First, you need to determine whether you want to purchase a "Car-Mounted" tow bar that folds away on the front of the car when done towing or a "Coach-Mounted" tow bar that folds away on the rear of the coach. Either way, make sure the bar you select is rated in excess of the towed vehicle and its contents.
Tow bars themselves come in two different varieties: Rigid or Collapsible.
- The Rigid tow bar is an a-frame design and is the most basic and least expensive. However, the Rigid tow bar requires that the towed vehicle be precisely centered behind the coach when hooking up. Because the arms do not adjust or collapse, it can be difficult to connect to the trailer ball. You may need to "jockey" your 4WD vehicle around to align the tow bar over the ball. A Rigid tow bar is ideal for the casual user or somebody on a budget. It's simple, inexpensive, lightweight and dependable.
- On the other hand, if you plan on connecting and disconnecting frequently, then a Collapsible tow bar may be the best choice for you. Designed with self-aligning arms, the Collapsible tow bar is much easier to engage, even for one person alone. After hooking up and driving away, the tow bar arms extend, self-center and lock for safe towing. Simply by pulling pins, the Collapsible tow bar can be quickly removed, or folded against the vehicle for compact storage. Collapsible tow bars are quick and convenient, and a must for the frequent traveler.
Blue Ox has a dependable line of tow bars: the Aladdin, Aventa II, Acclaim, and Ambassador. Blue Ox prides itself in manufacturing maintenance-free tow bars that are easy to use.
Check out some personal reviews of tow bars and more here.
