Tow bar & flat towing questions.

Two Jayhawks wrote:
Lastly, depending on how old it is, don't know if half price is a good deal. If it's a couple years young it is a great deal. If 10 years old I might opt for a new one myself.

The unit in the photo is no more than a few years old, Bill. The built-in brake activation indicator switch and the Zerk fittings on the arms are recent additions in the past 3-4 years as I recall. My 10 year old ReadyBrute doesn't have them.

Like said, you didn't say what engine the motor home has. Fleetwood used the Cat C7 during around that time. Like some one said a big load for towing

Since the umbilical cord is a BlueOx product, I am assuming the ends are too. But....if that's the baseplate at the top, that looks like a roadmaster. BlueOx has the removable tabs so you don't have the 'tow bar' look on the front of your toad. Snap a quick pic of the ends and we'll be able to tell you. I would wager that bar is less than 5 years old.

Click HERE scroll down to Clevis Connectors and determine which one looks like yours. Also, view the videos etc. They will tell you everything about this product...good luck...Dennis

The ReadyBrute is an excellent choice. We have been using ours for, I believe about 9 years also. When we moved it to current coach three years ago I didn't reinstall the red light to the drivers seat that tells you when it is braking. It has been a great tow bar & you can absolutely send it back to NSA for a no charge inspection if you like. Lastly, depending on how old it is, don't know if half price is a good deal. If it's a couple years young it is a great deal. If 10 years old I might opt for a new one myself.

Dutch_12078 wrote:
I agree it would be worth having someone knowledgeable inspect the tow bar.

Most of the tow bar manufacturers have a re-build program.. we had our Falcon II tow bar re-built for 150 bucks, so.. buy cheap, send it in, get it back looking and acting like new.

Air brakes??? This Is all it takes

I agree it would be worth having someone knowledgeable inspect the tow bar. I do note from the photo though, that it's the newer model with the internal brake light switch and Zerk fittings that were added just a few years ago. The photo doesn't show the arm ends though, so we can't tell which base plate it's set up to mate with. The Blue Ox tow bay linked above is slightly lighter duty at a 7,500 lb rating than the 8,000 lb rated ReadyBrute Elite. We've used our ReadyBrute Elite for over 60,000 towing miles with no problems to date. Keep in mind the ReadyBrute Elite includes an integrated auxiliary brake system that you would have to buy in addition to other brands. Auxiliary brake systems alone can easily cost $500-$1000.

How old and how many miles was the tow bar used? Might have an expert carefully look it over before pulling a hearty truck like yours. Tow bars have a finite life span as well.

I can’t comment on the tow bar. But the Ram can be flat towed. Should be info in the owners manual. Just shift the T-case to neutral and pull the key I think? That part I’m not sure on. However that will be quite a load for that coach!