Which Tow Bar for 42'

[Harry-O]

Hello,
I am a newbie to the Country Coach lifestyle, and am looking for the correct towing device for my family. I would like your honest opinion and why you would chose between the tow bars that I am going to mention. I am looking for longevity and safety throughout my towing experience. I am looking at the Blue Ox Tow Bar Aventa LX and the Demco Excali-Bar II 9511009 for a 42'.


Thank you and I will review every reply carefully.

Harry-O

[CountryFit]

There might be other opinions but according to my experience and reading the failure reports over the years, the best bet is probably Roadmaster; it's built beefier.

[rgvtexan]

Welcome to iRV2.

I vote for the Excali-Bar II. I have been using the original for many years, it has served me well. Demco's CS has been great. I lost one of the release tools and they shipped one right away. Questions and service parts likewise.

Although I am still using the old one I recommended the II to friends and they are very happy. The original had a weight rating of 8K# and the II is at 10.5K#. My Flex has a GVWR of almost 6K#.

If and when, I wear this one out, I will get a new Demco.

Happy Camper

[Harry-O]

Do you used that particular Device? I also want to have at least 10,000 lbs rating.

Harry-O

[rgvtexan]

The Demco is at 10,500 the highest in the industry.

[dons2346]

A lot depends on what you are going to tow. I use Roadmaster and their Blackhawk is rated at 10,000.


Why do you need a 10K towing capacity, that's a lot?

[2-Nickels]

We have had our Demco for 17 years and four different vehicles. Over the years I have had it rebuilt (mostly cleaned and lubricated) ensuring it is always in working order. I’ve looked at buying a new one but cannot find a reason to change. I’m sure both Demco and Blue Ox are good so now it comes down to the installing and supporting dealer you are buying it from.

[smlranger]

All of these tow bars mentioned are good choices. I've used Blue Ox since 2004 and had no issues. I now tow with the Aventa LX.

[Harry-O]

I don't need 10K, but if I need to pulled something heavier, than I will have it on hand, instead of buying something twice.. I guess my Boy Scout Motto, is still instilled in me...

[Bigd9]

I've always used Blue Ox products since 2001. Currently using a Bar Blue Ox 10,000 lb Aventa tow bar. I like it. Both bars you mention are good. I doubt you will be disappointed with either choice.

[2-Nickels]

Harry-O, purchase a 10K bar, you never know what the future holds.

[Sbrownstein]

Aventa...10,000 has been good to me for years. Interesting marketing a bar with 10,500 capacity and calling it the largest capacity in the marketplace. Bet most would do an extra 500 pounds...but the TV hitch capacity is another thing entirely.

[Smitty77]

Hard to go wrong with any of these units. Blue-ox and Roadmaster Stirling All Terrain seem to be the most that I see.

Not to you OP, as you're already planning a high enough weight capacity. But a tip for those that might read this thread in the future. For the price difference between the 5-6K Lbs units to the 10K+Lbs units - I always suggest buying the more robust rated unit. Regardless of what your toad might be today, that could change... I learned this the expensive way, as I had a Bounder and CRV Toad (Have the same Toad today....), and when Camping World had a good sale on the Roadmaster Stirling All Terrain lighter capacity unit, I made I feel a mistake of buying that unit. Served us well with the Bounder for 4 years, and I moved it to out CC when we bought it. But when I had a pin come out, and damage the arm of the existing Stirling - I replaced it with the 10K lbs unit. Plan to change Toads to a Ford F150 4X4 Crew Cab 6 1/2 bed in 2019/2020. So the larger Stirling will do me well. Had the older unit rebuilt, and it's now in use with a family friend.

Best of luck to you,
Smitty

[mike brez]

I have only had one tow bar in 17 years a Demco Aluminiator.
When I need a new one they will be the first one on my list.