Choosing the Right RV Tow Bar
RVing is a popular lifestyle now; many people love to use RV motorhomes for adventures and as their homes. These motorhomes do not require hefty towing capacity. However, to safely tow your car behind the RV, you need to equip yourself with the right RV tow bar.
There are several factors you need to consider when selecting the best RV tow for you. For example, you will need to keep in mind the total weight of the car you are planning to pull, after which you can move on to choosing suitable RV tow bars for you.
Let’s examine all the vital factors you need to consider to invest in the best RV tow bars but first, let’s get to know RV tow bars better.
1. CURT 70001 Rambler RV Tow Bar, 7,500 Pounds, 2-Inch Shank
The Rambler tow bar is easy to use and reliably tough to provide safe, dependable flat towing. It features a patent-
pending design, lightweight construction, and three unique stowing positions to promote the most effortless possible setup.
Rambler is also rated for 7,500 pounds to dinghy tow various vehicles and add unparalleled freedom to your RV adventures.
- NON-BINDING LATCHES. Rambler RV tow bars have patent-pending, non-binding latches that allow for hassle-free disconnect on uneven terrain. They also connect to your vehicle quickly with auto-locking arms.
- ONLY 40 POUNDS. The Rambler tow bar hitch weighs less than 40 pounds, making it easy to handle and set up compared to other steel tow bar options.
- The Rambler adjustable flat tow bar has a robust steel construction has a Rating of 7,500 pounds.
- The Rambler RV tow bar is protected in a durable black powder coat finish for lasting corrosion resistance. It also has a fully sealed design and protective rubber sleeves to keep out dirt and grime.
- It fits any 2-inch x 2-inch receiver hitch. Safety cables are included.
CURT 70001 Rambler RV Tow Bar Reviews:
The levers that release the tow bar connects are the best feature, making it easy to hook up when aligned with the RV. It avoids a lot of manhandling the tow bar or Jeep.
The only problem is one of the two arms doesn’t release properly. I have to hit the pin with a hammer to release when the tow vehicle is attached.
2. Roadmaster 520 Falcon 2 Mounted Tow Bar – 6000 lb. Load Capacity
The hitch-mounted tow bar has stainless steel telescoping arms that automatically lock into place. Its large hookup radius allows you to connect without lining up your vehicle perfectly. It easily folds up to store on your RV.
Features:
- The tow bar lets you tow your vehicle safely and securely behind your motorhome.
- no-ball mount necessary, Slides into trailer hitch receiver on RV
- A large hookup radius makes connecting a breeze at any angle, even if your vehicle isn’t perfectly lined up with your RV
- Self-aligning design – hook up and drive RV forward.
- Arms extend into a rigid, tow-ready position and automatically lock in place.
- Extra-long telescoping arms allow for better maneuverability and more effortless towing.
- Stainless steel construction of inner arms allows for smooth operation.
- The robust and corrosion-resistant tow bar is built to last.
- FEA testing guarantees a solid finished product
- Self-lubricated nylon bushings eliminate friction between the inner and outer arms for a longer-lasting, better-functioning system.
- A high-tech powder coat finish provides additional durability.
- Simple, secure storage alongside motorhome
- Fold up the tow bar towards the RV and secure it with the built-in storage latch.
- Fast, easy hookup
- EZ, EZ2, EZ4, Classic, and XL base plates use the included quick-disconnects
- MX, MS, and EZ5 use the included pins and clips.
- The binding release tool (RM-066 – sold separately) makes disconnecting easier.
- Safety cables are sold separately.
- Made in the USA
Specs:
- Works with all Roadmaster vehicle-specific base plates
- Fits 2″ x 2″ trailer hitch receivers
- Arm length (as measured from center of hitch pin hole to center of quick-disconnect bar):
- Extended: 53″
- Retracted: 41-3/4″
- 6,000 lbs Maximum Weight
- Limited lifetime warranty
Roadmaster 520 Falcon RV Tow Bar Reviews:
With no problem, I had the Stowmaster Tow Bar that folded on the towed vehicle for about 18 years but decided to upgrade to the Falcon 2. It has the same great Roadmaster quality, and now it stays folded on the motorhome when not towing.
The only downside is that it can be difficult (to near impossible) to release when not on a flat-level surface.
3. Roadmaster 522 All Terrain RV Tow Bar
With the Falcon All Terrain RV Tow Bar, releasing your towed vehicle is easy. Even when the tow bar is at a tricky angle. The towbar comes with Roadmaster’s exclusive Freedom Latch, which releases the tow bar at any angle or bind – the first time, every time.
One-person quick-connect and disconnect
At the towed vehicle.
