Do Tow Bars Require Cleaning and Lubricating of Inner Arms

Updated 06/02/2025 | Published 04/20/2025

Question:

Does your tow bar require any maintenance such as lubing the tow arms? Also,, is there any protective expandable protective covers that can be added to the exposed tow arms like seen on Blue Ox tow bars?

asked by: Carl C

Expert Reply:

Hey Carl, yes it is required that you clean and lubricate the inner arms of your tow bars. Some of the tow bar manufacturers have different procedures for this so you'd need to let me know which tow bar you are thinking about and I can give you the specific instructions for it.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Carl

6/2/2025

Sorry responding so late about question on properly maintaining my hitch due to Family problems. Anyway, my hitch purchased March 2024 is a XHD model. Need to know lubrication and weather and road protection requirements. I ask because I owned a blue ox before with cover which was loosened to lube the bar. Also, I need to order one new cable because one was damaged. Thanks

Jameson C.

6/2/2025

@Carl Sorry to hear that, but here's the maintenance info from the etrailer tow bar part # e67ZR that you have: 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 etrailer XHD. The pivot points contain self-lubricating washers and do not need additional lubrication. • Keep the etrailer XHD covered when stored on or off the towing vehicle. • Make sure all bolts are properly tightened and those requiring a set torque are up to specifications. The safety cables aren't available individually but we have them in pairs with the part # DM9523051.