Blue Ox Serious Injury Near Miss

[PKI]

OK, there may be more to it. The original BO hitches were sold with adjustable tilt heads. It was not a good design and subsequently changed to a fixed head tilt with no adjustment. If you have one of those early versions, replace it.

The rotators may have changed configuration too, but it's likely just worn from use. My thought is that your rotator chain locks need to be replaced if the rotator axle does not remain in place when the unit is used. However, a machinist might rebuild what you have or you might remove the axle and apply locktite as a fix.

If it was my rig, I'd be looking for a new hitch, but I know that I lean toward spending a bit when the gear is safety related. Pat

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by PKI

OK, there may be more to it. The original BO hitches were sold with adjustable tilt heads. It was not a good design and subsequently changed to a fixed head tilt with no adjustment. If you have one of those early versions, replace it.

The rotators may have changed configuration too, but it's likely just worn from use. My thought is that your rotator chain locks need to be replaced if the rotator axle does not remain in place when the unit is used. However, a machinist might rebuild what you have or you might remove the axle and apply locktite as a fix.

If it was my rig, I'd be looking for a new hitch, but I know that I lean toward spending a bit when the gear is safety related. Pat

I remember my first BO on my 2008' 25'; the tilt heads were adjustable, as you say. The new models are fixed, but they do move up and down pretty easily, due to wear if not greased regularly. That's why I mentioned I check/grease them each time I hook up, if they move to easily. Takes a few minuets and can be messy if you don't wipe the excess...again, the gloves and paper towel help... I still like this WDH for now...

[PKI]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

-- snip -- they do move up and down pretty easily, -- snip -- :

Respectfully, the head does not move up and down. The head is a fixed configuration. The spring bar sockets have grease nipples to facilitate easy lubrication of the hub and axle that locate them in the head. It's a simple operation and any excess grease can be applied on the hitch ball to keep it lubed.

If the sockets are moving on the axles, then the head may well need to be replaced.

There are several issues with the BO, but it is easy to install, adjust and use.

The biggest value is that the BO gives the hitch lash up a flexible connection. Less shocks transmitted to and from the TV and Trailer are the result. If that is the "move up and down pretty easily", that you reference, then yes, it does.

The issue mentioned above is a new one to me. Checked ours and it shows no indication of the rotator axle backing out as described. Certainly sounds important to check periodically. Pat

Edit - I probably should expand a bit. I use 750s. Believe you use 1000s. It is entirely possible that 1000s and 1500s wear at an accelerated rate. If that is the case, it is another issue, that I have not seen discussed.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by PKI

Respectfully, the head does not move up and down. The head is a fixed configuration. The spring bar sockets have grease nipples to facilitate easy lubrication of the hub and axle that locate them in the head. It's a simple operation and any excess grease can be applied on the hitch ball to keep it lubed.

If the sockets are moving on the axles, then the head may well need to be replaced.

There are several issues with the BO, but it is easy to install, adjust and use.

The biggest value is that the BO gives the hitch lash up a flexible connection. Less shocks transmitted to and from the TV and Trailer are the result. If that is the "move up and down pretty easily", that you reference, then yes, it does.

The issue mentioned above is a new one to me. Checked ours and it shows no indication of the rotator axle backing out as described. Certainly sounds important to check periodically. Pat

Edit - I probably should expand a bit. I use 750s. Believe you use 1000s. It is entirely possible that 1000s and 1500s wear at an accelerated rate. If that is the case, it is another issue, that I have not seen discussed.

Yes, my reference to "move up and down" easily, is referring to my grabbing the spring bar receiver's on the hitch after I install on my TV, prior to installing the spring bars (with gloves on ). If I detect easy movement up and down, I will add use the grease gun to add more grease and wipe excess dirty grease. This does 2 things; applies more fresh lubricant eliminating any "slop", and also pushes out the "older dirty grease". For greasing the ball, I wipe off the old nasty grease and add fresh each use. (I do have the 1500 bars BTW; TW is 1100) And..I also like the BO for reasons you mention...no issues.

[PKI]

That's for the detail. The more folks use gear, the more we learn from the experience. Pat