Excessive Inner Arm Movement with Roadmaster Sterling Tow Bar

Question:

I have a sterling tow bar and I noticed once the arms are locked, when turning, the outside arm will extend past the lacked position about 1 - 1.5 inches and then when the turn is complete, then arm goes back to the locked position. Is this normal? I thought once it was locked, it did not move again until unlocked. Both sides do this and it looks like a feature, but wanted to check and make sure it is working as designed.

asked by: Stuart C

Expert Reply:

The Sterling tow bar arms should move a little but 1-1/2 inches seems excessive. This would indicate some possible excessive wear or damaged parts that will need to be addressed. We have some repair parts for both the Sterling and Sterling All-Terrain tow bars. The complete repair kit is # RM-910003-30.

Just the springs and caps is # RM910652.

The inner arm bushing kit for the Sterling tow bar is # RM-910003-40.

For replacement inner arms for either tow bar we have # RM910660.

Once the arms are removed you will ne able to determine if something is broken, damaged, or worn and replace the parts as needed.

expert reply by: Michael H

Mark M.

5/28/2024

You stated that the Sterling tow bar arms should move a little. I have a sterling tow bar and have a 1/4" play in the shaft when in lock position is that acceptable?

Jesse M.

5/30/2024

@MarkM There is no set-in-stone amount for acceptable play. 1/4" does not sound too abnormal to me though. Just keep an eye on things and if you see the amount of play increase beyond where it is now it may be time for a replacement.