Community Forums

buck454 · 08-02-2011, 04:17 PM

I see the use of Blue Ox mentioned a lot here, is Roadmaster Sterling not used much anymore. I still have an old Sterling from my MH days about eight years and my Jeep is still set-up to use it. I was thinking of using the same, but I just have not seen it mentioned in my rambling here over the last few weeks. Anything wrong with the Sterling other than being a little pricey? Just wondering.

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Coached · 08-02-2011, 04:23 PM

Funny you would mention this ... I noticed the same thing with respect to Blue Ox vs. Sterling ... I just had my Sterling "all-terrain" completely rebuilt ($700) after seven years of continuous use - it must have 60K+ miles on it ... always towing a Jeep Grand Ckerokee and never with so much as a hiccup, in fact, I've not personally heard of any "failures" with Sterling but lots with Blue Ox? We only rebuilt it because it gets a bit sloppy right where the big wrist pin provides the pivot point for whole assembly - you have to buy the whole assembly from Roadmaster for about $400 plus the rebuild kit for the smaller items plus about $100 labour ... good as new again and, I think anyway, a stronger and more robust setup than the others? Maybe not as pretty though ............

gripper · 08-02-2011, 04:40 PM

Actually, I believe "Blue Ox" is more expensive than "RoadMaster". I had Roadmaster installed on my '08 Vue, about two years ago and have not had any problems with it.

Having said that, I recall that at the FMCA rally in Perry GA, this past March, I did have some work done on it, because of an impromptu inspection, made by Roadmaster techs. One day, while there, they walked behind all parked coaches and did an inspection, lubricating and cleaning job on all Roadmaster tow bars, (not asked for by me or anyone else). The tech then contacted me an sait that I needed new bushings, where the unit attached to the hitch. Or else sometime in the near future, the unit will freeze up and not swivil around the hitch as it should. He then told me where the Roadmaster service trailer was and that I could take the unit there for repairs.

Th next day, I took it off my MH and took it to the serivice trailer. $200 later, I had a "good as new" unit to re-install on my hitch. I know that this is just a tactic, to generate revenue, but just maybe the tech was right and at least, I shouldn't have any problems for another while. I'm ok with that.

randco · 08-03-2011, 05:08 AM

I can't say anything about the Blue Ox but I can say something about the Roadmaster Sterling Towbar.

I love the way it operates. We have only towed about 5,000 miles with it and have not had any issues with it.

danf7 · 08-03-2011, 05:25 AM

I have a blue Ox base plate, but use the Ready Brake by Night Shift Auto. Tows great, uses surge brakes so you don't need another braking system. Did 9 degree grades two weeks ago and it handled it perfectly!

Hikerdogs · 08-03-2011, 09:26 AM

We have a Serling tow bar and have used it to tow our 04 Wrangler over 60,000 miles. So far there haven't been any problems and I don't expect any.

When we bought it I spent many hours researching different brands and styles. We settled on the Sterling beacuse it seemed to preform well according to owners reviews. I also liked the fact that the safety cables and air hose (for our Brakemaster 9060 system) could be run through built in channels. It makes a neat and compact system without cables & wires running all over the place.

It's performed well over the years and only required normal maintenance. When it comes time to replace it (which will probably be several more years) I will definately look to Roadmaster again.

buck454 · 08-03-2011, 04:06 PM

Glad to see some of you chime in that are using the Sterling. In my trade for the "new" motorhome we are to pick-up Friday, I asked for a complete Roadmaster Sterling tow system with installation to my '07 Colorado. Later decided to add the Brake Buddy to be installed also, it at my expense. Truck is to get its installation treatment Friday while we wait. (We, of course, plan to spend at least one night in couch at or near the dealership.)

Like Coached mentioned above, I started to send my old Sterling back to be refurbished (a little beat up and a broken release handle), but I was not sure they could get it back in the time of my need plus I really needed another cross bar (One on my Jeep is a little bent). Decided to try for the dealership to put in the trade on their side of the ticket and they agreed.
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Mr_D · 08-08-2011, 08:47 PM

I have the Sterling, I like the way the unit is designed, built and tested. The extra crossmember adds to the strength, something that Blue Ox doesn't have.
Also, I used to live about 20 miles from their plant, till they moved, now they're even closer. I just take the bar over every year or so for a free rebuild.

garym114 · 08-08-2011, 09:21 PM

We have one of the Roadmaster All Terrain tow bars. Always can release it no matter how out of line everything is. Alaska and back. No problems.
Got gritty so I started wiping down the rods every time I collapsed the bar.

Submustang · 08-09-2011, 09:56 PM

Very happy with my Sterling. I also like the channels for the safety cables and light wire. The all-terrain function works great. I am sure the Blue-ox is a fine towbar also.

wa8yxm · 08-10-2011, 09:52 AM

People often ask what is etter: Blue ox or Roadmaster.

My response is dead center on the fence.. I do not feel either is better than the other however they are DIFFERENT: While I do not know every product Roadmaster makes I can tell you this:

The blue ox systems I have seen can be divided into two groups.. Tow bar sistems and a basic "A" frame tow bar designed or a ball hitch (el-cheapo)

The latter, stores where you store it.

The god ones store on the motor home, out of the way

Roadmaster makes a number of systems that Stow on the TOWED.

I prefer on-MH storage.

Beyond that . no major difference.