So, you’re ready to flat tow your car behind your motorhome. It’s a fantastic way to bring a smaller vehicle for local trips, but success hinges on the connection between your RV and your car, or "dinghy." This is where a Blue Ox towing bar becomes an essential piece of equipment.
In simple terms, it's a heavy-duty, A-frame device that mounts to your RV's hitch receiver and connects to the front of your towed vehicle. It’s the critical component that makes flat towing—also known as four-down towing—safe, legal, and surprisingly simple once you have the right setup.
Your Essential Guide to a Safer Journey
For any RVer, that link between your motorhome and your towed car is the single most critical connection you’ll make on the road. A Blue Ox tow bar acts as a set of strong, smart arms that guide your car with precision, ensuring it tracks perfectly behind the RV without dangerous swaying or fighting your turns.
This connection is what makes modern flat towing so popular. Unlike dealing with a clunky tow dolly or a massive trailer, a quality tow bar system lets all four of your car's wheels stay on the ground. The whole process, from hooking up at the campground to unhitching at your destination, becomes a routine you can master in minutes.
What Makes a Blue Ox Tow Bar Different?
There’s a reason Blue Ox has become the gold standard for so many RV owners, and it really comes down to their smart engineering and user-friendly designs. Their systems are built for reliability and ease of use—two things that are absolutely essential when you're managing thousands of pounds on the highway. The goal of their design is to give you a towing experience that feels stable and secure, mile after mile.
A few key features really set Blue Ox apart:
- Self-Aligning Arms: Many of their tow bars have non-binding arms. This is a game-changer when you’re trying to hook up or disconnect on uneven ground, which, let's be honest, is most of the time. It prevents the arms from getting jammed under tension.
- Built-in Safety Features: Their designs have features like locking handles and auto-locking arms baked right in to prevent common towing mistakes, giving you an extra layer of security.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-strength steel or aircraft-grade aluminum, these tow bars are built to handle the abuse of cross-country travel and all kinds of road conditions.
The real value of a good tow bar isn't just in the steel and bolts; it's the peace of mind. It lets you focus on the adventure ahead, knowing that what’s behind you is completely secure.
Think of this guide as your starting point for understanding this critical piece of RV gear. We’ll walk through how to pick the right model for your setup, what other parts you'll need for a complete system, and how to do the safety checks that guarantee a smooth and worry-free trip.
Why Seasoned RVers Trust The Blue Ox Legacy
Ask any full-time RVer or weekend warrior what gear they can’t live without, and you’ll hear the name Blue Ox come up time and time again. In the RV community, trust isn't just given—it's earned over thousands of miles and countless hookups in dusty campgrounds. The Blue Ox name carries weight because it’s backed by more than half a century of rock-solid performance on the road.
From the very beginning, the company zeroed in on one thing: building towing gear that could take a beating. They set a high bar for quality that the rest of the industry has been chasing ever since. That dedication has led to a massive lineup of products covering thousands of different vehicle setups, making them the go-to for just about any dinghy towing combination you can think of.
A Reputation Built On The Road
What really separates a Blue Ox towing bar from the pack is how it holds up in the real world. You’ll find stories all over online forums and hear them swapped around campfires—tales of tow bars that have performed flawlessly for years, sometimes even for decades. That kind of word-of-mouth praise is the best review you can get.
The market backs this up, too. The US automotive tow bar market was valued at a whopping $593.28 million in 2024, and it's driven by folks like us who live and breathe the RV lifestyle. Blue Ox is a major player in that space, which is expected to climb to $905.65 million by 2035. You can dig deeper into these automotive tow bar market trends to see just how Blue Ox fits into the bigger picture.
It all boils down to something simple: when you’re hundreds of miles from home, you need equipment that just works. No questions asked. Every single time. Blue Ox built its reputation on delivering that promise, giving you the peace of mind to focus on the adventure ahead, not the connection behind you.
More Than Just a Product
At the end of the day, picking Blue Ox is an investment in confidence. They’ve spent decades listening to RVers and refining their designs to make towing safer and more intuitive. Features like non-binding arms, which are a lifesaver when you’re trying to unhook on uneven ground, didn't come from a lab—they came from solving real problems people face every day.
This long track record of smart, practical innovation shows they really get it. It’s why so many RVers who start with a Blue Ox stick with the brand for life, often passing their recommendation down to the next generation of travelers. That’s the kind of legacy that makes a brand a true leader.