Thanks to an exclusive, One-person quick-connect and disconnect system, one person can easily connect or disconnect the Falcon All-Terrain RV Tow Bar in seconds.
And at the motorhome.
Each telescoping inner arm measures over 50 inches in length and can be extended or retracted independently, as well as rotated 45º horizontally
The largest hook-up radius in the industry: You do not have to line up towed vehicle perfectly. Connecting the Falcon All-Terrain tow bar is just like horseshoes — “close” is good enough!
The Falcon Tow Bar includes Self-lubricating nylon bushings, which eliminates friction between the inner and outer arms for a smooth, easy operation. Other tow bars have steel riding on steel.
Automatic storage latch
- Fold the Falcon All-Terrain RV Tow Bar toward the motorhome, and the storage latch automatically clicks, locking it in place. Just lift the tow bar and press the storage latch to release the lock when ready to tow.
Channel guides
- The safety cables and power cord can be routed through the built-in channel guides for protection against damage or dragging and a clean, uncluttered look. Safety cables and power cord (not included)
Motorhome-mounted
- The Falcon All-Terrain tow bar conveniently stores out of the way on the back of the motorhome when not in use.
No ball mount to drag
- The Falcon All-Terrain RV Tow Bar mounts into a 2-inch receiver.
Solid stainless steel inner arms
- Solid stainless steel inner arms. For smooth, trouble-free operation and easy maintenance
Includes a high-tech powder coat finish for maximum durability.
Roadmaster 522 All Terrain RV Tow Bar Reviews:
I had trouble getting the locking pins out at the end of my second trip (two weeks, 3400 miles). I bought a Teflon lubricant spray on all parts, including the extension arms. On my last trip, it worked without binding. Keep it lubed with something that does not attract dirt. The Teflon lube spray seemed to work well.
Best tow bar for the money. Exactly what I needed.
4. Blue Ox BX7380 Alpha II Motorhome-Mounted Tow Bar
The Alpha 2 tow bar is for use with towed vehicles up to 6,500 lbs. This easy foldaway tow bar mounts and stores on the back of the RV when not in use. It is self-aligning and has quick disconnect hook-up pins and non-binding latch mechanisms for easier connection on uneven ground. It is constructed with solid steel. Safety cables are included.
- Off-set triple lugs to better align towing forces and prevent binding
- Includes 7,500 lb. safety cables
- Rubber boots to protect from road grime
- Dependable steel construction
- Class III tow bar, for use with towed vehicles up to 6,500 lbs
- Legs collapse & extend to lock for easy hookup
- Hook-up is a cinch – even when out of alignment or on uneven surfaces
- Easy foldaway tow bar mounts and stores on back of RV
- Three-year warranty
Specs
- GTW: 6,500 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Type: Motor Home Mount
- Shank Size: 2 inch
- Fits: 2-inch Receivers
- Weight: 47 lbs.
- Made In: USA
- Span Width: 16″to38″
5. Blue Ox BX7420 Class IV Avail 10,000 lb. Capacity Tow Bar with Safety Cable, Brown
Blue Ox BX742 tow bars offer an improved turning radius for better cornering and smoother towing over rough roads. 10,000 lbs. capacity, steel construction, layered in a premium metallic paint.
- Off-set triple lugs to better align towing forces.
- Rubber boots to protect from road grime.
- Dependable steel construction.
- Class IV tow bar for use with towed vehicles up to 10,000 lbs.
- Legs collapse & extend to lock for easy hook-up.
- Maneuver around gas station pumps with ease.
- The ultimate in quick disconnecting.
- Easy fold-away tow bar mounts and stores on back of RV.
- The Blue Ox BX7420 keeps the towed vehicle safely away from the motorhome in tight turns.
Blue Ox BX7420 Class IV RV Tow bar Reviews:
It is hassle-free in terms of attaching/detaching to the towed vehicle. I have only used it twice thus far, but I’d say this one is a winner from my two short uses, looking at the design (I’m an engineer and pretty critical of these types of things) and hearing what others say on the RV forums.
It was easy to install the hitch receiver on the motorhome. Attaches and detaches very easily to the corresponding base placed installed on our tow vehicle. Neatly and easily folds up and over when not in use. We also bought the accessory kit with a cover to keep it clean when not in use. So far, I’m very pleased with the Blue Ox brand of towing products.
6. Nighthawk Roadmaster 676 Tow Bar
Nighthawk Roadmaster 676 Tow Bar is a truly non-binding tow bar made from beautifully styled aluminum and featuring embedded LED lights along each arm that illuminate the RV’s lights for increased safety.
