Demco 9518080, Operator'S Manual

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IMPORTANT INSTALLATION ITEMS
WARNING:
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF TOWING VEHICLE CONTROL, SEPARATION
OF THE TOW BAR FROM THE TOWING VEHICLE, SEPARATION OF THE TOWED VEHICLE FROM THE TOW BAR, CAUS-
ING SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: The dimensional variations between otherwise
identical vehicles can be considerable. Some mi-
nor modifi cations may have to be made to ensure
a proper fi t.
2. Carefully pull grill
straight out by head-
light area, and set
aside.
1. Remove grill by opening hood and removing plastic
push fasteners from top of grill.
DEMCO products and accessories are intended to be
installed by professional installers with experience,
proper equipment and the ability to do modifi cation
work. Installers with these qualifi cations can be found
in RV and Automotive Service Centers.
If the car to be towed has been in an accident, the
chassis may be damaged in an area where the Base
Plate attaches. It may no longer be suitable for tow-
ing. Extreme caution and careful examination are
required in such a situation. It is also likely, even from
a minor accident, that the hole alignment will be more
diffi cult due to hole alignment problems.
Many DEMCO Base Plates are designed to use ex-
isting holes and hardware to mount the Base Plate
to the towed vehicle. Even though the bolt is there,
however, do not assume it is adequate for mounting
the Base Plate. Manufacturers make many changes
in hardware both within and between model years. Be
sure the bolt is long enough to protrude past the nut
a distance no less than 1/2 the diameter of the bolt,
after the Base Plate is mounted. The threads should
be in good condition. We require that “
R
Blue” be used on all bolts. If a new bolt is required,
be sure it is SAE Grade 5 or Metric 8.8.
Safety is of utmost importance at all times. There are several items that
must be checked each time before using and while using a tow bar.
Before allowing anyone to hook up or operate a tow bar, be sure they
have read and understand the proper operating procedure.
DO NOT use worn or damaged cables and/or pins.
Be sure the SAFETY CABLES are hooked, chassis to chassis, to both
the towing and towed vehicles using the crisscross method.
Check clearance between vehicles in a turning situation.
Check base plate mounting bolts for tightness and frame for metal fa-
tigue.
Do not load the towed vehicle with anything as you may exceed the
towing capacity of the tow bar.
Keep fi ngers away from pivot points to prevent personal injury.
Be sure the steering components of the towed vehicle are properly
aligned.
NOTE: This unit can be backed up in moderate increments. Any se-
vere backwards cornering could result in damage to the Tow Bar and/
or towed vehicle chassis.
For automatic transmissions: Consult your vehicle owners manual
for towing suitability with the drive shaft connected. Otherwise, the
towed vehicle will have to be equipped with a transmission pump or
drive shaft disconnect.
Check to make sure that all lights are in proper working order.
The information on towability of vehicles is reprinted with permis-
sion of MotorHome
© Magazine, and is believed to be reliable. However,
Demco does not warrant the information to be correct. Always consult
your towed vehicle owner’s manual and follow towing instructions. Each
year, MotorHome
© Magazine, compiles a list of vehicles that can be
towed four-down behind a motorhome with no modifi cations required.
This guide contains only those vehicles that have been approved by their
manufacturers for towing. This list is enclosed with this manual.
Caution: MotorHome
© Magazine left out any vehicles that have
towing speed limits slower than 55 m.p.h., or distance limits of less than
200 miles. At a minimum, these vehicles require signifi cant modifi ca-
tion, such as the use of an aftermarket product, to make them towable.
The availability of a Demco Tow Bar Base Plate does not imply that
these vehicles can be modifi ed or that there is an aftermarket product
available. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual or consult your dealer
to determine whether your vehicle can be modifi ed to make it towable.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in property damage or
personal injury.
CAUTION