Need Recomendations on a tow bar

FMcCue · 03-11-2018, 05:43 PM

I know I'm probably opening a can of worms here, but I'd like input on which tow bar to purchase. We are not new to Rving, just haven't ever done a toad behind the coach. We have a 351 DS and will be towing a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. I already know about the wiring harness issue, and had the dealer include that in the purchase. Just want input on a tow bar that will safely handle the vehicle at a reasonable price. I know Blue Ox is popular, that would be fine but which one? Also looking at other options, all feedback is appreciated.

coffeegrinder · 03-11-2018, 05:48 PM

I use a Blue Oz towing a Acadia on all 4’s. Just have to match the weight of the toad to the set up. My Georgetown has a 5000 lb hitch limit

KEliasz · 03-11-2018, 06:42 PM

I'll be watching this one. I need to do almost the same setup but with a Buick enclave. Same car platform as the Acadia. And what is the wiring harness issue? I have a 2017 351ds.

formerFR · 03-11-2018, 06:48 PM

we've used the BlueOx Alpha since we started towing our '14 Ford Fiesta, and now our '14 Ford Focus.

I'm sure any manufacturer will work very fine, all have several models and different ones for higher weight vehicles.

We use a blue 7pin to 6pin connector between the coach and the front of the car. We had installed the separate tail lights wiring along with the baseplate... all works perfect for over 80,000 miles... I also use the BlueOx when towing my vehicle behind new coaches from the factory to dealers.

The Alpha simply slips into the 2" hitch receiver from the coach, and the 'arms' attached easily to the 'pin' connectors at the car.

KEliasz · 03-11-2018, 06:57 PM

As little as I would be bringing a toad with me id probably do the magnet mount tail lights also since the Enclave is getting older and I'm probably changing cars in the next year or so

BobHanke · 03-12-2018, 01:08 PM

If you go with Blue Ox, have the installer run a 12V line from the connection on the license plate bracket through a fuse to the battery. Be sure you remove the fuse from the Jeep mod and turn off the switch inside the console while unhooked from the motor home.

kenandterry · 03-12-2018, 02:20 PM

KEliasz....

How many miles in your Enclave?

You mention you haven’t done any towing with the Enclave yet, and may be changing it out in the next two years. That means you have to buy a tow bar system, buy auxiliary lighting and consider buying an auxiliary braking system.

Each tow vehicle requires a unique baseplate as part of the towing platform. Unless you buy the same vehicle without it undergoing a major redesign, baseplates cant be transferred between vehicles.

Some forms of lighting can be transferred between vehicles, others can’t.

Some auxiliary braking systems can change between vehicles easily, some can’t.

KEliasz · 03-12-2018, 02:35 PM

I don't know what the next vehicle will be. But baseplates for the Enclave are not that expensive and install is fairly easy that I would do myself. I'll probably be getting either a ram truck or a jeep wrangler 4 door. Or possibly when they come out next year the 4 door wrangler pickup. Possibly diesel if it's offered

wrapperman · 03-12-2018, 03:05 PM

We have the roadmaster All-Terrain. All aluminum so light weight. Picked it up second hand. I have heard of roadmaster warranties them for life and will even rebuild them for free but only hearsay.
Either blue Ox or roadmaster are great.
The only question I have is what type of brake system are you going with. I have read where there is a type of tow bar that had a built in hydraulic brake system so you could add a built in brake on the toad. No need for a "Brake Buddy" type of brake system.
One nice thing about the Blue Ox is the connectors on the car are almost hidden when off.
I personally have the stay-and- play brake system on my Honda CR-V.

757Dave · 03-12-2018, 03:08 PM

Here's a video that might help with your decision...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezRS4gdph2s

Good luck with your search...

Kevin & Judy · 03-12-2018, 03:11 PM

Roadmaster Falcon 5250
Have been using it for years and it has been trouble free.

