

I believe it's normal if there's tension on the towbar (unlevel, not straight) and will happen with almost any tow bar.  Our Aventa is better than our original Roadmaster Sterling (not the newer all-terrain version), but does still bind at times.  I've recently read to try turning the toad steering all the way left and right then back to center to try to relieve some of the tension; haven't had a chance to try that yet.

Quote Selected

Re: Blue Ox Aventa towbar problem

Reply #6 – May 12, 2015, 05:56:45 pm

Me too. I've had the same problem over the years and have used a hammer once or twice. But I find getting lined up straight prevents most problems even if I'm not level. I'll frequently unhook at a park entrance if I think I can't get straight on the actual site. Taking a walk to the site first helps too.

If not level I'll start the Jeep up, still hooked up, and move forward or back a bit. This usually works.

One of those things.

Quote Selected

Re: Blue Ox Aventa towbar problem

Reply #7 – May 12, 2015, 06:49:43 pm

Turning the toad wheels lock to lock works well. Molly turns the wheel, I keep slight pressure on the pin we're trying to remove. You can tell easily when the pin loosens, usually before you reach the limit. If it doesn't work turning to one side, just turn the other way. No hammers, no problems.

This is for blue ox baseplate, aventa tow bar. Blue ox recommended the procedure.

Quote Selected

Re: Blue Ox Aventa towbar problem

Reply #8 – May 12, 2015, 11:40:17 pm

We do not expect any towbar to release arm extension if the tow car is angled.
We try to only disconnect when tow car is straight behind to eliminate latch stress.  If our Jeep is up or down hill from the motorhome, the pins won't slip out without driving the Jeep to remove the pressure.

Quote Selected

Re: Blue Ox Aventa towbar problem

Reply #9 – May 13, 2015, 08:06:35 am

If the coach is uphill from the towed I have the DW drive forward a "hair". If the coach is downhill from the towed I have the DW back up a "hair". Either direction I then have her hold the brakes on. Usually works. Twisted? I find a level spot as the hassle of pounding everything to come apart just isn't worth it.

Quote Selected

Re: Blue Ox Aventa towbar problem

Reply #10 – May 13, 2015, 09:18:31 am

You have to work on getting the tow straight and as close to level as possible.  My pins are hard to get out sometimes and not always a bad thing.  Just crank it up and bump couple times and it will release making the pins pullable.  All I have read is normal.
Just do not have the tow bar in a bind when you wish to pull the pins and always////always put the brake on.  Nothing worst than to pull the pins and the tow go rolling.  Never have used a hammer, as that appears, would release a binding situation.  Love my Blue Ox.  DAN

Quote Selected

Re: Blue Ox Aventa towbar problem

Reply #11 – May 13, 2015, 09:43:40 am

If two people are available, one cranking the steering wheel one way while you maintain a pull on the pin, you will feel the binding ease. If not coming out easily have driver turn wheel the other way. Sometimes it takes a couple of cycles. Consider putting a larger ring on the pin to give you more to grab on to. See pic for my pins, easy grab handle. Hammer on the release bar = BAD
Good luck,

Quote Selected

Re: Blue Ox Aventa towbar problem

Reply #12 – May 13, 2015, 11:20:01 am

I have heard of a tow bar in a bind, where the pins were hammered out and the tow bar sprung away and banged into the person's leg causing damage.

Quote Selected

Re: Blue Ox Aventa towbar problem

Reply #13 – May 13, 2015, 06:31:17 pm

When disconnecting "mid-turn" I start the toad, turn the steering wheel from stop to stop several times.  This seems to let the front wheels "walk" sideways to release the load.  It releases most of the load but it still can be tuff.  I have never had to use a hammer.  Clean asphalt is the most difficult and loose gravel is easy.

Quote Selected

Re: Blue Ox Aventa towbar problem

Reply #14 – May 13, 2015, 08:03:16 pm

I replaced the standard pins with hitch pins from our local Fleet Farm (a farm supply store). These are the same diameter as the pins that came with the Aventa, but with larger pull rings. Also, they are/were painted bright red.

Quote Selected