How To Choose The Right Blue Ox Tow Bar
Picking out the right Blue Ox towing bar is one of the most critical gear decisions you’ll make as an RVer. This isn't just about finding a bar that connects your RV to your car. It's about matching the equipment to your specific motorhome, your towed vehicle (or "dinghy"), and your travel style to ensure every trip is safe and hassle-free.
When you get this choice right, hooking up and disconnecting becomes a quick routine, not a dreaded chore. You can hit the road with total confidence, knowing your valuable investment is secure. Let's walk through the key factors to consider.
Start With Your Towed Vehicle's Weight
First things first, and this part is non-negotiable. You must know the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the car, truck, or SUV you plan to tow. Don't confuse this with curb weight. The GVWR is the maximum loaded weight of the vehicle, including passengers, fuel, and cargo. You can find it on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb or in your owner's manual.
Your tow bar's capacity must be higher than your vehicle's GVWR. This is not a suggestion; it's a fundamental rule for safe towing.
- Under 5,000 lbs: For most sedans and small SUVs (like a Honda CR-V or Jeep Cherokee), a tow bar like the Blue Ox Ascent is a popular and suitable choice.
- 5,000 to 7,500 lbs: This range covers many mid-size SUVs and light-duty trucks. The workhorse Blue Ox Avail is specifically built for this weight class.
- Over 7,500 lbs: If you're towing a full-size truck (like a Ford F-150) or a large SUV, you need a heavy-duty, Class IV tow bar like the Blue Ox Apollo.
Motorhome-Mounted vs. Car-Mounted Designs
Blue Ox exclusively focuses on motorhome-mounted tow bars, and for good reason. With this setup, the main tow bar assembly stays connected to your RV's hitch receiver. When you're not towing, you simply fold the arms up and they store right on the back of the coach, usually covered with a protective vinyl sleeve.
This is far more convenient than car-mounted options, where you would have to detach and store a heavy, greasy tow bar in your car or RV every time you unhooked. For any RVer, the simplicity of a motorhome-mounted system is a clear winner.
The goal of a great towing setup is simplicity. A motorhome-mounted design means you can unhook your car in minutes and be ready to explore, without wrestling with heavy equipment.
Comparing Popular Blue Ox Models
While weight capacity is the first filter, different models offer unique features that can make a real difference in your day-to-day experience. Understanding these practical differences will help you nail down the perfect fit. For a deeper dive, you can also check out our guide on the best tow bars for flat towing.
To make it easier, here's a quick comparison of the most popular models.
Blue Ox Tow Bar Model Comparison
| Model Name | Towing Capacity (lbs) | Class Rating | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Ox Ascent | 7,500 lbs | Class III | Lightweight aluminum body (31 lbs) | RVers who want an easy-to-handle bar for lighter vehicles and prioritize ease of lifting and storing. |
| Blue Ox Avail | 10,000 lbs | Class IV | Longer arms for better maneuverability | Towing behind wide motorhomes or those with rear-mounted accessories (like ladders or bike racks) that create clearance issues. |
| Blue Ox Apollo | 15,000 lbs | Class IV | All-steel construction for maximum strength | Towing heavy-duty trucks and large SUVs where maximum durability and strength are the top priorities. |
Ultimately, choosing the right Blue Ox tow bar is about balancing safety, convenience, and budget. Start with your vehicle’s GVWR, consider your RV's specific rear-end design, and you can confidently choose a model that will be a reliable partner for thousands of miles.
Understanding Your Complete Towing System
A Blue Ox towing bar is the muscle that connects your RV to your towed car, but it’s just one part of a larger team. For a safe and legal journey, you need a complete system where every part works in perfect harmony. Missing any piece is not just cutting a corner; it's a major safety risk.
Getting a handle on how these pieces fit together takes the mystery out of the whole process. It'll give you the confidence to build a setup you can trust, mile after mile. Let's break down the five essential components that make up a secure dinghy towing system.
The Five Pillars of a Safe Towing Setup
Your towing setup is only as strong as its weakest link. These five components are all non-negotiable for a safe and legal rig.
1. The Baseplate: This is the custom-fit steel bracket bolted directly to your car's frame. It’s the hidden foundation that your Blue Ox towing bar connects to. Each baseplate is specifically engineered for a particular vehicle make and model, guaranteeing the strongest possible connection.
2. The Tow Bar: This is the star of the show. It’s the classic A-frame device linking your RV’s hitch to the car’s baseplate. It allows your car to pivot and track perfectly behind your motorhome, handling all the pushing and pulling forces as you drive.
