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Old 09-08-2013, 07:47 PM   #1
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Tow Bars

Question:

Why should I pay almost $1000 for this:

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When I could only pay ~$100 for this:


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They both have about the same capacity and are rated to safely tow my 2004 Jeep Liberty. I realize that they are two different systems of use (vehicle vs. MH mount) but both would serve the same function.

Are all those "bells and whistles" really worth it for the part-time tower??
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Old 09-08-2013, 08:22 PM   #2
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I towed with a basic A-frame tow bar for many years and thousands of miles. Couple years ago I bought a good used Blue Ox tow bar for a couple three hundred dollars. While the A-frame bar got the job done, the BO bar allows me to connect/disconnect without a 2nd person. And since the tow bar stays with the coach I don't have to worry with a place to safely store it or leave it sticking up on the front of the toad. It is also lighter/easier to handle and connect/disconnect.
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Old 09-08-2013, 08:24 PM   #3
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If you want to fight it and don't care, get the cheap one. If you want something very easy to hook up, get the nice one.
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Old 09-08-2013, 08:31 PM   #4
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I've used basic A frame type for yrs. I can think of lots of better ways to blow $900.Besides Jeeps look cooler with a tow bar on the front.
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Old 09-08-2013, 08:45 PM   #5
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One big difference between those two tow bars are the Ready Brute has an integrated surge braking system. If you purchase a separate braking system for then the cost is going to be much more than ~$100.

I'm one of the believers that you shouldn't tow without a supplemental brakes.
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Old 09-09-2013, 11:31 AM   #6
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Old 09-09-2013, 04:47 PM   #7
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I'm not familiar with the Ready Brute but with most tow bars, you pay more for ease of use and convenience. Easy release mechanisms make it easy to release your tow bar even if you are in a bind. Motorhome mounted tow bars easily store on the coach which is both convenient and also eliminates the need for storing the tow bar when not in use.

This video shows shows just how easy it is to release one of Roadmaster's All Terrain tow bars. It really does make life a lot easier
(the video also covers some braking info, but the tow bar part is at the beginning and is only about 1-2 minutes long.)

Good luck and safe travels!

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Old 09-09-2013, 05:09 PM   #8
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Short answer is yes.
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Old 09-10-2013, 06:26 PM   #9
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I love my Roadmaster Allterrain. Hookup is easier than that video. Not that it happens to anyone else but I've gotten part way into a turn that I couldn't complete and had to back out. You know those wonderful curved exits from parking lots. Well, under 30 seconds I'm unhooked, it's folded up with lines wrapped, DW is moving the toad and I'm backing up to take the long way. Get positioned, DW pulls it up, I hook it up, she backs up to lock it then finishes setting it up while I hook up cables. Easy peasy.
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Old 09-10-2013, 06:42 PM   #10
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We have used a Reese A frame tow bar for many years on 4 different coaches and have had no problems with it. I can hook it up by myself in about 5 minutes. We have friends that have the Blue Ox system and they certainly work just fine, but for us, the extra dollars were better spent on fuel. BTW, many years ago we purchased a used Brake Buddy with brake away for ~$200.00. We have had no problems with that either, and it makes it convenient when we switch from the wife's Vue to my pickup. Just our opinion of course.
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Old 09-11-2013, 08:30 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Elf View Post
One big difference between those two tow bars are the Ready Brute has an integrated surge braking system. If you purchase a separate braking system for then the cost is going to be much more than ~$100.

I'm one of the believers that you shouldn't tow without a supplemental brakes.

I totally agree!
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Old 09-11-2013, 08:56 AM   #12
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As stated, each will work, one just a bit more easy to hook up and unhook.
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Old 09-12-2013, 11:20 AM   #13
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before you pay that much for any tow bar check craigs list,bought my (like new) roadmaster stowmaster 5000 for $100.00.

good luck Rick
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Old 09-12-2013, 05:11 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rick h View Post
before you pay that much for any tow bar check craigs list,bought my (like new) roadmaster stowmaster 5000 for $100.00.

good luck Rick
Question,
How do you know it was "Like New"? Did you take it apart to see what condition the lock pins are in? Do you know that the previous owner had not used it to Back Up and thereby compromised the locking pins and arms?

Like New can be deceiving. Unless you are a person that understands how the device works and what can cause it to fail, I suggest buying a new one that is installed by a qualified person that can explain the do's and don't s
It's not always about the cheapest way out. Safety does have a roll to play.
IMHO,,,
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