A V E N T A TM OPERATOR, PARTS AND INSTALLATION MANUAL BX7330 AVENTA TM Tow Bar TOWING PRODUCTS DIVISION
SAFETY DO NOT INSTALL, OPERATE OR USE THIS EQUIPMENT UNTIL THE FOLLOWING OPERATING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS HAVE BEEN READ AND UNDERSTOOD. This symbol is used to bring attention to safety precautions and instructions. When you see this symbol, be alert and pay attention to all instructions. YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY IS INVOLVED. 1. Blue Ox Tow Bars are designed to tow manual transmission cars or automatics equipped with a transmission pump, drive shaft disconnect or half shaft disconnect. 2. The transmission is in neutral when towing. 3. Unlock the steering wheel to allow the front wheels of the towed vehicle to track. 4. Be sure the front end of the towed vehicle is properly aligned. 5. The use of safety cables or chains is RE- QUIRED BY LAW. Model BX8805 (5ft) or BX8806 (6ft) cables are recommended. The shorter BX8805 is normally best. 6. Check clearance between vehicles in a turning situation. 7. Most States require rear lighting on the towed car. A BX8811 Wiring Kit or BX8834 Light Bar is recommended. SAFETY CABLE INSTALLATION 1. Using the cable hooks, attach the cables to a solid part of the chassis of the towed vehicle or to the baseplate convenience links on unibody cars. Slip the end of the S-hook through the neoprene keeper to prevent it from unhooking. (See Fig. 3) NOTE: It is best to have permanent chains that connect the convenience links to the frame of the car. (See Fig. 2) 2. Wrap each cable once or twice around their respective tow bar leg and cross them under the receiver area. (See Fig. 1) 3. Using the S-hooks, attach the opposite ends of the cables to a solid part of the chassis of the towing vehicle if at all possible. Slip the end of the S-hook through the neoprene keeper to prevent it from unhooking (See Fig. 3) 8. Prior to a towing trip, check to be sure all the towing accessories and attachment points are secure. Check for cracked welds and loose bolts. This is important on all occasions, but particularly on a new installation, when they should be checked just prior to initial towing and again after 100-200 miles of towing. 9. Do Not Back Up when towing. Backing up may damage the Tow Bar Assembly, towing vehicle's chassis or towed vehicle's chassis. 10. Avoid sharp turns and rough terrain. Check installation after any unusual event and periodically on a long trip. 11. Do not use the Towed Vehicle for storing luggage, etc.; you may exceed the towing capacity of the Tow Bar. 4. Adjust slack so that the cables cannot touch the ground or become caught beneath the receiver. If either of these things happen, the cables may become damaged and ineffective. DO NOT USE DAMAGED CABLES! 5. If BX8805 or BX8806 cables are not used, be sure EACH cable or chain used has at least the load rating of the tow bar (5000 lbs.). 292-1661 2/96 1 of 6
INSTALLATION / HOOKING UP TOW BAR INSTALLATION CAUTION: As with any mechanical product, care should be taken during installation and operation, to prevent your fingers from being pinched. 1. Slide the receiver connector into the receiver tube of your towing vehicle hitch. Secure it with the receiver pin provided. (Figure 1) NOTE: The configuration of the rear of your towing vehicle will determine how far you can slide it into the receiver. Later, when the tow bar is folded, you may need to change which set of holes is used in the receiver connector. 2. Proceed with hooking up towed vehicle. 3. DEALER OR INSTALLER: BE CERTAIN USER RECEIVES INSTRUCTION SHEETS. Figure 1 HOOKING UP (Towed Vehicle) 1. Position the towing vehicle on a level surface with approximately 100 ft. to 200 ft. of straight driveway ahead and engage the parking brake. (Later, You will be driving straight ahead to latch the legs when extending the tow bar.) Position the towed vehicle behind the towing vehicle in the approximate towing position and engage the parking brake of the towed vehicle. NOTE: Replace wire lock pin into fold up tabs and lock in place to avoid losing pin. 3. Unlock one of the leg latches and partially extend the leg. NOTE: Leg latches are unlocked by sliding the collar back to expose the red rubber seal under the collar. (Figure 3) 4. Refer to figure 4 on page 3. Place the baseplate connector between the baseplate attachment tabs on the towed vehicle and secure with the connector pin tethered to the leg. Be sure to place the quick pin, also tethered, through the hole in the connector pin to lock it in place. The quick pin only locks when the ring is rotated towards the nose of the quick pin. Repeat for both legs. Figure 2 2. Face the folded tow bar on the rear of the towing vehicle. (Figure 2) Remove the wire lock pin from the tow bar fold up tabs. Unfold the tow bar by raising the tow bar legs until the retainer pin clears the slot in the pivot bracket. Pull the legs out away from the towing vehicle and place them on the ground. Figure 3 292-1661 2/96 2 of 6
