Looking for opinions on tow bars
What would some of you folks advise for a tow bar and why? There are so many tow bars it makes me want to go to the bar. :) Are there any must have features? Any agreement on what is considered the be...
Forum Discussion
For many years, on several different Jeeps and pickups, I used a Reese fixed arm/adjustable width 5000 lb. capacity towbar.
To hear some people on these forums tell it, such a bar was the worst thing ever invented, impossible to hook up by oneself, and often impossible to disconnect.
Oddly enough, I seldom had a problem with it. It just did the job it was designed to do, and did it quite well!
IMO, it all boils down to two issues:
1. The budget one has to work within (that Reese towbar is now about $165 at Walmart).
and
2. Personal preference.
When the day came when I needed more than the 5000 lb. capacity, I was lucky enough to find a Roadmaster Stowmaster 6000 lb. capacity telescoping arm unit on CL for $250. It did exactly the same job as the inexpensive Reese unit did. It was slightly easier to hook up and unhook, but, IMO, nothing to get excited about. The fact that it folded up on the front of the truck was nice, though.
I still have it, hanging on the wall in the shop. I suppose I should sell it, but I might need it again! It isn't taking up much space out there...
To hear some people on these forums tell it, such a bar was the worst thing ever invented, impossible to hook up by oneself, and often impossible to disconnect.
Oddly enough, I seldom had a problem with it. It just did the job it was designed to do, and did it quite well!
IMO, it all boils down to two issues:
1. The budget one has to work within (that Reese towbar is now about $165 at Walmart).
and
2. Personal preference.
When the day came when I needed more than the 5000 lb. capacity, I was lucky enough to find a Roadmaster Stowmaster 6000 lb. capacity telescoping arm unit on CL for $250. It did exactly the same job as the inexpensive Reese unit did. It was slightly easier to hook up and unhook, but, IMO, nothing to get excited about. The fact that it folded up on the front of the truck was nice, though.
I still have it, hanging on the wall in the shop. I suppose I should sell it, but I might need it again! It isn't taking up much space out there...
