Towbar problem

[jx2mad]

I am trying to remove the tongue out of the bar. It is stuck solid. Any suggestions?

[ADMIRAL]

The most effective method is to apply heat. If the towbar assembly can be removed, that would make it a bit easier. If not you will have to be damn careful, or try something else. The dewatering , antirust sprays assist, but if it is well and truly rusted in, even soaking the offending part could take forever to have any impact, without heat.

[rovers4]

Hi,
Heat from a heat gun may be good enough. Assist with a few jarring taps from a ball-peen hammer, or a flush down the gap with a hose to get the mud out.

Or even an air blast (wear some face protection, though.)

Make sure you haven't got a pinch bolt playing against you.

Once you get a slight wobble in there, you know that perserverence will win the day.

Goodluck.

[jx2mad]

Darn thing is stuck in despite all attempts to free it. Would it cause a towing problem if towball is about 50 cm or so higher than van drawbar when level?

[ADMIRAL]

By heat I mean Oxy type heat. You may have to take the entire assy off the vehicle for safety, but you have to get the tube of the hitch cherry red ( seriously hot ) if you want to break the bond of the rust.

[101RRS]

Why not find a big tree with nothing behind it - put a tree protector around the tree and connect a snatch strap between the tree protector and the tow bar tongue and gently drive off (gun it :twisted:).

Garry

[jx2mad]

Maybe the rust is stronger than the rear end:o:o

[p38arover]

Darn thing is stuck in despite all attempts to free it. Would it cause a towing problem if towball is about 50 cm or so higher than van drawbar when level?

YES! That's half a metre! :eek:

Or do you mean 50mm?

One way to make sure it comes free is to remove the pin then tow the caravan.... :angel:

[101RRS]

One way to make sure it comes free is to remove the pin then tow the caravan.... :angel:

Or try to tow a tree.

[jx2mad]

The grey matter went to sleep... yes Ron, 50mm