Considering a used tow bar

Thanks for all of the info and as usual the comments are very helpful. We ended up buying a Roadmaster Blackhawk tow bar. Seems to be in great shape and the price seemed fair.

First of all make sure the models you are looking at are current in the manufacturers line up. Many of the older models are no longer supported by the factory and there are no replacement parts available.

Secondly make sure the arms extend and retract easily and there are no signs of damage. It's easy to bend one of the extension arms by backing up the motorhome with the toad attached.

If everything checks out make sure the price is only a small fraction of the new retail price. You will have no idea how many miles the thing has been used, and no idea of how it was treated regardless of what the previous owner tells you.

Keep in mind a damaged tow bar or one that can't be repaired due to lack of parts is nothing more than an expensive paper weight.

Ready brute is another great one.

I bought a blue ox Aladdin off CL for $200. They're 8-900 new. I read through the online brochure so I understood the features befor I bought it. For the Aladdin, the arms retract then lock into place. I made sure the tow bar locked in place and was not beat up, then bought it. I did replace the plastic gaskets and some of the hardware which was cheap.

I bought a used Roadmaster 5000 off a guy on CL. It was used once and it shows! I paid $300 and it included a complete toad braking system.

I would suggest looking for a tow bar that stays on the coach instead of the front of your CRV when not in use. Almost all of the newer, more expensive tow bars are the type that stay on the coach.

As others have posted, stick with the two well known brands (Roadmaster or Blue OX) and make it sure it is in good condition.

Condition/Appearance of course. Also, make sure you know the features of the various models within a brand. I'm more familiar with Roadmaster models than with BlueOx, and some series have both the "all terrain" and those that are not. With the same series name like "Falcon."
I just bought a used RM Falcon All-Terrain, so I dearly hope used towbars are OK...

I have purchased 2 used tow bars and they worked great, especially considering the savings. The first a Roadmaster 5200 was turned into a pretzel when the toad was struck from behind by an inattentive teen, while being towed. The second, a Roadmaster Falcon AT has about 60K miles on it and going strong. Did have it rebuilt by Roadmaster, at a rally for free. Yes, look it over and if in decent condition, go for it.

Be sure they are not worn, knuckles are not sloppy. Are would not buy without seeing it, and checking it out.