Flat towing your car behind an RV opens up many convenient travel options, making it easier to use a standard vehicle for running errands and making short trips, rather than maneuvering a cumbersome RV everywhere. But before you rush out to buy an RV tow bar, it's worth taking the time to choose carefully. The right tow bar doesn’t just connect your car to your RV—it ensures safe and stable towing over various terrains, helps avoid costly damage, and enhances your peace of mind on the road. Picking the wrong one can cause a poor driving experience or even lead to an accident, putting everyone on the road at risk.
While there are many designs to choose from, not all are suited for the same towing conditions. Some offer better durability or ease of use, while others are built for heavier loads or rougher terrains. It’s important to do some research to ensure you’re picking the best RV tow bar for your setup.
Parts Via can help! This quick guide will help you navigate the key considerations for selecting a quality tow bar for flat towing. We'll cover the essential factors to keep in mind, and also introduce you to some of the top brands and models to consider based on your needs.
RV Tow Bar Features to Consider
Finding the right RV tow bar comes down to understanding the specific needs of your setup and personal requirements. Start by asking yourself a few key questions: How big is your RV and towed vehicle? What kind of terrain will you be driving through—flat roads or more rugged terrain? What’s your budget like? Do you need something easy to handle due to mobility considerations?
With these questions in mind, here are the essential features to consider when choosing an RV tow bar:
Build Quality and Materials: Quality comes first, especially for such a crucial towing component. Look for tow bars made from high-grade steel or aluminum, with strong engineering standards from reputable brands. This is about safety and reliability, so prioritize a durable, well-made tow bar to avoid issues down the road.
Weight Capacity: Matching your tow bar’s weight capacity with your towed vehicle’s curb weight (found in the owner’s manual) is essential for safe towing. It’s wise to choose a tow bar with a capacity slightly higher than your vehicle’s weight, offering extra peace of mind on the road.
Receiver Size Compatibility: Most RVs have either 2-inch or 2.5-inch receiver hitches. Make sure the tow bar you select fits the receiver size on your RV. This small detail is crucial for securing your setup.
Tow Plate Requirements: Tow bars attach to your car via a specific tow plate, which is usually a permanent addition but some styles are more discrete than others. Consider the appearance and placement of the tow plate when browsing models to ensure it meets your comfort level for long-term use.
Additional Key Features: Check for built-in safety chains and any wiring that might be included with the tow bar—these are essential for safe towing. Also, a non-binding release feature is highly useful, allowing you to detach the vehicle easily on uneven terrain, which can be a big help after a long day of driving.
Beyond the technical specs, a few additional considerations can help you find a tow bar that fits both your lifestyle and RVing plans:
Towing Environment: Think about the types of roads and conditions you’ll encounter. Tow bars vary in design, with some suited for flat, smooth towing and others better for off-road or rugged environments. Pick one that matches your most common driving conditions.
Ease of Use and Personal Comfort: If frequent setup and takedown are challenging, look for tow bars with ergonomic features or lightweight designs. Some folding models stay mounted on the RV and are easy to set up, ideal for anyone who wants a faster, less physically demanding experience.
Warranty & Customer Support: With such an important investment, reliable warranty and customer support are crucial. Look for a company with a solid reputation for backing up its products with comprehensive warranties, accessible customer service, and robust online resources to support new users and troubleshoot common issues. Some manufacturers, like Blue Ox, even offer tow bar servicing and hands-on training at rallies and trade shows.
Budget Considerations: Special features and durable materials can increase the cost of RV tow bars, so it’s worth balancing quality with affordability to find an option that meets your needs without overspending.
Top RV Tow Bar Brands and Models
With all the essential features in mind, here are our top recommendations for RV tow bars. Each of these brands has earned its reputation with reliable, high-quality towing products, so while we’ll highlight specific models, just about anything from these manufacturers is worth considering.
Blue Ox: Blue Ox offers three exceptional tow bar models: the Apollo, Ascent, and Avail. The Apollo is a heavy-duty model for vehicles up to 15,000 pounds, while the Avail supports up to 10,000 pounds. The Ascent is the lightest, crafted from durable aluminum and capable of towing up to 7,500 pounds. Each model features a user-friendly self-aligning system and non-binding latches for hassle-free release on any terrain. Blue Ox stands out for its dedication to safe towing, actively hosting training events and offering tow bar servicing to help RVers properly use and maintain their equipment—going above and beyond to minimize user error and ensure safety.
CURT: CURT Manufacturing's Rambler RV Tow Bar is built for ease of use, featuring a 7,500-pound tow rating in a lightweight 40-pound design. It offers three convenient storage positions, making it easy to mount and keep on the RV when not in use. Non-binding latches, slide-resistant arms, and auto-locking technology help make every setup a breeze, while robust materials backed by CURT’s commitment to quality keep things sturdy.
Demco: Known for versatility, Demco's Excali-bar RV Tow Bar boasts a 10,500-pound tow rating, suitable for most passenger vehicles. It includes a built-in drop mount and adjustable head, allowing for level towing without additional components. The Excali-bar’s self-supporting, independent arms, self-aligning feature, and non-binding release make it one of the easiest tow bars to set up, catering to RVers who value both strength and simplicity.
Roadmaster: Among Roadmaster's offerings, the Nighthawk tow bar is particularly impressive. It’s the world’s first illuminated tow bar, featuring built-in LEDs along each arm that light up with your RV’s brake lights—boosting visibility for other drivers and helping you disconnect safely in low-light settings. The Nighthawk’s solid stainless-steel inner arms and aluminum outer arms provide a heavy-duty 8,000-pound towing capacity, while its industry-leading hook-up radius and extra-long arms make it easy to connect from nearly any angle. The non-binding Freedom Latch and internally-routed safety cables keep everything secure, and the corrosion-resistant powder-coat finish ensures it holds up against the elements.
Shop Parts Via and Tow with Confidence
Choosing reliable, high-quality equipment is essential for safe, hassle-free flat towing. Parts Via offers a wide selection of top-rated RV tow bars, so you can find the best match for your setup and hit the road with peace of mind. Explore our range of trusted brands and models today to get equipped for your next adventure!