Tow Bar Question

[NCMEDIC]

I am new to class A RVs, but not to RVs in general.   I'm planning to purchase our future vehicle ( Wrangler) and get it set up for towing before we start the motorhome search in earnest.  

This might sound like a simplistic question, but are towbars universal?  In other words, if I buy Roadmaster base plates, and the RV we get has a BlueOx tow bar, will they be compatible?  I'd really be in the doghouse with the "CFO" if I wasted the money on baseplates that don't work.

Thanks in advance.

[Barbaraok]

The hitch on the RV will accept whatever connection you have for the car.   So it is your choice as th what you put on your car.  

[sandsys]

25 minutes ago, Barbaraok said:

The hitch on the RV will accept whatever connection you have for the car.   So it is your choice as th what you put on your car.  

Unless it is a ball hitch. If, so you'll want to replace it anyway.

Linda

[NCMEDIC]

Thanks, guys.

[Darryl&Rita]

And a Roadmaster tow bar won't connect to Blue Ox baseplates.

[ROUS]

When making brand/system decisions, consider first whether you will be installing yourself or hiring another to do so.  If you're hiring out this work, it would probably be wise to ask for the brand that they are the most experienced with.  You won't want them learning on your vehicle.  (Like mine did.)

[Barbaraok]

1 hour ago, sandsys said:

Unless it is a ball hitch. If, so you'll want to replace it anyway.

Linda

There are ball hitches that will slide into RV 

[Barbaraok]

21 minutes ago, Darryl&Rita said:

And a Roadmaster tow bar won't connect to Blue Ox baseplates.

I believe that there are now adapters made so if the car has one base plate there is away to use the other's arms.   I believe they are third party items.  

[sandsys]

3 hours ago, Barbaraok said:

There are ball hitches that will slide into RV 

Correct. And the new base plate on his car will not connect to it. So he'll need a new hitch on the RV.

Linda

[Darryl&Rita]

3 hours ago, Barbaraok said:

I believe that there are now adapters made so if the car has one base plate there is away to use the other's arms.   I believe they are third party items.  

True enough, but that's more fiddley bits to make sure that they're connected properly, have all their locking pins secured, and nothing has gone missing.

[Kirk W]

6 hours ago, Darryl&Rita said:

And a Roadmaster tow bar won't connect to Blue Ox baseplates.

Not directly, but there are adapters for Blue Ox to Roadmaster and for Roadmaster to Blue Ox. Also for Demco.

         

 

[Barbaraok]

2 hours ago, sandsys said:

Correct. And the new base plate on his car will not connect to it. So he'll need a new hitch on the RV.

Linda

If you are towing four down the only thing you might need is to add a drop extension to the existing RV hitch.  Is that what you are talking about?  Depends upon what type of motorhome.  With our Class C it was a straight fit, but with the DP we had to add a drop extension for the Subaru and the CMax.   The drops are not specific to any particular base plate. 

[Kirk W]

8 hours ago, Barbaraok said:

 Depends upon what type of motorhome.  With our Class C it was a straight fit, but with the DP we had to add a drop extension for the Subaru and the CMax.   The drops are not specific to any particular base plate. 

To add a bit, the towbar should be as nearly level as possible when on level surfaces and if there is any slope it should be down from the motorhome to the towed. The dropped receivers are easily available and the can be installed to raise by simply turning it over. 

 

Edited July 11, 2021 by Kirk W

[Ray,IN]

On 7/10/2021 at 6:00 PM, Barbaraok said:

I believe that there are now adapters made so if the car has one base plate there is away to use the other's arms.   I believe they are third party items.  

Blue Ox sells the adapters to Roadmaster base-plate.   Roadmaster sells adapters to all other base-plates.

[sundancer268]

I would go RoadMaster, in my experience they are the easiest to install and I have not heard of any failures in a RoadMaster tow bar that was operated within the weight rating of the tow bar.  Blue-x on the other hand has had some failures reported on the various RV Web Site forums.  Do a search on tow bar failures and see what pops up.  Also be advised you will need to add a braking system to the towed Jeep.  What you get will depend on whether the Motor Home has a Diesel Engine with Air Brakes or is a Gas Engined Coach with conventional Hydraulic Brakes.

[Ray,IN]

On 7/10/2021 at 5:36 PM, Darryl&Rita said:

And a Roadmaster tow bar won't connect to Blue Ox baseplates.

Yes it will, Blue Ox sells adapters to fit other base plates. Roadmaster sells adapters to fit Blue Ox and other base plates.

Having owned and used both, IMO a Blue Ox base plate is stronger than a Roadmaster. Roadmaster must use a spreader bar for heavier vehicles to reinforce the base plate. (Ours did anyway) Those are the only two I've ever owned or used from the 6 sold today.

Edited August 11, 2021 by Ray,IN

[Darryl&Rita]

On 7/10/2021 at 7:48 PM, Darryl&Rita said:

True enough, but that's more fiddley bits to make sure that they're connected properly, have all their locking pins secured, and nothing has gone missing.