3. The Supplemental Braking System: This is a legal requirement in most states and a critical safety device. When you hit the brakes in your RV, this system simultaneously applies the brakes in your towed car. This is huge—it prevents your car from pushing against the RV, dramatically shortens your stopping distance, and saves your RV's brakes from burning out on long, downhill roads.
4. Safety Cables: These are your ultimate fail-safe. In the extremely rare event that your tow bar or hitch fails, these heavy-duty cables keep your car physically tethered to the RV. They stop a catastrophic runaway situation before it can start and must be crossed in an "X" pattern underneath the tow bar to function properly.
5. Towing Lights: This essential wiring system syncs your towed vehicle’s brake lights, running lights, and turn signals with your RV's. It’s all about communicating your intentions to other drivers, ensuring they can clearly see when you’re slowing down, changing lanes, or stopping.
This visual guide breaks down the key decision points for choosing your tow bar, which is truly the heart of your system.
As the chart shows, your vehicle's weight, how you plan to use the tow bar, and even how you'll store it are the main things to think about when picking the right model.
How They All Work Together
Picture this: you're cruising down the highway. The tow bar is managing the connection, the baseplate is giving it a solid anchor point, and the lights are signaling your every move. Suddenly, a deer jumps out and you need to brake hard.
The supplemental braking system instantly activates your car's brakes, working in perfect concert with the RV's brakes to bring the entire rig to a quick, controlled, and safe stop. All the while, the safety cables are there as a silent guardian, and the tow bar’s arms absorb the force without a problem.
Every part has a specific role to play at just the right moment. That’s why a complete system isn't just a good idea; it's the only way to tow safely. When all five components are installed and maintained correctly, they create a single, secure unit you can rely on for thousands of worry-free miles.
Mastering Your Pre-Trip Safety Checklist
Getting your Blue Ox setup installed correctly and performing a rigorous pre-trip check is what separates a smooth journey from a potential disaster.
While many RVers leave the initial baseplate installation to a professional due to its complexity, the pre-trip safety check is 100% on you. Don't skip it.
Think of it like a pilot’s pre-flight checklist. It’s a disciplined, five-minute routine that is the single best thing you can do to ensure your setup is secure for the road ahead. Make this a non-negotiable habit every time you tow.
The Five-Minute Pre-Departure Walkaround
Before you pull out of any campsite or rest stop, make this walkaround an unbreakable rule. It takes just a few minutes but can prevent a catastrophic failure.
Hitch and Tow Bar Connection: Get hands-on. Physically confirm the tow bar is fully seated in the RV's hitch receiver. Is the hitch pin inserted and secured with its clip? Give the bar a firm shake to ensure there’s no excessive movement.
Baseplate Attachment: Confirm both tow bar arms are fully extended and have latched onto the baseplate tabs on your car. You should hear a solid, audible "click" as they lock into place. The release levers should be down and secure.
Safety Cables: Check that both safety cables are properly attached. They absolutely must be crossed in an "X" pattern underneath the tow bar. Make sure they are securely fastened to both the RV and the towed vehicle's frame or baseplate, not to the tow bar itself. This is your fail-safe; it keeps the car attached if the primary connection fails.
Braking System Check: Test your supplemental braking system. Pull the pin on the breakaway switch. You should hear or see the braking system engage in the car. Crucially, remember to reinsert the pin before driving. You don't want to drag your car down the highway with the brakes engaged.
Light Function Test: With your RV's engine running and lights on, have a partner help you, or use your mirrors to test all lights. Check the running lights, then press the brakes, and finally test the left and right turn signals to confirm they are working correctly on the back of your towed vehicle.
Your pre-trip inspection isn't just about your equipment; it's a mindset. It’s about taking ownership of your safety and the safety of everyone sharing the road with you.
Beyond the Tow Bar System
A safe towing setup includes the health of your toad itself. Before you head out on any long journey, a thorough vehicle inspection is just as important as checking the tow bar.
If you're looking for more general pointers, these travel trailer towing tips offer a solid foundation and complement your pre-trip routine nicely.
And don't forget the car you're towing! It’s accumulating "phantom miles" as its tires, wheel bearings, and suspension components are still working. Reviewing some essential car service tips for a road trip can make sure everything is ready for the demands of being towed. A well-maintained car is a safer car to tow.
