HITCHES | WELDING | TRUCK ACCESSORIES

If you are searching for “RV Tow Bars” this post should help! A tow bar is the device that you hookup to the base-plate on your motor-home or RV, in order to pull your vehicle behind it.

People new to the world of RVing may be daunted by the thought of towing a car behind an already quite large RV. It’s actually quite practical and safe to tow a vehicle behind your RV, provided you are equipped with the correct RV tow bar for your application.

Easily the best tow bars for your RV allow for a safer, more stable form of towing with all four wheels on the ground — usually called flat towing or towing “four down.” It’s a perfect way to bring a second mode of transportation along your trip. The extra car allows you to travel lighter, go sightseeing, get groceries or supplies without having to lug around in a huge RV.

Almost every car tow bar for RV towing purposes allows quick and simple one person installation from the rear of the RV to the front of the vehicle. The easy to follow instructions will be included with the RV tow bar, or are readily available on the internet.

Wiring & Safety Cables

You RV tow bar will most often come with wiring cords to connect the vehicle’s brake lights up to the RV — it’s both hazardous and illegal to tow a vehicle this way without working braking lights on the vehicle being towed. If a tow bar is not equipped or packaged with wiring for lights, you will have to buy a universal wiring kit and a 4 or 6 wire electrical cord. Safety cables make sure if a breakaway happens you won’t have a runaway vehicle.

Towing Brackets

You will also need to buy towing brackets that is designed or will fit the vehicle being towed. Many online sites and retailers sell them and have guides and forms to help you decide out which brackets is right for your vehicle. Installation is usually easy, requiring no welding or even drilling, but often taking a while to complete.

Weight Capacity

As with the safety cables, a tow bar for RV use has a restricted towing capacity. Commonly the towing capacity begins at 5,000 pounds and goes up to 10,000 pounds. The former or some other capacity near it should be fine for most vehicles towing, while higher capacities are ideal for towing larger vehicles, such as a boat or SUV, though they will cost extra for the additional durability.

You should know the vehicle you intend on towing with your RV before purchasing your tow bar. You can find out your vehicles weight by simply checking the car’s manual, or look it up online and decide from there what tow bar capacity fits your application.

All-Terrain Upgrade

If you’re an intrepid traveler in your RV, you may need to purchase a tow bar with an all-terrain upgrade. Basically, this feature lets you unhook the tow vehicle at unlevel surfaces and uncertain angles if you’re setting up on rugged or rocky terrain.

RV Receiver

One of the most substantial parts of this purchase is the receiver. If you purchase a tow bar that isn’t manufactured for your RV receiver, you will be unable to tow. Unless you purchase an adapter, which can only complicate matters further.

Check your RV’s receiver and check the specs of the tow bars you consider buying to make sure they are compatible. Typical RVs have a two inch square receiver, and most tow bars correspond to this standard, but it’s always a good idea to do a little homework before you buy.

Simply put, there is no perfect RV tow bar, no matter which brand you decide on. Some are more expensive, and some are more cheaply made, unable to boast the same lightweight materials and sleek appearance of pricier competitors.There’s a vast array of tow bar retailers, and an even wider range of price points available for consumers. Look for positive user reviews and added features in order to get the best value. Once you’ve weighed all the factors and made your ideal purchase, simply install and embark on your first tow bar RV adventure.

RV Tow Bar Installation In Mesa

Our team of truck and towing accessory pros at Cliff’s Welding can help you choose the right tow bar to suit your needs.  We proudly offer tow bar installation at our shop in Mesa, Arizona and offer our services to anyone needing help in the valley. For more information about tow bar installation please give us a call at 480-832-0570.