Acceptable Amount of Play in Blue Ox Tow Bar Adapter Kit BX88185

Updated 10/17/2018 | Published 10/16/2018

Question:

The lugs on the BX88185 are 2inch across the lug. The pins on the Roadmaster EZ5 baseplate are 2.25inch across. This leaves exactly 1/4inch of side to side play when they are connected. Is this an exceptable amount of free-play? Thanks.

asked by: Michael C

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Blue Ox tow bar adapter kit # BX88185 includes eight .051 x .523 washers that are provided to enable you to eliminate any excess play in the fit of the adapters. As many as two per each side on each adapter can be used.

A slight amount of free play is fine but it appears from your photo that you did not yet install any of the washers. I recommend starting with one per side on each adapter (a total of four) to see how that fit works. Add or remove washers as appropriate to create a secure fit but without causing any excess friction or binding.

The instructions for this kit are linked for reference.

expert reply by: Adam R