EXTENDING TOW BAR / UNHOOKING / FOLDING Figure 4 EXTENDING TOW BAR Caution: It is possible to extend the tow bar by driving away with the towing vehicle. As you drive away, the towed vehicle will wander around until, eventually, both sides may lock. Even though they may lock this way, we DO NOT recommend towing any vehicle until the operator has confirmed that the leg latches have been properly locked as outlined below. 1. On the towed vehicle; disengage parking brake, set up the transmission for towing, (See SAFETY section - Page 1, Item 1) and unlock the steering wheel. Drive the towing vehicle straight forward approximately 50 ft. to 100 ft. or until both leg latches lock into position. The latches are locked when the red rubber seal is not exposed. NOTE: If only one leg latch locks, turn the top of the towed vehicle's steering wheel towards the unlocked side, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 turn, and continue forward until the latch locks. Check to insure both legs are latched properly before towing. IMPORTANT: The steering wheel on the towed vehicle must be unlocked at all times while being towed. Failure to do so will create hazardous driving conditions. 2. Install safety cables or chains and lighting. (See safety cable installation - Page1). UNHOOKING / FOLDING 1. Park the towing vehicle with vehicle in tow, in a straight line, on a flat, level surface to insure minimum pressure is exerted on the tow bar legs. This will aid in the removal of the connector pins. Engage the towing vehicle parking brake. Place the towed vehicle either in park for automatic transmissions or securely in first gear for manual transmissions. Unhook the lighting and safety cables. 2. Unlock the leg latches by sliding the collar back to expose the red rubber seal under the collar. (Figure 3) Remove the quick pins and connector pins attaching the tow bar legs to the baseplate attachment tabs. (Figure 4) You may need to tap the connector pins out if there is still pressure on them. Compress both legs completely, until they lock in place. (Latch is locked when the red rubber seal is not exposed) 3. With the legs together, swing them up towards the towing vehicle until the single fold up tab on the receiver connector fits between the double fold up tabs on the pivot bracket. Slide the wire lock pin through the fold up tabs and lock in place. Rotate the legs down to the side until the retainer pin engages in the slot in the pivot bracket. (Figure 2) 292-1661 2/96 3 of 6
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE 1. This tow bar requires periodic maintenance. It will be subjected to road dirt and weather during use. The following tips will help maintain the condition of your new tow bar. 2. Keep the tow bar covered when not in use, on or off of the towing vehicle. This will cut down on the dust and dirt build up on the inside legs and latches of the tow bar. A BX8865 AVENTA TM tow bar cover is recommended. 3. After each trip, after 5000 miles of towing or before long periods of storage, lubricate the leg latches with silicone lubricant or a similar product. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. LATCH DISASSEMBLY If your latches become "sticky" or hard to latch they may require disassembly for cleaning. The best way to disassemble your tow bar for cleaning is to take apart both latches in the order specified below, clean, then reassemble as outlined. 1. Unbolt the baseplate connectors from the inside legs of the tow bar. Place the tow bar legs in the folded position. (See Unhooking / Folding Section) Release the leg latches and remove the inside legs. NOTE: Care should be taken not to lose the 6 ball bearings that will come out as each leg is removed. 2. Remove the red dust seal and the snap ring that holds the latch together. Remove the latch collar, spring, and latch washer. CLEANING 1. Clean all of the parts removed with a grease cutting solvent. Clean the chrome inside legs, cross pivot brace and all outside legs and collars. NOTE: Be sure to clean the inside of the collars and legs, including brushing out the ball bearing holes. REASSEMBLING THE TOW BAR 1. Replace the washer, spring, and latch collar and secure with the snap ring. NOTE: Be sure to install the spring with the narrow end towards the washer. 2 Slide the inside leg back through the outside leg. Hold the outside leg vertical and raise the inside leg until the holes are just above the end of it. Insert a ball bearing into one of the holes and hold it in place with the inside leg by keeping slight pressure upwards against the ball bearing. While keeping slight pressure on the ball bearing, insert the rest of the ball bearings. 3. Once all ball bearings are in their holes, release the latch collar and allow the inside leg to go on through the latch assembly. Lock the ball bearings into the groove in the inside leg. Repeat for other leg latch. Reattach the baseplate connectors and hardware previously removed. LUBRICATION Figure 5 1. Once the tow bar has been cleaned and reassembled, lubricate the leg latches with silicon lubricant and insure that both latches operate smoothly. 292-1661 2/96 4 of 6
