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Toad Tow Bars ?
So many to choose from , What seems to be the best for our Coachs ? Blue Ox , Roadmaster , Demco ?
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37 Replies
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Have a Roadmaster Falcon and have used it though 2 vehicles. I like it as the front on car and now F150, all you have out front is 2 pin points. Tow bar can stay folded on coach. Easy line up.
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I have the Blue Ox “Avail” and have been extremely happy with it!
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We use a Blue Ox tow bar and brake system.
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We use Roadmaster Sterling with airforce one braking system.
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Roadmaster and M & G. I like the ability of running the safety cables through the internal channel of the towbar making a neater look.
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I use a Roadmaster All Terrain 10,000 lb tow bar. Since one never knows when they might change toads I bought the heaviest one available. I have been using it about 10 years. I would buy it again
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I have used a Demco 10,000 lb since 2006 on 4 coaches. I send it back to them every 2 years they rebuild it and return it no charge, I pay freight one way. easy to attach on uneven ground.
I used U.S.Gear breaking system and moved it into 3 different cars worked great, then had a Falcon Air Force one installed by North Trail RV in Ft. Myers….. what a butcher job, took it back 3 times still doesn’t work right (not the fault of the tow bar company Falcon they have been trying to get them to do the instalation right)
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I have had several but the Roadmaster All-Terrain series always unlatches. I have watched guys beating on their tow bars trying to get them released but have never had to man-handle the All Terrain.
I have the tow bar that mounts on the toad and drops over a ball hitch, and I have one that goes in the receiver on the bus and connects to the toad with pins. By far I prefer the one that drops over the ball because unlike the one that slides in the reciever on the bus I can use an adjustable height ball hitch so the tow bar is always prefectly level when towing. At one time in FMCA magazine articles they made it a big deal to point out the tow bars need to be horizontal to work best with the least stress on them.
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I have a Roadmaster All Terrain 10k as well. No problems at all.
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I know of several tow bars that have been tested with regards to pulling dead weight as in a tow vehicle that was not put in neutral….they have all done a good job of pulling them many times without the driver knowing the wheels are not spinning……..Just saying….
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Maybe a ” TOO MUCH RESISTANCE ” Alarm is in the future ? Incorporated into the Tow Bar , With a Siren and Flashing Light in the Coach ? Could even ADD it into a Break Away System , Call it the Binford Toad Tender ! And Chrome of Course ?
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There is no truth to the rumor that I dragged a full size H2 Hummer with the brakes on. But if it were true I can tell you the sqeal of tires gets loud enough to get your attention at about the same time you would see large black skid marks and smoke.
No supplemental alarm system is required, and the coach goes up through the gears as though there is no toad behind it.
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I know a guy who actually took a picture of a poor slob making that mistake, then holds the picture in reserve for fun and sport, what a butt head.
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WOW where is the Love….no names were mentioned no threats were made of photos……
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As long as Tom reminded me of another issue, here is the situation for all to learn from.
First, when you are preparing to leave for a trip an inspection is necessary. The best inspection is done alone so nobody breaks the train of thought. When a toad is involved in the inspection it has to be understood there are a lot of ways something can be wrong or go wrong, and while we kid a lot about it, even the most simple error or ommission is going to have consequences.
We joked about tires above. But start by making sure the tow bar is secure and locked at both ends. Are the safety chains or cables secure and attached. Is the wiring harness in place and do the lights work?
If the toad has supplemental braking is it in place? If the toad requires some action to save battery power such as removal of a fuse has that been taken care of.
Is the transmission or transfer case or both set for towing? If the toad has a steering wheel lock is that released so the front tires of the toad will turn. If not do you carry enough cash or have credit cards for the new tires? Is the toad parking brake released so all tires will roll? If not do you carry enough cash or have credit cards for the new tires?
We can joke about stuff like that, but the topic of tow bars, tires and toads is pretty serious and in the real world we all have to check and double check.
Did I just get called a butt head???????
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