Base Pin Binding With Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow Bar
Question:
We purchased the Nighthawk tow system last year and towed our 2018 Jeep Cherokee cross country last winter. While everything worked great for the most part but we were discouraged to find that we had to tap one of the base pins out ever single time we disconnected from the bar. It is typically on the passenger side but sometimes it happens on the driver side. We were always on level ground and straight away and the freedom latches always released so that wasn’t the issue. We are also level with the motorhome so that isn’t it either. In reviewing the manual, it says to release the latches BEFORE applying the emergency brake. We have been applying the emergency brake before releasing the latch. Could this have been the issue? We are getting ready to ride back cross country and are trying to troubleshoot what might be going on before we depart next week. Any other things we should check? Thanks for any guidance.
asked by: Robin D
Expert Reply:
It is completely normal for one of the pins on the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar w/ LED Lights # RM-676 - or any tow bar, really - to be more difficult to remove. The reason is the amount of force on a tow bar, both when pulling your tow vehicle and when braking, is exceptional and is going to cause tension in the components. One of these arms will naturally have a bit more tension than the other, which is why you were running into this issue.
However, I always recommend following the directions of the owner's manual to the letter in order to get the best performance, and it does state to set the brake before removing the base pins so this is what you will want to do.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Aluminum
- 8000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Shop: Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Shop: Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional
- Shop: Roadmaster Accessory Kit for Nighthawk and Sterling Tow Bars - Tail Light Wiring - Lock Set
- Search Results: tow base plates
- Q&A: How Do Vehicles Track When Being Flat Towed Behind RV
- Q&A: Is It Okay if Roadmaster NightHawk Tow Bar Light Strip is Partially Lit Up
- Q&A: LED Lights On The Roadmaster Nighthawk Stay On After The Vehicle's Are Turned Off
- Q&A: Will Vehicle Track Mileage When Being Flat Towed
- Q&A: Does Roadmaster Nighthawk Come With 6-Pin Receptacle and Mounting Bracket?
- Q&A: Breakaway Switch Installation for Even Brake RM-9400 on 2017 Chevy Equinox
- Q&A: When Is the Battery Used On The Roadmaster Even Brake Braking System # RM-9400
- Video: Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit Installation - 2014 Honda CR-V
- Video: Best 2012 Jeep Wrangler Flat Tow Set Up Options RM-521448-4
- Video: Choosing the Right Tow Bars
- Search Results: base plates
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: rm~154
- Search Results: 7 pin cable
- Video: Roadmaster Tow Bar Wiring Kit Installation - 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Video: Best 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Flat Tow Setup - Tow Bar Wiring
- Video: SMI Air Force One Braking System Installation - 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Search Results: roadmaster tow bar