Demco TP20094 - Manual (Page 2)

IMPORTANT INSTALLATION ITEMS
DEMCO products and accessories are intended to
be installed by professional installers with experi-
ence, proper equipment and the ability to do modifi-
cation work. Installers with these qualifications 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
towing. 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 difficult 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, CAUSING
SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: The dimensional variations between otherwise
identical vehicles can be considerable. Some minor
modifications may have to be made to ensure a
proper fit.
1. Remove splash panel. (seven bolts and three plastic
push rivets). Remove right and left tie down brackets
(three bolts on each side) Two of these bolts will be
used on each side for installation.
R
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 fingers 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
permission 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 © Maga-
zine, compiles a list of vehicles that can be towed four-down
behind a motorhome with no modifications 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 lim-
its of less than 200 miles. At a minimum, these vehicles require
significant modification, such as the use of an aftermarket prod-
uct, to make them towable. The availability of a
Demco Tow Bar
Base Plate does not imply that these vehicles can be modified
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 modified to make it towable. Failure
to observe this precaution could result in property damage or
personal injury.
CAUTION