Tow Bar Showdown: Comparing Leading Brands in Real-World Conditions

When it comes to flat towing, the right tow bar makes all the difference—not only in terms of performance but also in how easy it is to hook up, unhook, and manage binding. This blog post compares three leading aluminum tow bars to help you see how each one performs in everyday scenarios.

While each brand also offers steel models, we chose the premium aluminum versions for this demo because the design and operational features are consistent across materials.

Hook-Up: A Closer Look at Safety and Simplicity

Before diving into performance, let’s talk about one of the first steps in flat towing: attaching your safety cables. Here’s how the brands compare:

Blue Ox: Does not offer a built-in attachment option. Safety cables must be connected separately each time.

Roadmaster: This model allows cables to be attached to the tow bar, but the customer must set it up themselves.

Demco: Ships pre-attached safety cables, letting you hit the road faster and with fewer steps.

Once your tow bar is connected to the motorhome’s receiver hitch, you’ll attach it to your towed vehicle. While the basic process is similar across brands, some significant usability differences exist.

Support When You Need It: Our test's first two tow bars rest on the ground unless manually supported. The Demco tow bar features independent, self-supporting arms that stay elevated, making connecting much easier.

Ease of Maneuvering: With some tow bars, you must step over the bar during hook-up. With Demco’s independent arms, you can connect each side independently, eliminating awkward positioning and reducing trip hazards.

Towing Angle Matters: Built-In Solutions Make It Easier

A critical detail in any flat tow setup is the angle between the RV receiver and the baseplate on your towed vehicle. There should be no more than a 3-inch height difference to prevent stress on your vehicle’s suspension, tires, and frame.

To make this easier, Demco tow bars include a built-in 1.5-inch rise or drop right out of the box—no extra adapters are needed. Other tow bars don’t include this feature, which may require you to purchase additional parts.

Breaking the Bind: Non-Binding Latch Performance Compared

We’ve all been there—uneven parking, tight spaces, and a bound-up tow bar that won’t release. In this video comparison, we test each brand’s non-binding latch technology under realistic conditions.

What we found:

Some models required more effort and precise positioning.

The Demco non-binding latch performed smoothly and consistently—even under less-than-ideal angles and pressure—making it quicker and easier to disconnect without the struggle.

Unhooking & Stowing: Less Hassle, More Control

Unhooking your vehicle should be as easy as hooking up; this is where self-supporting arms shine again. The Demco tow bar stays elevated throughout the process, minimizing the need to lift or drag it across the ground. When it’s time to stow the bar, the self-supporting design makes it a breeze to fold and store it cleanly behind your coach.

Conclusion: Why It Matters

This side-by-side comparison demonstrates just how different tow bar experiences can be. While all three brands offer reliable options, Demco’s focus on user-friendly design—from pre-attached safety cables to self-supporting arms and a built-in rise/drop—provides meaningful advantages in ease of use and everyday performance.

Have questions or ready to upgrade your tow bar?

or call us at 800-543-3626. Our team is here to help you tow with confidence.