Key takeaways
- Pick a tow bar rated above your towed weight.
- RV-mounted bars are the most common style.
- Confirm tow bar and base plate are designed to work together.
RV-mounted vs car-mounted
RV-mounted tow bars attach to the receiver on the motorhome and stay with it. They give a sturdy, direct connection and typically fold up and stow along the motorhome when not in use. A locking hitch pin helps secure the connection.
Car-mounted tow bars were the first style introduced. They mount on the towed vehicle and work like an A-frame trailer, using a coupler that attaches to a hitch ball on the motorhome. They are used less often today.
Weight capacity
Choose a tow bar with a rated capacity above the weight of the vehicle you will tow, including cargo you carry in it. Weight capacity is only one number in the system, so also check the rating of your hitch receiver and your motorhome's towing limit.
Features worth comparing
- Self-aligning design: arms that let you connect when the two vehicles are not perfectly lined up.
- Adjustability: a bar that adjusts to keep the towed vehicle level.
- Quick-disconnect connections: how the arms attach to the base plate.
- Cable channels or hooks: where safety cables attach.
- Folding and storage: how compactly it stows.
- Corrosion resistance: finish and materials, especially in wet or salty climates.
Check compatibility with the base plate
Each manufacturer uses its own connection between tow bar arms and base plate brackets. A tow bar and base plate from different brands may not fit together. Confirm compatibility before buying. See base plates explained.
Looking for a tow bar?
Browse the Roadmaster Part #676 tow bar, 8,000 lb, with LED lights, or call (910) 793-2894 to talk through fitment for your setup.
Frequently asked questions
What size tow bar do I need?
Pick one with a capacity above your towed vehicle's loaded weight, then confirm your hitch and motorhome limits also cover it.
What does self-aligning mean?
A self-aligning tow bar lets you connect the arms even when the vehicles are slightly off-center, which makes hookup easier.
Do I need a locking hitch pin?
A locking pin is strongly recommended to keep the bar secure in the receiver and deter theft.
This page is general information. Always follow your vehicle owner's manual, equipment instructions, and the laws of the states and provinces you travel through.