HELP, STRANDED in REALTIME - some one stole my spring bars

[ArtStream]

Poor to no cell phone service. Use of a fax that may or may not work.
Land line phone a block away that cannot take incoming calls.

Stranded due to stolen spring bars for my Reese Dual Cam hitch.

I've spent the past 6 hours on the phone with Reese, and a number of their dealers, the nearest one is 65 miles away. After 4 hours of part numbers trying to replace the old style 1995 straight 550# duel cam bars, trunnions and cam ends with no luck, Reese suggested 600# new style bars with the built in cam ends.

Of course the nearest dealer is still 65 miles away and it will take a special order and till Monday to get them (along with UPS shipping charges to the dealer)

Any ideas, are the 600# bars the same as the 550# bars.
Anyone have 28" square 550# bars? I'm stranded Roundtop, TX till I can get them spring bars!!!!!!!

[53flyingcloud]

Originally Posted by artlink

Poor to no cell phone service. Use of a fax that may or may not work.
Land line phone a block away that cannot take incoming calls.

Stranded due to stolen spring bars for my Reese Dual Cam hitch.

I've spent the past 6 hours on the phone with Reese, and a number of their dealers, the nearest one is 65 miles away. After 4 hours of part numbers trying to replace the old style 1995 straight 550# duel cam bars, trunnions and cam ends with no luck, Reese suggested 600# new style bars with the built in cam ends.

Of course the nearest dealer is still 65 miles away and it will take a special order and till Monday to get them (along with UPS shipping charges to the dealer)

Any ideas, are the 600# bars the same as the 550# bars.
Anyone have 28" square 550# bars? I'm stranded Roundtop, TX till I can get them spring bars!!!!!!!

Listen,
You can tow your trailer without them as long as you have the safety chains, brakes, and breakaway hooked up..I've towed several trailers that way with no problem...Just go a little slower and..you should be okay~!!
This will get you back to where you need to be..until you get the replacements..
TRUST ME..I've done this before and, it's okay..I wouldn't do it all the time but, for the distance you're talking abt..is a piece of cake..
53FC

[Stefrobrts]

I have no advice for you, just wanted to say that really stinks, and I hope a tree falls on whoever stole your springbars - what a jerk!

[53flyingcloud]

As far as the ratings go...
#550 or #600..either way, you should be okay with the 600 once you get there..
Good luck to you and, sorry to hear abt your mis-fortune..

[Frank S]

Hi artlink--I also have towed my 1973 27' Overlander with a 3/4 ton Chevy Van 5.7ltr 3.73 rear, without bars, without a problem. As 53 Flying Cloud said "go a little slower", and stop for a cup of coffee if it gets real windy.--Frank S

[Silvertwinkie]

I agree, particularly with a F350, take it where you need to go. You'll be ok! Take it slow and be careful. I would not wait until Monday to do anything and be stranded where you are. If it's REALLY windy, I'd wait until the wind died down, but other than that, if you gotta go, hitch 'er up and get where you need to go. You have some great hardware (tow vehicle) that will do just fine in a pinch....better than most.

I keep my bars locked up. I know some folks do keep them out, but I think you above all others see the benefits to locking 'em up when not in use.

[53flyingcloud]

Good points SilverTwinkie~
I always lock my tools up..in fact, nothing gets left out..
Maybe a pink Flamingo...yep...lol

[ibedonc]

pulled my 83 31' excella home when I bought it from ok to tx (400miles) without them with a F250 SD , no problems , I did have my anti-sway bars on

[87MH]

With a 350, hook 'em up and boogy.

With a box bed, however, be careful of tight turns - especially when backing up - the corner of the box gets real close to the corner of the AS -

Ask the PO of my '78 Sovereign how quickly it can happen.

[AYRSTRM2]

BTW, the book "Marooned in Realtime" is a pretty neat book, if you're into Sci Fi. Vernor Vinge.

[Melody Ranch]

Un hook and go south about 10 miles. Thats called Austin, Texas. Order your hitch bars, spend the night in the best city in America. As an artist you will really enjoy this wait....If all else fails there are about a half dozen RV (Airstream compatable) dealers on I-35 between Round Rock and San Antonio.
Hardly stranded. You can tow with out the bars too....but you will miss some great stories from a night in Austin.P.S.
Call North Texas RV (Airstream Specialist) in Dallas 800-359-6378. If he has em I will bring 'em to you.

[overlander63]

Michael, I have seen your tow rig. You can tow your coach with it with no problem, just, as others have said, go slow. Also, check your PM's.

[scottanlily]

Hey artlink ,I just hate thieves ,and the violation of your property is rotten.
I wish you good luck and safe travel.


Scott

[Melody Ranch]

Ebay right now
Item number: 4639661162

[ArtStream]

Thanks for all your encouragement, advice, and good wishes; it really helps negate the evil deeds of a few.

The dice are rolling as we speak.
And by the way, Austin is one of my favorite towns, and Texas is one of my favorite states.

John, I'll check out the book.
Melody Ranch, thanks for the offer, I'm actually 200 miles south in Austin county, Shelby, by Brennem.
Thanks 53
Check your PM Terry, and thanks.
Scott, Dennis, Frank, Silver, 87, Ibed and Stef.


Will let everyone know how it plays out.

Thanks again all!!!!!

Michael

[oxblood]

I think they will have tow bars for you. They are slightly south of Austin off I35 near Buda. Good luck.

[ArtStream]

Thanks to all.

Terry and Marie sent along a spare set of 500# bars which just arrived, a heart felt thanks, Karma, a check and a little artwork coming your way.

I won't be leaving my spring bars outside from now on

Sincerely,
Michael

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by artlink

Thanks to all.

Terry and Marie sent along a spare set of 500# bars which just arrived, a heart felt thanks, Karma, a check and a little artwork coming your way.

I won't be leaving my spring bars outside from now on

Sincerely,
Michael

And glad we had them to send along.

[sd90mac]

Michael,

you are very welcome. I'm still amazed the UPS store wrapped the bars in bubble wrap and filled the box with peanuts. Did they really think they would break!!!

Marie

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by sd90mac

Michael,

you are very welcome. I'm still amazed the UPS store wrapped the bars in bubble wrap and filled the box with peanuts. Did they really think they would break!!!

Marie

I think they were more worried about those heavy steel bars causing damage to other stuff...