Jeep original Tow Bar movement ???

[chrisk]

Just went to my local tow bar specialist to get them to look at an issue I had when towing our van on the Melb cup weekend. The van normally tows like a dream but was lousy on this trip. I have had a look at all sorts of things and have been unable to find a reason/problem. So as a last resort I thought I would take it back to the tow bar / hayman reese specialist as they setup the WDH for me in the first place and it towed really well.
They discovered that there was nearly 10mm of movement up & down when the WDH bars are installed and load is put on everything. At this stage I am still able to use it for short trips over Christmas but will have it looked at in January. I suppose I am looking at a replacement bar next year. It has done quite a bit of work with our 2 vans that it's towed.

Has anybody else experienced this type of movement and if so what was the ultimate result?

[JamesLaugesen]

Did they say where the movement is? And check/replace the bolts?
It's hard to imagine how it could get any movement without the bolts being loose. Even if the holes have been deformed now, the bolts would need to be loose for that to happen in the first place.

If they didn't mention anything, I'd be replacing them (the bolts.) asap if I were you.

Also what brand towbar is it? They're dealer-fitted, so there seems to be a few different ones out there.

This is a "Best Bars" one:


This one is just stamped as "Mopar":


Notice the different height and chain loops.

Here's a side-by-side:


The Best Bars one is much more sturdy. It has a vertical rating of ~327kg while the "Mopar" one is rated ~150kg (same pull rating though.). I still have the Best Bars one laying around the shed if you want it, if that turns out to be your problem.

[anthonygubbin]

Originally Posted by chrisk

Just went to my local tow bar specialist to get them to look at an issue I had when towing our van on the Melb cup weekend. The van normally tows like a dream but was lousy on this trip. I have had a look at all sorts of things and have been unable to find a reason/problem. So as a last resort I thought I would take it back to the tow bar / hayman reese specialist as they setup the WDH for me in the first place and it towed really well.
They discovered that there was nearly 10mm of movement up & down when the WDH bars are installed and load is put on everything. At this stage I am still able to use it for short trips over Christmas but will have it looked at in January. I suppose I am looking at a replacement bar next year. It has done quite a bit of work with our 2 vans that it's towed.

Has anybody else experienced this type of movement and if so what was the ultimate result?

It has happened to Drover on his GC. Not exactly sure what happened with his but if I recall correctly his came away it got that bad.

Regards A

[turbomart]

I noticed niether bar uses crush tubes, this could/would cause the bar to work loose.

[Clarky]

I noticed a knock on my last QLD trip which turned out to be the bar working loose.

I just tightened it up & checked it regularly, I see it as one of those maintenance things that if you tow should be checked daily especially if driving on rough roads.

A WDH dose place more pressure on the hitch itself so will amplify any issue you may have.

I ditched the WDH & installed HD springs & find the ride with the van on much more pleasant/less jarring. My ball weight is around 210/220kg & van is 2000kg.

Bolts


integrated crush tubes in the Grands cross member.

[turbomart]

Ahh, so the crush tubes are built in.
Other thing to check is the bolts should be at least grade 5, grade 8 would be better.

[chrisk]

Originally Posted by JamesLaugesen

Did they say where the movement is? And check/replace the bolts?
It's hard to imagine how it could get any movement without the bolts being loose. Even if the holes have been deformed now, the bolts would need to be loose for that to happen in the first place.

If they didn't mention anything, I'd be replacing them (the bolts.) asap if I were you.

Also what brand towbar is it? They're dealer-fitted, so there seems to be a few different ones out there.

This is a "Best Bars" one:


This one is just stamped as "Mopar":


Notice the different height and chain loops.

Here's a side-by-side:


The Best Bars one is much more sturdy. It has a vertical rating of ~327kg while the "Mopar" one is rated ~150kg (same pull rating though.). I still have the Best Bars one laying around the shed if you want it, if that turns out to be your problem.

James, and all you guys, thanks for the input. From the photos James has posted I am sure I have the Mopar bar. Mine has the same wings for the attachment of the safety chains. From the photo I can't quite make out how the safety chains attach to the Best bar one. Do you have another photo that shows it? We had a quick look at the bolts yesterday and couldn't see any looseness in them. We suspected that the mounting holes may have become a bit elongated. We'll have thais all checked properly in January. Will probably be ditching this bar and look for a replacement, may PM you James to discuss your spare Best Bars tow bar. Thanks for all the input again & have a great Xmas.