- 300 Lumen LED Lighted Arms – A row of embedded LEDs along each tow bar arm provides a blanket of illumination around the tow bar, increasing safety and making it easier to disconnect in the dark
- They are designed for Direct-Connect Roadmaster Baseplates – Adapter required for Crossbar-Style baseplates.
- Non-Binding Freedom Latch – easily disconnects every time.
- Includes Safety Cable and 6- to 7- Power Cord – Both are coiled at the motorhome end to extend their reach and keep them off the pavement.
- 8,000-pound weight capacity motorhome mounted tow bar.
Nighthawk Roadmaster 676 Tow Bar Reviews:
I bought this for our Class A to tow our Jeep. It was very easy to install. The only issue we had, and we are not sure if it was this part of the base plate on the Jeep, but one was not compatible with the other. So the Money we thought we were saving was lost because we had to let the RV place replace the parts. But they showed us how to install it, which was simple. Overall, we are very happy so far with this product.
The design makes it easy to connect & disconnect even on uneven ground.
7. Demco 9511012 Tow Bar – Commander 2
The Commander 2 Tow Bar from Demco features a vertical bolt design that lets you maneuver the tow bar one leg at a time and eliminates having to step over the towing system when hooking and unhooking.
The vinyl-covered safety cables are attached securely out of the way with safety cable mounting clips that help eliminate the worry of cables dragging or the problem of what to do with them at your destination.
A truly non-binding design makes it incredibly easy to hook and unhook. The angled design of the internal latch block allows the trigger release to activate under pressure—no extra tools are required to hook up or release.
Features a standard 1-1/2 inch rise/drop receiver tube: No other tow bar manufacturer can stake this claim! Eliminates the need to purchase additional drop or rise equipment: The most versatile tow bars in the industry!
The attached head joint is adjustable so your tow bar is level or parallel with the road while towing. Adjustable head pivots up or down, allowing 3 inches of displacement in addition to the 1-1/2 inches of the offset receiver for maximum versatility: unmatched in the industry!
All Demco Victory Series Tow Bars are self-supporting from the built-in resistance in the tow bar connecting legs. Versatile design permits multiple storage positions, and independent arm movement enables the user to store it to the right, left, or one leg each way.
8. Reese Towpower 74344 Adjustable Class III Tow Bar With 5,000 lbs. Capacity
Reese Towpower Adjustable Tow Bar features fold-down convenience for easy storage with the removal of only four pins. The kit includes a 2-inch coupler, a set of universal bumper brackets, and an adjustable bar. Rated at 5,000 GVW and a limited lifetime warranty make this an economical as well as a dependable purchase. The base plate may require some fabrication, depending on the application.
- Adjustable tow bar folds closed for easy storage
- Includes a 2-inch coupler and one set of universal bumper brackets
- 5,000-pound capacity
- It May require base plate fabrication
- Limited lifetime warranty
Reese Towpower tow bar review:
I wanted a tow bar that tows well and wouldn’t break the bank; this does that. However, you will need some big muscles or tools to tighten the two bolts that attach the brackets to the tow bar arms. They are crimped for a non-loosening hold which makes them a tough drive. I used a 200 ft-lb impact driver for the nuts, and it could only do it with some lube. Some buyers’ comments confused this for non-fitting hardware. You will also need hardware to attach safety chains to the bar. Pay attention to the torque requirements for the bolts at the hitch end; comments by others have indicated over-torquing and busting off the studs. 35 ft-lbs is all required for the size and grade of bolts at the hitch end.’
9. Roadmaster 576 Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bar – 8,000 Pound Capacity
Releasing your towed vehicle is easy with Roadmaster’s All Terrain tow bars…even when the tow bar is at a hard angle. Each is upgraded with Roadmaster’s exclusive Freedom Latch, which releases the tow bar at any angle or bind – the first time, every time. Six-wire electrical cord, one 6-wire plug (attached), and one 7-wire plug.
- 8,000-pound weight capacity motorhome mounted tow bar using a 2″ receiver
- One person can easily connect or disconnect the Sterling All-Terrain in seconds
- Telescoping, independently-adjustable inner arms are easy to maneuver into position. Simply pin them in place and then drive your motorhome away and the arms automatically center and lock in place
- Solid stainless steel inner arms for smooth, trouble-free operation and easy maintenance
- Weighs 35 pounds and includes safety cables and a 6-wire power cord with one wire plug and one 7-wire plug. Crossbar not included
10. Blue Ox BX4370 Ascent RV Tow Bar – 2″ Receiver, Class III 7500 lb. Rating
Blue Ox Ascent Tow Bars feature aircraft-grade aluminum construction that weighs in at just 31 lbs. The offset triple lugs simplify unhooking, and Rubber boots prevent dirt from getting in the legs. Diamond Vogel metallic powder coat finish. No centering pin – easy to stow away, easy to store.