REPLACEMENT PARTS IMPORTANT: Use only genuine factory replacement parts on your Tow Bar. Do not substitute homemade or nontypical parts. If a bolt is lost or in need of replacement, for your safety and the preservation of your Tow Bar, be sure to use a replacement bolt of the same grade (Usually Grade 5). Repair parts may be ordered through your nearest Automatic dealer or distributor. 292-1661 2/96 5 of 6
REPLACEMENT PARTS Parts List Ref. No. Qty. Part No. Description 1** 1 61-4439... Outside Leg 2 2 61-4446... Baseplate Connector 3 1 61-4448... Plate Washer, 3/4 Hole 4* 1 61-4727... Receiver Connector 5 1 61-4728... Pivot Bracket w/ Brace 6 1 61-4729... Pivot Bracket w/ Spacer 7** 1 61-4730... Outside Leg with Retainer Pin 8 2 62-3213... Quick Pin Assembly 9 2 62-3214... Baseplate Connector Pin Assembly 10 1 107-1836... Leg Spacer Tube, 1 OD x 11 Ga. Wall x 1 13/16 Long 11 1 200-1483... Pin, 5/8 x 3 Eff. w/ Clip 12 2 201-0011... 1/2-13 x 1 1/4 Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5 13 2 201-0615... 3/4-16 x 4 1/2 Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5 14 2 201-0616... 1/2-20 x 2 3/4 Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5 15 1 201-0622... 3/4-16 x 2 1/2 Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5 16 2 202-0150... 1/2-20 Lock Nut w/ Nylon Insert 17 3 202-0152... 3/4-16 Hex Jam Lock Nut w/ Nylon Insert 18 2 203-0012... 1/2 Lock Washer 19 2 203-0127... Safety Stop Washer 20 12 209-0139... 3/8 Ball Bearing 21 2 222-0062... Latch Spring 22 2 229-0283...Snap Ring 23 1 229-0380... Wire Lock Pin, 1/4 x 2 24 2 250-0167...Outer Seal, Tow Bar Latch 25 4 290-0266... Nylon Washer, 1 OD x.518 ID 26 2 290-0314... Latch Collar 27 2 290-0315... Latch Back Cover 28** 2 290-0316... Dust Seal 29 2 290-0345... Plastic Cap Plug 30* 2 290-0346... Plastic Pivot Insert 31 4 290-0347... Plastic Spacer, 13/16 ID x 2 OD 32 2 290-0348... Plastic Spacer, 13/16 ID x 3 OD 33 2 292-1035... Blue Ox Decal 34 1 292-1206... Tow Bar Instructions Decal 35 1 292-1621... Safety Cable Decal 36 1 292-1660... BX7330 ID Sticker 37 2 299-0057... Plated Latch Washer 38 2 299-0137... Chrome Plated Inside Leg Replacement Assemblies 39 63-1926... Complete Leg Without Retainer Pin 40 63-1939...Complete Leg With Retainer Pin 41 63-1940...Complete Pivot Bracket * Item 4 Includes (2) of Item 30 ** Items 1 and 7 Include (1) of Item 28 292-1661 2/96 6 of 6
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE HOOKING UP & EXTENDING FOR TOWING 1. Align vehicles in approximate towing position with straight driveway ahead and parking brakes locked. 2. Remove spring lock pin from fold up tabs and rotate legs up to unfold tow bar. Partially extend legs and pin baseplate connectors between attachment tabs. 3. Disengage parking brakes, unlock towed vehicle steering wheel, and drive towing vehicle forward until both legs are locked. (Red rubber seals are not visible) 4. Install safety cables and towed vehicle lighting. UNHOOKING & FOLDING FOR STORAGE 1. Park vehicles in a straight line on level surface. Apply towing vehicle parking brake. Place towed vehicle in park or 1st gear for manual transmissions. 2. Remove safety cables and towed vehicle lighting. 3. Disengage leg latches (Red rubber seals are visible) and remove connector pins. 4. Compress and place legs together. Fold legs towards towing vehicle and lock in place with spring lock pin through fold up tabs. Rotate legs down to engage retainer pin in pivot bracket slot. TO BE VALID, THE WARRANTY CARD MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY AN AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR OR DEALER AND SENT TO AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT MFG. CO., PENDER, NEBRASKA. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL VOID THE WARRANTY. Repair parts may be ordered through your nearest Automatic dealer or distributor. Product Safety Policy Statement It is, and shall continue to be, a primary objective of Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company to provide customers with safe and reliable products. Automatic will, and has, established safety procedures in product design, manufacture, promotion and sales; and will coordinate efforts to promote customer safety to the greatest extent possible. Each department has primary responsibility for the promotion of safety under the guidelines of the Product Safety Committee. BX7330 AVENTA TM Tow Bar 292-1661 2/96 Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co. One Mill Road, Industrial Park! Pender, Nebraska 68047 1994 Automatic Equipment Mfg. Co. Pender, NE 68047