Blue Ox Anti-Sway Bar connection

[pbbandpab]

Would like to know if anyone has seen this happen.
As you see in the pic, the right side of the anti-sway bar connection is broken.
I will try to describe the situation starting with the left side connections. The left side is toward the bottom of photo. These are intact and consist of a large snap / button pin, a thin approx. 2 inch metal plate that is the same shape as the "cut out area" where the pin is, and a little metal divot that fits into the small notch at the edge of the thin metal plate. The snap / button pin connects into the anti-sway bar itself.

The pieces on the right side came off in our hands after the last trip. We have the large snap pin and the thin metal plate, but the little divot is gone. The little divot appears to just hold the thin metal plate in place. Asking the experienced travelers (we are newbies) for some information, particularly if anyone has seen this before, is it a frequent occurrence, what causes it, and what to do about it? We are tempted to put the thin metal plate back on with a metal screw then reinsert the large snap pin.
This is a new trailer and hitch (July 2016).

[pjnlorrie]

We have had the same hitch since 2014, it was included with our trailer. The small flat metal piece serves as a spring/retainer for the large button/pin. This retains the spring bar when inserted into the barrel. You can look and see a hole in the spring bar where the pin catches. The divot is where a retaining rivet was; looks like it corroded away. Your plan to refasten with a screw is sound. You could also drill. tap and fasten with a machine screw.
I have been concerned about corrosion myself, as one of the benefits promoted by Blue Ox is not needing to grease/lube the receiver barrels.

[KyDan]

I have the same hitch for 2 years now.
No problems.
If I were you- I'd see if my dealer would back it under warranty or call
Blue Ox directly. Send them photos and tell them how nearly brand new it is!
I expect they will replace it under warranty.

In the mean time if you absolutely need to tow- you could insert the pin
in the hole to capture your spring bar and then simply wrap several wraps
of electrical tape over the top of the pin to hold it in place.
That's all the "flat tin" spring you mention does- it holds the pin in place.
Tape can do that just not as pretty.

Please post back and tell us what Blue Ox says when you call them!!

[pbbandpab]

Happy to report that Blue Ox is sending another pin system by Fedex. No charge, never even asked about warranty. Customer service said the cause was probably acute angled turns.

[KyDan]

That's good news!
Not sure what they meant about "acute angles" because they advertise you
don't have to remove the spring bars to back up- which often involves sharp angles! I think the little drive in button that holds the spring just fell out!
(by drive in I mean it's driven into place with a hammer... some would call
it a press fit)

Good luck! Happy Trails!!