- Can maneuver tight corners as legs are 2” longer.
- Non-binding latches.
- Off-set triple lugs make unhooking simple.
- Rubber boots prevent dirt from getting into the legs.
- Diamond Vogel metallic powder coat.
- Raised premium gold-toned Blue Ox nameplate.
- Safety cables included
- BX4370 is a 2-inch receiver
- BX4375 is a 2.5-inch receiver
Blue Ox BX4370 Reviews:
What can I say? Great product. I already used an earlier product, but this new twist is even better. The longer length and NO BINDING are fantastic. A nice upgrade to an already perfect product.
Lightweight and easy to install on the motorhome. Works exactly as claimed. It folds up nicely when not in use, and I can lift it!
Essential Parts of RV Tow Bars
RV tow bars come with a limited capacity to tow. That is why you need a tow bar with a suitable weight limit relative to the dinghy or the towed.
Connecting Wire
Most of the tow bars feature wiring for connecting the RV lights to the lights of the towed vehicle. Not only this comes off as dangerous to tow a car without working lights, but it’s also not legal. Therefore, if you consider choosing a tow bar that does not have an adequate wiring solution for lights, you will need to buy a 4-6 wire electrical cord or a universal wiring kit.
Safety Cables
You will have to get some safety cables as well. Most tow bar packages include lots of safety cables. However, if your package doesn’t have the cables, you will have to invest in a pair that is made for your towing capacity after checking your tow bar specifications.
Moreover, it is not legal to tow without using safety cables as they prevent the towed vehicle from getting loose if the RV car tow bar fails to work, such as getting detached from the towed or the RV.
Hitch Receiver
This is crucial because you cannot tow if a tow bar does not match the RV receiver. Most RVs include a standardized two-inch square receiver which goes well with most tow bars available in the market. However, you must confirm this before buying.
To save yourself from inconvenience and money, you must check the dimensions of your RV receiver and then match it to the relevant RV tow bar that you are buying to get the right product.
How To Choose A Tow Bar?
Let’s see some of the features of tow bars so that you will know what to consider when considering different brands and models.
- Convenient to Use
Convenient hookups and easy, quick-release systems are some advantages that you will benefit from each time you detach or hook up your car with the tow bar. Ideally, you require a tow bar that can be easily connected and disconnected by a single individual.
- No Binding
Binding becomes a problem when you are trying to disconnect – this is when the latches will not get released because of the pressure on them. The latches rank among the ideal features of a tow bar setup. On the other hand, binding can become very problematic; therefore, any tow bar having that binding will not get in the best category of RV tow bars.
Binding might occur in tow bars when the vehicle is parked at a specific angle from your RV vehicle or at a slope. On the other hand, the latches that don’t bind allow you to release the tow bar at a slope of any degree angle. You won’t have to worry about getting a certain angle or a level to disconnect it. You won’t have to pull the towed car back and forth to get the tow bar fit for a release.
- Get The Load Capacity Right
As mentioned earlier, getting the weight capacity right is essential. You need to locate the weight of your automobile in the owner’s manual and then compare the tow bars for a weight higher than that. Getting a tow bar with a higher weight rating is also essential as you might have to carry some weight on the towed vehicle. It might also be useful when you get a heavier vehicle in the future. You will not have to replace your tow bar this way.
- Durability and Functionality
It would be best to consider the functionality and durability of an RV tow bar before buying one. The bar will be present between your tow vehicle and the RV as you are rolling along with a long distance on the highway. So, you must consider not the durability in terms of time but also overall performance and safety.
RV Towing Bar Tips
- It is a legal requirement that the tow car has working signals, taillights, and brake lights. You can wire the automobile to function with your RV signals or lights and add accessory lights.
- Getting an auxiliary brake system that allows the car towed behind the RV to get brakes is also essential. It will also hit the brake on the towed car if it gets disconnected from the RV. Without it, your motorhome will have undue stress, hindering the stopping distance.
- A lot of base plates can be customized to fit your car. While most parts are fitted universally, the tow bar base plates might not allow a universal fit and must be readjusted.
- Ask a professional to install the tow bar base plate, as installing it without prior experience and knowledge can be challenging.
- Always consult the owner’s manual of your towed car and motorhome to learn accurate towing specifications.
These are vital points to consider when buying an RV tow bar. Considering these facts will help you get the best RV tow bar according to your needs and enjoy the best results.
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