Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar Arms Dropping Instead of Folding

Updated 04/20/2026 | Published 08/01/2024

Question:

I have a new Avail tow bar by Blue Ox. Cant get it to fold properly. When I bend it up to store and move it to either side, it flops all the way to the ground. Should there be a bracket to hold it? I have followed the manual for storage with no success.

asked by: Archie S

Expert Reply:

Hello Archie,

The Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar # BX7420 does not have any type of bracket to hold it when you are folding it up. I think what may be happening is the arms aren't being pushed up far enough before trying to put them to the side, which will cause the arms to just fall. You have to use a bit of force to make sure it gets in that position, particularly with newer tow bars.

I have added a link below to a video showing this at about the 6:15 mark. You can see the arms falling a bit before our installer gives them a nice push to make sure they are in the right position.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Robin H.

1/19/2026

Hey Archie, did giving the arms that extra push help your Blue Ox Avail tow bar stay in the folded position? Your update could make it easier for others learning how to store theirs properly.

Ron

4/20/2026

Same problem with my new hitch. Same hitch same issue I would like to see that video that you mentioned but I don't see anywhere to upload that. Please

Jesse M.

4/20/2026

@Ron Hey Ron, here is a link to that video:

Helpful Links

tv-install-blue-ox-avail-non-binding-tow-bar-2023-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-bx7420.aspx

Ron

4/20/2026

Thank you for the video. I have watched many now. But my problem still exists. When I fold the arms up and lay them over. They fall to the ground.

Jesse M.

4/20/2026

@Ron What you’re describing is actually pretty normal for the Blue Ox Avail, there isn’t any kind of latch or bracket that “holds” the arms up when you fold them over. What’s usually happening is the arms just aren’t getting pushed far enough into that stored position before you swing them to the side. You’ve got to give them a pretty firm push up and in so they seat correctly.