OP My input, research Roadmaster, Blue Ox and Ready Brake. What I did below:
1. I would not have a tow bar that is not adjustable for hookup. It's a pain to align it for hookup. Nor would I have a vehicle mounted tow bar as I don't want to have to remove it or drive around with it on front of the car.
2. My 04 tow bar was a RM Falcon 2 and I quickly learned that it easily binds for unhitching. I learned to mostly avoid the binding but eventually upgrade to the Falcon All Terrain.
3. In 04 I got the RM box brake. As we began traveling more it became an increasing pain to install/uninstall.
4. Hookups are easier with my RM Invsibrake. There is absolutely nothing to do to activate the Invsibrake, it's completely automatic.
My advice is to consult your crystal ball, figure out what type of towing you will be doing then buying equipment to meet that need including long term. That may not be the cheapest choice.
A lot of people like the Ready Brake. It's cheap and works well from all accounts.
I also upgraded from the 4 wire cable for the lights to a 6 wire cable. The 5th wire is a battery charging line. The 6th wire connects the toad brake lights to a light on the MH dash. I know when the toad brakes are applied.
After connecting the car DW checks the turn signals and brake lights for both vehicles before we travel. Apparently most folks don't check. We use handheld radios for this task. These are the same radios I use to find DW when she gets lost in a big box store. :B
Some history: Our 04 CRV had a failed battery in 04 and 05 both on the road and replaced under warranty. Current battery is on year 8. Left the key on one night while connected to the MH. First think I did next morning was to put the car in park. BIG OOPS as the car is now locked in park, cannot shift to neutral since the battery was dead. And the jumper cables would not reach the car. :(
