Very Basic and Simple Question.....

[Capt Joe]

We are in the process of looking around for our first vehicle to tow behind a motorhome. I have been doing a lot of reading, questioning, etc but have not seen an answer to a question I have.

Do you have to have base plates and tow bar from the same manufacturer or are most of them compatible? That is, could you have a Blue Ox tow bar and hook it up to your vehicle that has Roadmaster base plates installed?

Thanks!!! It's sure nice to have a place to come and learn.

[Capt Joe]

We are in the process of looking around for our first vehicle to tow behind a motorhome. I have been doing a lot of reading, questioning, etc but have not seen an answer to a question I have.

Do you have to have base plates and tow bar from the same manufacturer or are most of them compatible? That is, could you have a Blue Ox tow bar and hook it up to your vehicle that has Roadmaster base plates installed?

Thanks!!! It's sure nice to have a place to come and learn.

[Route 66]

I know some are compatible, and some require adapters.

Each particular combo would need to be researched for compatibility.

[paz]

Toward the bottom of THIS PAGE of products from RV Upgrades are adapters for several models of other manufacturers' tow bars to Blue Ox base plates. The next page has adapters for Blue Ox tow bars to several other manufacturers' base plates.

[BillArf]

Yes, adapters are available. BUT.......

Many feel it is best to use the same brand tow bar with the same brand baseplate. Reason they give is "liability issues".
They feel if you have different manufacturers equipment, you will be hard pressed to have one / either of the manufacturers assume any liability (or be held accountable) in the event of a tow bar/baseplate related accident/issue. I think there is merit to this train of thought. Of course with a mixed manufacturer set-up you could find fault with either, or both manufacturers. Of course having two involved complicates legal issues.


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[footdoc]

It was very easy and cheap...about 50 bux for me to keep my great Blue ox Adventa towbar and adapt it to my new toad that came with a Roadmaster baseplate.