Maintaining Your Tow Bar For Longevity
Your Blue Ox towing bar is a serious investment in your RV freedom. Like any critical piece of equipment, proper care will ensure it performs flawlessly for years. Think of it as preventative maintenance for your towing system—a little effort now prevents major headaches on the road later.
A simple but consistent maintenance routine can double the life of your tow bar. It keeps the internal mechanisms free of grit and corrosion, which are the main culprits behind sticky arms and failed connections. This small time commitment protects your investment and, more importantly, ensures reliability when you need it most.
And it's not just us saying it—the market reflects this. The global tow bar market is projected to grow from $6.41 billion in 2025 to $6.75 billion in 2026, with the aftermarket segment showing strong growth. For DIY-minded RVers like us, that trend highlights just how important it is to keep our gear in top shape. You can read more about these tow bar market dynamics if you're interested in the numbers.
Routine Care After Every Trip
After a dusty or rainy journey, take five minutes to clean your tow bar's legs. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the extendable arms, removing any road grime, dirt, or moisture. This simple step prevents debris from getting pulled into the seals, which causes premature wear and sticking.
Once they're clean and dry, apply a quality silicone spray lubricant to the arms. Do not use heavy grease like lithium grease or WD-40; these attract dirt and can degrade the rubber boots over time. Extend and retract the arms a few times to spread the lubricant evenly.
Troubleshooting Common On-Road Issues
Even a perfectly maintained tow bar can throw you a curveball. Knowing how to handle these common hiccups is key to a stress-free experience.
- Tow Bar in a Bind: If you're parked on uneven ground and can't get an arm to release, don't force it. Simply start the towed vehicle and turn its steering wheel a half-turn toward the side that's stuck. This will relieve just enough tension to let the release lever operate smoothly.
- Unusual Movement or Wobble: If you notice your towed vehicle "hunting" or wobbling in your camera or mirrors, pull over safely as soon as you can. The most common cause is an arm that hasn't fully latched. Re-check that both arms are locked and that all your other connections are secure.
A well-maintained tow bar not only lasts longer but also operates more smoothly, making your hookup and unhooking process faster and less stressful. This simple routine is a cornerstone of a solid RV maintenance plan.
For a broader perspective on keeping your rig in top shape, check out our comprehensive RV maintenance checklist PDF for more helpful tips.
Got Questions About Blue Ox Tow Bars? We've Got Answers
Whether you're new to the RVing world or a seasoned pro, a few questions always pop up about towing setups. Let's tackle some of the most common ones we hear about Blue Ox tow bars so you can hit the road with total confidence.
Do I Really Need a Supplemental Braking System?
Absolutely, yes. This is not optional. Nearly every state and Canadian province legally requires a supplemental braking system for a vehicle being flat-towed. But this isn't just about following the rules—it's one of the most critical safety upgrades you can make.
Think of it this way: your RV is designed to stop its own weight, not the added 3,000-5,000 pounds of your car pushing from behind. A braking system dramatically shortens your stopping distance and prevents your motorhome's brakes from overheating and failing on long, downhill grades. In a panic stop, it's the difference between a controlled halt and a dangerous jackknife situation.
Can I Back Up With My Car Attached?
The short answer is a hard no. You should never, ever try to back up your motorhome while the tow bar and car are connected. The pivot points of the Blue Ox towing bar and your car's front wheels are not designed to handle reverse forces.
If you try to back up, you will almost certainly cause the tow bar arms to bind and force your car's front wheels into an impossible angle, potentially bending the tow bar, the baseplate, or even your car's frame. It’s a costly, trip-ending mistake.
The rule is simple and absolute: if you need to reverse, you need to disconnect. Taking five minutes to unhook will save you from thousands of dollars in repairs and a ruined vacation.
What's the Difference Between a Baseplate and a Hitch?
This is a common point of confusion for new towers, but the difference is straightforward.
- The hitch (or receiver) is the square tube mounted on the back of your motorhome. It's the connection point on the towing vehicle.
- The baseplate is the custom-fit bracket installed discreetly on the front frame of the car you're towing (the "dinghy" or "toad").
The Blue Ox tow bar is the bridge that connects these two points. It plugs into your RV's hitch on one end and attaches to your car's baseplate on the other, creating a secure, articulating link between the two vehicles.
Ready to build a towing system you can trust for thousands of miles? The experts at RVupgrades.com have the Blue Ox tow bars, baseplates, and accessories you need. Explore our full selection of premium towing gear today!
