Step 2: Attach the Tow Bar to the RV or Towed Vehicle
- For motorhome-mounted tow bars: Insert the bar into the RV’s 2” receiver and secure it with the hitch pin.
Why choose Demco?
- Demco's Tow Bars have a standard 1½ inch rise/drop receiver tube: No other tow bar manufacturer can stake this claim!
- Eliminates the need to purchase additional drop or rise equipment: The most versatile tow bars in the industry!
Ensure the arms swing freely and are not obstructed.
Step 3: Align and Connect Tow Bar Arms
- Drive the towed vehicle approximately 24" from the rear of the RV.
- Connect each tow bar arm to the baseplate using the included pins and safety pins.
- The self-aligning/telescoping arms will automatically lock. Once the hookup is complete, back up the towed vehicle until one arm locks.
- Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the locked arm. Back up slightly more, and the other arm will latch.
- Straighten out the wheels of the towed vehicle.
Why choose Demco Tow Bars?
- Demco's Tow Bars are self-aligning, making locking the tow legs easy and saving you time and frustration.
- Demco's Self-supporting Arms eliminate the hassle of wrestling with the tow bar and make it easy to line up the coach and towed vehicle.
- Patented Easy Trigger Release - TRULY a non-binding tow bar.
Check that both arms “lock” when extended. Unlocked bars can lead to erratic towing behavior.
Step 4: Attach Safety Cables
- Cross the cables under the tow bar in an “X” shape. This forms a cradle that will catch the tow bar if it disconnects.
- Connect one end to the RV hitch loops and the other to the towed's baseplate safety chain mounts.
Why choose Demco?
- Vinyl covered safety cables are attached securely out of the way with safety cable mounting clips.
Never attach safety cables to a plastic bumper or subframe that is not rated for towing.
Step 5: Connect Lighting and Wiring Harness
- Plug in the wiring umbilical between the RV and toad using a 4-pin or 6/7-way connector. This powers the towed vehicle's tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals.
- Test lights using the RV’s brake and turn indicators.
- Ensure wiring is not dragging or taut during turns.
- Place several coils of the umbilical cord on the rod of the tow bar. Use the safety pin to keep the cord on the rod. This prevents the cord from dragging or tangling with other equipment.
Step 6: Activate Supplemental Braking System
- If using an installed braking system:
- Connect to power cord or airline.
- Arm the system and verify braking via the in-cab monitor or indicator light.
Why choose Demco?
- Demco's Braking Systems are unsurpassed in the industry.
- Zero set-up time to tow.
Video on How a Demco Braking System Works
Check state laws — most require braking systems for vehicles over 3,000–4,000 lbs.
Step 7: Final Safety Checks
Before departure, perform a “walk-around”:
- The tow bar arms are locked
- All pins and clips are secure
- Safety cables are crossed and latched
- Brake lights and turn signals function
- The braking system is active
- The steering wheel is unlocked
Do a short test pull at low speed to confirm everything works correctly.