Technical information

82
Some ROADMASTER tow bar mounting brackets with removable
arms include a short safety cable to bypass the removable arm, as
shown in Figure 1. Each long safety cable runs from the motorhome
to a quick link attaching it to one of the quick-disconnects. This
quick link is also an attachment point for one of the short safety cables;
another quick link attaches the short safety cable to the mounting
bracket.
Unscrew the nuts on each quick link to connect the safety cable
loops. Finger-tighten the nuts firmly, until the loop is completely closed,
to secure the attachment.
Do not substitute carabiners or other devices for the quick links —
the quick links are designed to hold the weight of a towed vehicle;
carabiners or other devices are not.
Only ROADMASTER tow bar brackets with removable arms have
this three-point attachment system (with the exception of MX brackets).
Other brackets, such as ROADMASTER classic and MS brackets, and
those of other manufacturers, are bolted directly to the frame of the
towed vehicle and do not require short safety cables.
Figure 1 shows the short safety cable attachment for a typical double
hook safety cable system.
The safety cables must be carefully routed so that they cannot
become pinched, frayed, scraped or otherwise damaged and so
they will not drag when going over dips or low spots.
Do not use the cables if they show any signs of wear or dam-
age — immediately discontinue towing and replace the cables.
Failure to replace worn or damaged safety cables will result
in cable failure, which may cause property damage, personal in-
How to use safety cables
If these safety cables are to be used with a ROADMASTER tow bar
and tow bar brackets, follow these instructions in their entirety. If they
are to be used with another manufacturer’s tow bar or tow bar brackets,
refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, in addition to these.
• Always usesafety cableswhen towing. The safety cables must
connect the motorhome to the towed vehicle, frame to frame.
• The weight capacity of the safety cables must meet or exceed
the towed weight, or the safety cables will fail.
• Pull the safety cables so that all the slack is at the motorhome. Be
certain there is enough slack in the cables at the motorhome to
allow for sharp turns — if there is not enough slack, the towing system
will be severely damaged when the motorhome turns.
• Thesafetycablesmustnothangdowntotheextenttheydrag
on the ground or may catch on obstructions. This much slack could
cause damage to the towing system, the towed vehicle or the motor-
home.
If this is the case, wrap the excess cable around the tow bar arms
to take up the slack. The last pass must be to the inside, to allow
the towed vehicle to track in line behind the motorhome (see Figure 2).
Be certain there is enough slack in the cables at the motorhome
to allow for sharp turns.
• Always cross thecablesunderthehitch receiver, as shown in
Figure 2. In the unlikely event the tow bar separates from the motor-
home, crossing the cables will help prevent the tow bar from dragging
on the ground, which can cause the tow bar to “pole vault” the towed
vehicle.
• Some ROADMASTER tow bar mounting brackets with removable
arms use two safety cables on each side. If two sets of safety cables
are required, both must be used. This is required by law. Refer to these
instructions and diagrams for additional information.
Failure to follow these instructions may cause property damage,
personal injury or even death.
jury or even death.
If the quick links are not completely tightened, with the loop
closed, the safety cables may detach. In the event of a towing
system failure, the towed vehicle will detach, which may cause
property damage, personal injury or even death.
 Always use all the safety cables included with your towing
system. Connect them as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Otherwise,
in the event of a towing system failure, the towed vehicle will de-
tach, which may cause property damage, personal injury or even
death.
Figure 1
Connection instructions
ROADMASTER, Inc. 6110 N.E. 127th Avenue Vancouver, WA 98682 800-669-9690 Fax [phone] www.roadmasterinc.com