blue ox customer svc. comment

[craig current]

I called Blue Ox customer service yesterday since I am close to ordering their system for towing my smart car and was told that they recommend using bungee cords to help hold the steering wheel more steady when towing due to some steering issues due to the car's weight. Has anyone experienced this problem with the car not tracking smoothly when towing since I am not crazy about the bungee cord idea for the steering wheel to assist in improving the tracking while towing such a lightweight car.

Thanks,

Craig

[Dunerunner]

I have had one issue where, following a tight turn to the right then a tight turn to the left, the steering slamed from lock to lock. I had to come to a complete stop in the middle of the street to allow the smart to "get a clue" as to where the wheels should be pointed. I was towing with my Jeep Liberty and thought it was because both vehicles have a short wheel base but I have heard rumors that those towing with a mortorhome have experienced this as well. The bungee sounds like a fix, adding some tension to bring the wheel back to center.

[Alan_Hepburn]

Every once in a while mine will "wobble" a bit when I start moving, especially if I am making a turn right away. To eliminate the issue my hookup procedure involves connecting the tow bar to the base plate connectors, attaching the safety cables and electrical cable, then pushing the car back to lock the tow bar arms. Then I make sure the steering wheel is exactly centered. When I use this procedure the steering will not oscillate unless I have to make a tight turn as I pull forward - then it might oscillate a bit if I make the turn too fast.

I had thought about using bungee cords to restrict the steering wheel movement, but figured if I was careful about centering the wheel before starting to move I wouldn't have to worry about adding the bungee cords. So far it's worked.

The secret is to:

1. Try to position the tow vehicle so that you pull away without having to make a turn
2. Make sure the tow bar arms are in the fully extended lock position before pulling away
3. Make sure the steering wheel is centered

Once you're moving you should have no problems - I've never had an issue making a right or left turn from a stop.

[mikesprite]

I just finished installing and road testing my blue ox towing equipment on my new smart for two today. I was surprised to have the same problem I now see others have had where after making a slow turn the front wheels jerk from one extreme to the other. It doesn't seem to be a problem on loose surfaces like gravel but seems to get more severe on grippier hard surfaces. I am pulling my smart with a sprinter van which has a 45 ft turning radius but It doesn't always happen when turning the sharpest. There isn't a problem at higher speeds. I considered putting a bungee cord on the steering wheel but tested and determined that the wheel turns 1 and 1/8 turns in a tight tow turn and was afraid the bungee would flip and pul the wheel the wrong way. I'll be calling blue ox tomorrow. If any one has solved this problem,please let me know.

[xcrew229x]

Sounds as if the rear engined car is rear steering, as in not enough weight on the front wheels. Even something as docile as a Corvair would snap around in a spin if the fronts suddenly bit the road in an evasive move.

[ChuckBee]

I tow with a 32' Motorhome and have had this happen a few times. I called my installer 'Ballew's' and he stated that this happens with many small light cars. He said to add a bungee.

[briantbe]

My wife and I just finished installing a Blue Ox tow bar on our Passion. We did it in spite of the instructions which were misleading, vague and sometimes wrong! Photos hard to decipher as well. Called Blue Ox factory for advice a couple times with mixed results. One woman in tech support was clueless and somewhat rude. I gave up on them. You have to remove quit a bit of the car, and them figure out how to drill holes in impossible places. We have plenty of tools but still took the better part of 4 days to get the installation right and then reinstall the wheels, fascia and rocker panels. Job came out fine but it ain't easy.
I also hooked in the smart t/t/s light wiring to the motorhome with the usual kit purchased from an auto parts store. Underneath the car is all smooth with no decent place to run the wires 'inside' the pan. I encased the wires in 'split shield' wrap and attached small cable (3/8") to the bottom of the pan. Also very hard to find a decent route through the engine compartment to avoid exhaust heat, belts, pulleys or hot engine parts. This portion of the job took an entire day itself. I hope this helps others who may be inclined to install the tow bar themselves. I will respond to any emails with questions regarding this job.
Have yet to tow our smart but I have read all the posts about squirrelly behavior in turns. I know about the 'bungee cord' fix, but this doesn't sound like a good idea. What happens when the steering wheel goes over top dead center? Then your bungee is pulling the wheel more to one side or another. I have researched the idea of adding centering springs to the steering arms. Have bought two already and will test them next week. Stay tuned. Thanks a lot.
Brian T. Bender
Napa, CA

[kannonvaggon]

Thanks for sharing the info Brian !
Give us an update as regards the centering springs.
Yet ANOTHER job well done....

[vegpeddler]

We have been towing with the Blue Ox behind our Sprinter now for about 3 months and have had front wheel movement on several occasions. What appears to happen with ours is when I am going through driveways, or speed bumps; it will set the wheel movement off, but only at lower speeds. No movement at higher speeds and the Smart feels very solid at all but the slowest of speeds. I will try the bungee, but am also concerned about normal movement.

Glen

[Dr.Custom]

Originally Posted by briantbe

I have researched the idea of adding centering springs to the steering arms. Have bought two already and will test them next week. Stay tuned. Thanks a lot.
Brian T. Bender
Napa, CA

Interesting. The Bungee cord solution seems like duct tape for sure, and I'm sure it works since its been recommended yet my questions are:

1. How consistent is the "Bungee solution" to fix the problem described in this thread?

2. Can someone explain the cons in more detail for dummies. (I've never pulled a vehicle all four down before so I'm as inexperienced as they come.)

2. Anybody have instructions or photos of the bungee "fix"?

3. I tried googling centering springs for steering arms and even went into rv.net and other forums to see if there are any discussions on the matter and have failed thus far. I'd like more information about alternatives before I proceed with ordering the Roadmaster bracket (I have fog lights on the Smart thus need the Roadmaster).

4. Is the Roadmaster installation any easier than the Blue Ox? At any rate, not that it matters, but I'll be towing the Smart using a Blue Ox Alladin tow bar with a Roadmaster bracket instead of the Blue Ox [Blue Ox updated their installation guide stating you have to completely remove your fog lights (if you have that option and I do) and I want to keep my fog lights.] I live in the NYC metro/Fairfield County, CT area and finding nearby installers at reasonable cost seems to be a challenge and I have considered installing but if it's identical to the Blue Ox then I think I'd pay someone an outrageous amount just to avoid the headaches. I've read it is a four hour job to four day job. phew, that's a huge gap. I have a 2009 on order too and currently have a 2008. Considering the second time installing one would be a charm, but after reading some posts I think I get the picture. I'm handy but that would challenge my mental health. ;)

5. Wiring...I hate wires. What stopped you from just drilling a small hole through the frame and bring the bracket wires through the interior under the carpet to the rear? That way you avoid harsh conditions under the vehicle, service techs and the engine compartment...or at least that was what I am considering yet I haven't even purchased the bracket so it's easy for me to spout off ideas.

My main question though is I'm not sure what centering springs are but I sure would rather something better than bungee...and I'd like to see a picture of a bungee setup or description how to place the bungees on the steering...seems like a picture would explain it better than words. (Bungee tongue tied).