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Old 10-06-2016, 10:50 AM   #15
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I have been using my Roadmaster Falcon II for two years, it never failed, but was to hard to release if I was not absolutely straight and level. My new system; I have ordered a Blue Ox Alpha for my 2016 Jeep Wrangler and I am going to the M&G Brake System. JH
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Old 10-06-2016, 11:48 AM   #16
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tow bar tension on disconnect

Just a quick tip that I picked up somewhere on releasing the tension on tow bar arms at disconnect. I have a Roadmaster Sterling, purchased in 2003. And that tip is to start your tow car and turn the steering wheel to full lock. I can't recall which way to turn the steering wheel depending on whether you out of parallel either left or right. But it does work to significantly reduce that lock force. Try it.
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Old 10-06-2016, 12:07 PM   #17
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While you can mix and match tow bars and base plates, I prefer the Blue Ox baseplate andthere is almost nothing to see. the tow bar attachment. It is easy to pull the tow connections and the
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Old 10-06-2016, 02:55 PM   #18
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my vote for roadmaster. have been to factory and very impressed with quality. i have the roadmaster steerlng and as long as you clean and lube it ,it works great.
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Old 10-06-2016, 03:04 PM   #19
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Wow, so many opinions. I've towed an Explorer (4800lbs) with
BlueOx aventa for 80,000 miles over 7 years without any issues.
I do have it serviced every other year, keep it covered when not
being used, and keep it clean when needed. I prefer the Blue Ox
system in that there is nothing left on the toad when disconnected.
It is also very easy to connect, in fact my 10 year old grand kid
can do it in 3-4 minutes.
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Old 10-06-2016, 04:02 PM   #20
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RV Geeks were sold on RoadMaster after using another brand for many years. They did a great video on it.
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Old 10-06-2016, 04:30 PM   #21
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50,000 miles with Roadmaster Sterling. Great tow bar with no wires or cables dangling as there are channels for them. Easy to hook and unhook. Drive a few feet and both arms lock. Highly recommend. If fully disconnected there are no components left on the car other than the base plate.
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Old 10-06-2016, 06:16 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigman1 View Post
HIGHLY recommend the Roadmaster Blackhawk. An additional positive point for the Roadmaster is that it can be disconnected without the coach and tow having to be in the same straight line.


We just had the Roadmaster Blackhawk II (10k lbs) tow bar/hitch setup together with the SMI Air Force I brake sys. installed on our new 2016 Jeep GC 4x4 Summit and it all works seamlessly well, easy to hook up & release, quality goods well engineered to last.

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Old 10-06-2016, 06:47 PM   #23
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Used Blue Ox since 1999

I have used the same Blue Ox tow bar since 1999. 2 different base plates (99 Saturn SL2 and 2009 Saturn VUE). No problems but could not find a baseplate installer for the VUE. Wife and I installed it ourselves using Blue Ox's instructions.
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Old 10-06-2016, 07:15 PM   #24
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Like the Blue Ox Avail. Blue Ox baseplate is a nice clean install. The Avail is non binding so no worries about being level or turned. Better turning radius than most others too. Very simple to setup and disconnect.
Happy with my decision to go Blue Ox
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Old 10-06-2016, 10:44 PM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by micpib1 View Post
I have been using my Roadmaster Falcon II for two years, it never failed, but was to hard to release if I was not absolutely straight and level. My new system; I have ordered a Blue Ox Alpha for my 2016 Jeep Wrangler and I am going to the M&G Brake System. JH
maybe you didn't do it right? i have the same unit and never had a hard time on con/discon for 4 years. the key is - i use a string to hold the levers up and drive my car forward a little. it guarantees a loose-up.

back to the po question, there will never be short of praises in either camp - pride of ownership may come to play. the determining point is - which has less occurrences of broken failure. toad being orphaned and wandering on the highway is no fun...
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Old 10-07-2016, 05:36 AM   #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by trimacon View Post
My N=1 with Blue Ox Aventa on first trip, about 1200 miles travelled. Buyer beware.

Can you provide more information on what occurred?
What type of vehicle were you towing?
Approximate weight?
Sharp turn?
Towing straight?
Safety cables functioned as designed?
Speed at time of incident?
I am assuming that you contacted the company, what was their response?
Was their any inspection of the failed system? Metallurgy etc?

I really appreciate the pictures, but without context, they are pretty much just pretty pictures! Oh, by the way, my background is Aviation Safety and Accident Investigation.
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Old 10-07-2016, 08:26 AM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by micpib1 View Post
I have been using my Roadmaster Falcon II for two years, it never failed, but was to hard to release if I was not absolutely straight and level.
I've had the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain for 2 years [14K miles] & it works great. The manual says you don't have to be perfectly straight, but like micfib1 experience says other wise. It's rated for 6000 lbs and we tow a 2014 Wrangler Unlimited that weights 4500 lbs. So far it has been great, just make sure you're straight before releasing the latches. Highly recommended.
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Old 10-07-2016, 08:36 AM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by awol50 View Post
Just a quick tip that I picked up somewhere on releasing the tension on tow bar arms at disconnect. I have a Roadmaster Sterling, purchased in 2003. And that tip is to start your tow car and turn the steering wheel to full lock. I can't recall which way to turn the steering wheel depending on whether you out of parallel either left or right. But it does work to significantly reduce that lock force. Try it.
this does work.
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