Abstract: The trailing, load supporting component of a product conveyor is connected to a powered, leading component by a shock absorbing tow bar that employs a dampener tube in which a plunger moves against the resistance of a sleeve of resilient material. The head of the plunger is oversized with respect to a passageway defined by the sleeve and thus is forced to compress and displace the resilient material in order to move relative to the passageway in response to an impact caused by rapid acceleration or deceleration of the conveyor. Compression and displacement of the material occurs at a zone of contact of the head with the material, the head shifting the zone of contact and compressing and displacing the material in response to the impact communicated to the tow bar. A protective sleeve shields an exposed plunger rod from contaminants and enhances the structural integrity of the assembly.