Do I Really Need a Crossbar?

[traveldawg]

Just got an '05 Honda CRV already set up with Roadmaster baseplate and type MX brackets. This particular bracket does not use Roadmaster's Crossbar.

Do I really need a crossbar? It would mean buying new brackets too (type XL I believe) and new crossbar.

What if I use a Blue Ox tow bar with the Roadmaster base plate - do I still need some kind of crossbar?

Thanks.

[jupoa]

I made a baseplate for my 09 Pontiac Vibe (same as a Toyota Matrix) with BlueOx compatible connections. I use it with a RoadMaster tow bar with optional BlueOx connectors and no crossbar.

My Vibe has a substantial aluminum extrusion (bumper) behind the front facia. My baseplate fastens to that as well as the frame of the Vibe and it provides lateral support much the same as a crossbar. Your CRV may have the same setup.

I've been towing for two years with no problems.

[Gary RVRoamer]

You need a cross bar to keep the brackets and the arms of the tow bar separated under the strain of the tow. Blue Ox base plates have the cross bar built in and mounted behind the grill, while Roadmaster puts them on the outside (the cross bar comes with the tow bar).

I'm not clear on how the cross bar that comes with each Roadmaster tow bar would bolt to an MX bracket. The cross bar mounts I am familiar with would not fit the slots on the MX. The Roadmaster tow bar instructions say the tow bar connects direct to the MX, which kind of implies that the cross bar is not used. All the pictures in the towbar install instructions show a cross bar, but only with a non-MX bracket. I'd suggest a call to Roadmaster to get the word right from the source. Maybe they only make the MX brackets for a vehicle that has strong cross bracing already present in the front end and therefore doesn't need a cross bar.

[traveldawg]

I talked with both RoadMaster and Blue Ox. I can use the RoadMaster XL brackets I have without a crossbar. I need to change the ends on the Blue Ox tow bar from their 3 tongue type end (where the pin goes through to attach to the toad brackets) to an end that works with the RoadMaster XL brackets. It Blue Ox's Adapter kit BX88185.

I'll likely rebuild the tow bar too while I'm at it so I know "things" are new and in good working order.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Thanks for posting thr feedback from Roadmaster.

Rebuilding is smart - that should give you several years of hassle-free towing.