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Old 07-07-2018, 11:16 AM   #1
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Tow Bar for Motor Home.

I am about to join the world of Toading. We have a small 2009 Nissan Versa with manual transmission. Just wondering what set up that I should be looking for. I hear Blue Ox is rated high, but expensive. Does anyone have other types that they are using and would recommend?
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Old 07-07-2018, 11:20 AM   #2
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I am about to join the world of Toading. We have a small 2009 Nissan Versa with manual transmission. Just wondering what set up that I should be looking for. I hear Blue Ox is rated high, but expensive. Does anyone have other types that they are using and would recommend?
I have used a Demco set up to tow a kia soul and more recently a Subaru forester. Quality product with an easy to install baseplate.
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Old 07-07-2018, 11:38 AM   #3
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Glad to have you here in the forum with us. You're gonna like it here.

You'll find lots of differences in tow bars and in the prices too. If cost is an issue look onto Craigs List and see if you can find a nice used tow bar there. Some times dealers will have used bars too.

Happy Trails!!!
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Old 07-07-2018, 11:45 AM   #4
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Blue Ox products are no more expensive than Roadmaster or Demco for similar products. The most convenient and rugged tow bars are all expensive, though.



Ideally, You want a motorhome mounted (stays in hitch receiver) tow bar that is rated high enough for the vehicle you will tow, now and in the future (tow bars last a LONG time).


Blue Ox has the Alpha, Acsent and Avail (weight differences), while Roadmaster has several Falcon, Sterling and Blackhawk models that are similar in function and price. Demo is also excellent. You can probably find used ones for sale as well if you hunt around.
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Old 07-07-2018, 01:01 PM   #5
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Due to positive comments by posters and my own research, I just bought and received a ReadyBrute Elite tow bar (it also supplies braking). Going to use a Demco baseplate with the tow bar. They both look well made. Can't beat the price of both when considering other options and a braking system. Will install everything including Roadmaster diode lighting system on our 2018 Grand Cherokee.
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Old 07-07-2018, 01:10 PM   #6
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get one rated @ 10k lbs because TOMORROW you will change to a heavier toad like most of us have check the classifieds here and craig's list
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Old 07-07-2018, 03:58 PM   #7
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I highly recommend the NSA ReadyBrute Elite towbars with built-in ReadyBrake!
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Old 07-07-2018, 04:30 PM   #8
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You don't say what motorcoach you have. If for example it is a gas coach, you may not need a higher rated tow bar depending on how much you can actually tow. A hitch rated at 5,000 lbs does not necessarily mean you can tow that amount. That is only what the hitch is rated for. To determine how much you can tow, you need to weigh your motorcoach. For example, a chassis rated at 22,000 lbs (max). The empty weight may be 20,000 lbs. You get it weighed with fuel, water, propane, number of people, clothes, and all other gear. If, for example, it weighs 21,750 lbs. That is less than the 22,000 lbs so that is good.
Checking the specs for the gross combined vehicle weight might say 26,000 lbs. Subtracting 21,750 lbs from 26,000 lbs is 4,250 lbs. That is the limit on what you can tow. So in that case you don't need more than a 5,000 lb rated tow bar. If you foresee getting a larger diesel and towing a heavier vehicle by all means, get a bar with a higher rating. You will pay more of course. The choice is yours. Regardless, they are all expensive.
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Old 07-07-2018, 04:42 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer View Post
Blue Ox products are no more expensive than Roadmaster or Demco for similar products. The most convenient and rugged tow bars are all expensive, though.



Ideally, You want a motorhome mounted (stays in hitch receiver) tow bar that is rated high enough for the vehicle you will tow, now and in the future (tow bars last a LONG time).


Blue Ox has the Alpha, Acsent and Avail (weight differences), while Roadmaster has several Falcon, Sterling and Blackhawk models that are similar in function and price. Demo is also excellent. You can probably find used ones for sale as well if you hunt around.
You missed the RoadMaster Nighthawk. I bought one last year, very nice piece of equipment.
I sold a Falcon a couple weeks ago for $200, only used from AZ to AK and back to OR.
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Old 07-16-2018, 03:50 PM   #10
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Old 07-16-2018, 04:09 PM   #11
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Get one with a surge brake. Or you can buy my Brake Buddy and I will get one with a surge brake!
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Old 07-17-2018, 05:13 AM   #12
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Get one with a surge brake. Or you can buy my Brake Buddy and I will get one with a surge brake!
Can you recommend one with this 'surge brake'? Pleased that you replied as I was going to purchase a Brake Buddy.

Thanks
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Old 07-17-2018, 05:19 AM   #13
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I found a used Blue Ox tow bar for about 1/3 the cost of new on Craigs list. If you buy used, inspect it carefully for wear, binding, bent, etc.

https://www.etrailer.com/Tow-Bars/Bl...BoCHtkQAvD_BwE

I then bought a Demco base plate for my Saturn Vue, it was several hundred less than the Blue Ox base plate..

Check the for sale adds here and on other RV site.

One note of caution - If you mix manufactures for base plate and tow bar, make sure they are compatable.

..
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Old 07-17-2018, 05:33 AM   #14
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Can you recommend one with this 'surge brake'? Pleased that you replied as I was going to purchase a Brake Buddy.

Thanks
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