Community Forums

LarPar2012 · 09-19-2013, 11:40 AM

Ok looking for feed back on the Blue Ox tow bars and the Stay-n-Play braking systems. Comparing these to Roadmaster. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

JMonroe · 09-19-2013, 11:55 AM

Both are well respected companies. I prefer the Blue Ox system as once I disconnect the tow bar there's only a couple small fixtures to remove and store and the front of the vehicle is "clean". Any Roadmaster set-up I've seen leaves a large heavy cross bar still attached to the toad once the tow bar is removed. That cross bar can be removed, but few seem to do so. I suspect it's because it's so heavy and you then have to find a place to put it.

LarPar2012 · 09-19-2013, 11:57 AM

Thank you!

95f5334j · 09-19-2013, 02:21 PM

I prefer the Demco system, the tow bar stays attached to the coach when not in use and the attachments on my Jeep are pretty much invisible.

RickO · 09-19-2013, 02:25 PM

Can't help with the brake question or a comparison of tow bars, but my Blue Ox Aventa tow bar has served me very well for >50,000 miles of towing.

Rick

brobox · 09-19-2013, 02:47 PM

My Blue Ox Aladdin tow bar snapped in half last year. I replaced it with a ReadyBrute that is a much stronger tow bar and the braking system is included for under $1,000. JMO but my experience with Blue Ox was not good even with customer service after it broke.

LarPar2012 · 09-19-2013, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brobox

My Blue Ox Aladdin tow bar snapped in half last year. I replaced it with a ReadyBrute that is a much stronger tow bar and the braking system is included for under $1,000. JMO but my experience with Blue Ox was not good even with customer service after it broke.

OMG breaking is scary!!

sswilson · 09-19-2013, 04:35 PM

I have used a Falcon and a Demco but neither may be the same as a new or current one. One suggestion is to buy a bar that is rated higher than what you currently plan on towing. I only state this because I changed my toad and had to replace the tow bar because of a weight difference.

vsheetz · 09-19-2013, 04:41 PM

I have a BO tow bar and brake buddy obtained at a good price used.

That said, if I were buying again/new I would likely go with ReadyBrute tow bar with the ReadyBrake system included.

Easyrider · 09-19-2013, 05:55 PM

After studying the different tow bar and brake systems out there I went with the ReadyBrute Elite which combines the tow bar with a surge brake. It works great, easy to connect and disconnect and I don't think you can get into towing a car with new equipment for any less than the cost of the ReadyBrute Elite.

JFXG · 09-19-2013, 11:10 PM

I use a Roadmaster Sterling tow bar. It is robust and easy to connect/disconnect. I've never had any connection difficulties. The earlier comment about the crossbar assembly I find curious. Its not hard to remove, but the fact is that unless you're parked for a few months, the easiest place to store it is right on the front of your car. Personal preference I guess.

I use the RVi brake system. Fourteen months and 8000 miles so far without a hiccup. No permanent install, so you can switch cars if desired. Setup to tow takes 30 seconds. Light weight, stores easily.

As always, install a charge line to your toad through the umbilical, so you won't be posting in the future: "My battery dies every time I tow. What's happening????".

Mr_D · 09-19-2013, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brobox

My Blue Ox Aladdin tow bar snapped in half last year. I replaced it with a ReadyBrute that is a much stronger tow bar and the braking system is included for under $1,000. JMO but my experience with Blue Ox was not good even with customer service after it broke.

Not the only one reported either.

Mr_D · 09-19-2013, 11:24 PM

I have the RoadMaster Sterling. The heavy crossmember is there to add strength to the frame "ears" that the brackets are mounted too. I've seen one "failure" of the RoadMaster brackets and, after pictures were posted, it was easy to see that the bolts had come loose. Probably from not been torqued correctly.
Also use the RoadMaster BrakeMaster with breakaway. Only "problem" I've had with it is forgetting to take the parking brake off and burning the shoes up!

**CountryFit** · 09-20-2013, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brobox

My Blue Ox Aladdin tow bar snapped in half last year. I replaced it with a ReadyBrute that is a much stronger tow bar and the braking system is included for under $1,000. JMO but my experience with Blue Ox was not good even with customer service after it broke.

remember seeing similar reports of blue ox tow bar failure. that should be a big red light. we can't afford a slim chance of this happening.

overall my impression on tow bar goes to roadmaster. theirs are built strong. the cross bar they use in first glance looks like redundant, actually it does provide additional protections. i am using a towmaster 5000 now and will get a falcon 2 eventually.

P.S. i am saying so not because i have one