Roadmaster Blackhawk 2 All Terrain User Manual

Tow bar rated
at 10,000 pounds
ROADMASTER, Inc. 6110 N.E. 127th Ave. Vancouver, WA 98682 800-669-9690 Fax 360-735-9300 www.roadmasterinc.com
Owners and installers
must read the
installation instructions
and carefully note
the warnings!
Quick-disconnect parts list:
(2) quick-disconnects
(parts “A” and “B”)
(2) safety plates (“C”)
All mounting hardware
Figure 1
T
his tow bar is equipped with a “quick-disconnect” (or, “QD”) system.
Before connecting the tow bar to the vehicle, first install the compo-
nents of the QD system to the mounting brackets.
Note: the quick-disconnect system is not used with ROADMASTER
‘MS’ or ‘MX’ series mounting brackets. If the towed vehicle has MS or
MX brackets, proceed to “Connecting the tow bar.” The quick-disconnect
system should be reserved, however, for subsequent vehicles which may
not have these brackets.
1. First, attach the quick-disconnects (“QDs,” parts “A” and “B” in Figure
1) to the tow bar mounting brackets. Attach the QDs so that the vertical
pin on each is pointing up, as shown in Figure 1.
Attach part “A” on the passenger side, and part “B” on the driver side.
Use the supplied ½" x 1¾" bolts, the two safety plates (parts “C”), and the
flat washers, lock washers and nuts, as shown in Figure 1.
Note: both QDs have an extra hole — “D” in Figure 1 — for safety cable
attachment. Mount parts “A” and “B” so that the “D” holes are to the out-
side.
Do not tighten any of the bolts — leave them loose for now — they will
be tightened later.
Use all mounting hardware and both safety plates. If all supplied
materials are not used, the quick-disconnects, the quick-disconnect
bases or other components may vibrate loose, which may cause prop-
erty damage, personal injury or even death.
2. Now, test-fit the crossbar — lower the crossbar (Figure 2) over the quick-
disconnects. The vertical pins at the top of both QDs should fit through
the top holes at the ends of the crossbar (Figure 2), and the vertical pins
at the bottom of the crossbar should fit through the lower holes on the
quick-disconnects (Figure 2).
3. Both quick-disconnects must be positioned so that the crossbar is cen-
tered to the front of the vehicle — measure the distance between the side
of one QD and the side of the mounting bracket it is attached to. Then,
make certain there is an equal distance between the other QD and the
other mounting bracket.
The quick-disconnects must be centered on the mounting brackets.
If they are attached too far to the left or the right, the tow bar will
not be centered on the towed vehicle, which will cause excessive tire
wear and other consequential, non-warranty damage.
4. Once the crossbar slides on and off easily, torque the four bolts to 75
ft./lbs.
Again, test-fit the crossbar over the QDs, to verify that the crossbar
slides on and off easily. If it does not, adjust the QDs again.
5. Both linch pins must be inserted through the upper holes in the vertical
pins in parts “A” and “B,” as shown in Figure 2.
Both linch pins must be locked. The rings are spring-loaded — they must
be snapped over the pins, with the curved side of the linch pin touching
the ring, in order to keep the QD bases secure.
Towing vibrations will force the linch pins out unless they are proper-
ly locked in place over the vertical pins on both quick-disconnects.
Failure to properly install the linch pins will result in tow bar mal-
function, loss and damage to the vehicle and property, personal injury
or even death.
Figure 2
1
Installing the ‘quick-disconnect’ system
Installation Instructions
All specifications subject to change without notice
853329-04 12/11

Roadmaster Blackhawk 2 All Terrain Specifications

General

Brand	Roadmaster
Model	Blackhawk 2 All Terrain
Category	Automobile Accessories
Language	English

Summary

Installing the Quick-Disconnect System

Attaching Quick-Disconnects

Attach quick-disconnects (QDs) to tow bar mounting brackets, ensuring correct pin orientation and hardware usage.

Test-fitting the Crossbar

Lower the crossbar over the quick-disconnects to verify proper pin alignment with the top and bottom holes.

Centering Quick-Disconnects

Ensure quick-disconnects are centered on mounting brackets for correct tow bar alignment and to prevent tire wear.

Securing and Re-testing Crossbar Fit

Torque mounting bolts to 75 ft./lbs. and re-test crossbar fit for easy sliding and removal.

Inserting and Locking Linch Pins

Insert linch pins through upper holes in vertical pins and lock them securely to prevent detachment.

Installer's Safety Checklist

Towing Level and Operation

Advise owner on tow bar leveling ('Safe Zone') and demonstrate proper operation and connection/disconnection.

Safety Cable Requirements

Instruct owner on using safety cables, selecting them based on towed vehicle weight, and ensuring proper connection.

Vehicle Preparation for Towing

Ensure vehicle is suitable for towing, equipped with necessary transmission/driveline disconnects, and follow manufacturer prep procedures.

Welding Precautions

Do not use tow bar as a ground for welding; avoid welding to the vehicle or altering mounting holes to preserve warranty.

Stay Within the Safe Zone

Defining the Safe Zone

Tow bar must be within three inches above or below level to prevent undue strain and system failure.

Measuring for Safe Zone Compliance

Measure distance from motorhome receiver to ground and from base pin to ground; difference must be within three inches.

Adjusting for Safe Zone

Use hitch accessories (Hi-Low Hitches, Drops) to adjust receiver height if not within the Safe Zone; non-compliance voids warranty.

Connecting and Disconnecting the Tow Bar

Connecting Procedure

Attach QD system, drive vehicle close, secure with hitch pin, rotate arms up, then down to horizontal for connection.

Disconnecting Procedure

Reverse connection steps: rotate arms up, pull linch pins, detach from motorhome, and secure QD system.

Handling Safety

Use caution to avoid pinching hands or fingers between moving components during connection/disconnection.

Proper Installation of Safety Cables

Safety Cable Attachment

Connect snap hooks to hitch receiver or frame loops; use quick links for attachment and removal of safety cables.

Crossing Safety Cables

Cross safety cables under the hitch receiver to prevent tow bar dragging and 'pole vaulting' if separation occurs.

Using Multiple Safety Cables

Use both long and short safety cables as required by law and for system integrity; secure connections with tightened quick links.