Maintenance for Demco Commander/Commander II Tow Bar

Updated 05/19/2020 | Published 05/15/2020

Question:

Hello, I have a Demco Commander Tow Bar mounted on our motorhome and we flat tow a 2016 Jeep Wrangler 2 door. We have traveled approximately 6,000 miles towing the Jeep over the past three years. My question is about maintenance on the tow bar. I spray all moving parts with silicon every once in a while. Is there other maintenance that should be done? Is the silicon okay as a lubricant? Are there components that should be replaced after so many miles? Thanks and stay safe and healthy,

asked by: Rick E

Helpful Expert Reply:

Your Demco Commander is the predecessor to the Commander II # DM9511012 but they have the same basic maintenance instructions which you will find in your owner's manual (but I will be adding below). I reached out to my contact at Demco who said that silicone lubricant is the only type of lubricant that Demco approves for use on the tow bars so you're good to go there!

Here is the list of maintenance steps for the Commander II, but please refer to your owner's manual as there are some specific instructions when it comes to torque specs and such:

Periodically check all bolts and nuts to ensure proper tension or torque.

Check all pivot points for wear or breakage.

Replace any worn or damaged parts with O.E.M. parts only.

An occasional spray of lubricant may be required inside the latch trigger area of the extending legs.

DO NOT lubricate any of the pivot points of the Commander 2 These are self-lubricating washers and your towbar could lose its self-supporting ability.

Keep the Commander 2 covered when stored on or off the towing vehicle.

If the Commander 2 needs servicing, only an authorized dealer can service it or it can sent to Demco for servicing.

Make sure all bolts are properly tightened and those requiring a set torque are up to specifications.