IMPORTANT INSTALLATION ITEMS
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
existing 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 “ Blue” be used on all bolts.
If a new bolt is required, be sure it is SAE Grade 5
or Metric 8.8.
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.
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.
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
fatigue.
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
severe 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 per-
mission 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 cation, 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 af-
termarket 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
1. Open hood and release four plastic push fasteners
from grill.