ChrisAndGarren · 03-12-2018, 03:35 PM

We have the Roadmaster Sterling all-terrain with the Brakemaster braking system. We tow a 4 door Jeep Wrangler (so roughly 4500 lbs) and it's a piece of cake to attach and detach. Super easy hookup and unhook, and the brakemaster is just installed on a bracket in the jeep (did have to add the hydraulic system since we don't have that in the coach) and they did that in the back compartment on the passenger side (the short weird one under the slide) so it's not in the way either.
We love ours so far (had it for a year) and between that and the sway bars, probably the best money we've spent "upgrading" our ride.
Garren

FMcCue · 03-12-2018, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KEliasz

I'll be watching this one. I need to do almost the same setup but with a Buick enclave. Same car platform as the Acadia. And what is the wiring harness issue? I have a 2017 351ds.

The wiring harness issue is with the jeep. The newer Cherokees require a special wiring harness to flat tow them safely.

cariboo camper · 03-12-2018, 07:27 PM

I went with blue ox, bought from e-trailer. Go on their website and pick the one depending on your tow vehicle weight. Very good company to deal with. I also went with Invisibrake braking system. A little more pricey but nothing to setup before leaving campsite or wherever because it is built in and controller is hidden underneath front seat no levers or anything. Just plug in light cord and it is working.

Highly recommend e-trailer for info and fit, delivery, price.

CC Traveler · 03-12-2018, 08:07 PM

We went with the Blue Ox Alpha BX7365 for a few reasons. It is rated at 6,500 lbs which exceeds our 5,000 towing capacity, but was looking for the safety margin with the extra strength. It came with rubber boots that cover and protect the extension arm slides and has a center pivot versus fixed which allows for easy connection. The attachments for this model are well concealed on our Toad when not in use as the attachments are removable. It also had a bag to cover which really helps protect it from the weather. We added the Blue Ox Hitch Immobilizer BX88224 which takes all the rattle out of the receiver and a set of pin locks to secure with confidence. Bought everything at eTrailer.com and had good support at reasonable prices. Good luck and enjoy!

salwolfe · 03-12-2018, 10:59 PM

You have opened it up. Most will recommend the one they have as they are mostly all just fine. Make sure you have one that will handle the weight of the vehicle you are pulling. Also, some have built in tow vehicle braking systems; others you have to purchase an add-on device. I’m on my 3rd motorhome and my 3rd different tow bar system-all have done the job and have been easy enough to manage.

JTseed · 03-13-2018, 07:45 AM

Since you're a Jeep guy, I imagine you'll be getting out to some 4 wheeling locations. In Idaho we mostly head up into the mountains as far as we can with the motorhome, then do trail exploring with the 4x4s. Most of my friends have had good results from both Blue Ox or Road Master tow systems.

I tow a Toyota FJ Cruiser, which weighs in at 4,300 lbs. when fully loaded. For the last four years, I personally have used the Blue Ox Aladdin Tow Bar system (aluminum, Class III, 7,500 lbs. rated) on some interestingly uneven so called "roads".

No problems towing on uneven back roads but as with all systems, you'll need a relatively flat area to disconnect and reconnect the bar. I also have had no problems with the Brake Buddy Stealth supplemental braking system.

As others have emphasized, pay really close attention to the rated capacity for motorhome, hitch, Jeep and tow bar/baseplate system. Have fun with your Jeep!

downeyr · 03-13-2018, 12:35 PM

I use the Demco Dominator and it has worked well. It is light-weight and so far, bullet proof (22K miles).

kyinger · 03-14-2018, 08:14 PM

We just had our Georgetown GT5 31L5 and Jeep Cherokee set up with the Roadmaster All Terrain, DUO Stay and Play braking system, and the brake wiring kit. Planning our first major trip towing the Jeep in May from FL to PA and back.

coffeegrinder · 03-14-2018, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyinger

We just had our Georgetown GT5 31L5 and Jeep Cherokee set up with the Roadmaster All Terrain, DUO Stay and Play braking system, and the brake wiring kit. Planning our first major trip towing the Jeep in May from FL to PA and back.

Good luck on your trip. I’m not familiar with the tow system you have only the blue ox we use. I know I’m far happier with all 4 on the ground vs a dolly pull

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