Help in choosing a tow bar

bayoubelle wrote:
We are getting ready to purchase our new motorhome and are now researching tow bars. We are purchasing a 2017 Sunseeker and will be towing a 2016 Ford Focus Hatchback.

We are completely ignorant about tow bars and baseplates and how to choose one. The one thing I do know, is to look for a baseplate specific to our vehicle. Beyond that we don't have a clue and my DH is not mechanically inclined to install it.

So with that said, we would appreciate a little guidance and advice. We want to be sure we are buying a decent set up, that is as simple to hook and hook as possible without breaking the bank. (I know, the cost to do this definitely leaves a crack in the bank).

Our dealer sells Demco (but I did see our Dealer listed under Blue Ox) and we have a Camping World nearby that offers Roadmaster. I am hesitant to go to the Dealer or Camping World and get their opinion, because as you know theirs is the best. After it's done your stuck, so we are trying to get it right the first time.

We have decided to add a braking system also, we are a little over 3,000 lbs on our vehicle and don't really need it, but better safe than sorry. And this will make us legal in all 50 states.

So after all my rambling, it would be greatly appreciated for any advice you have to offer.

you're correct...the baseplate and tow bar are a matched set. we've had a Blue Ox setup from the start and have been very happy with it. you won't go wrong with any of the major mfgs but I can attest that Blue Ox has tremendous customer service. can't say the others don't as we've never had any of their equipment. i would add that, based on some of the anecdotal stories related on this forum concerning poor workmanship, i'd stay away from a Camping World install. we buy a lot of other stuff at CW and the one time we had work done on our MH it worked out OK but that was 25-years ago. but I'm spoiled. we have a great dealer and service dept and absent an emergency on the road I don't trust our coach to anyone else.

aux braking systems don't have to be matched to the baseplate and tow bar. we use a semi-permanent aux brake that is mounted to the vehicle and does not have to be installed/removed each time we hook up to tow or disconnect to drive. we're all about convenience.