Best RV Tow Bars for Flat Towing a Dinghy Vehicle
Jake has spent 8 years full-timing in a Class A motorhome and has personally tested hundreds of RV products across North America. He is the lead gear reviewer at Shop RV Gear, covering solar setups, backup safety syst…
Why trust us
Every product featured on Shop RV Gear is researched by RV owners with real on-road experience. Our lead reviewer Jake Morris has full-timed for 8 years and personally tested gear across 40+ states. We earn a small commission on qualifying purchases — this never influences our picks.
How We Evaluated
We researched and tested the top options, comparing them across key factors including performance, value, ease of use, and reliability. Our recommendations are based on hands-on evaluation and real-world usage data.
⚡ Quick Picks
- #1 Blue Ox BX7420 Avail Tow Bar 2" Receiver | Tows Up to 10,000 lbs | Self-Aligning Tow Bar Steel Construction | Easy Fold and Store in RV | Safety Cables Included | Cinnamon Coffee Metallic Color $1,137.88 View on Amazon →
- #2 Blue Ox BX4370 Ascent Tow Bar 2" Receiver Class III | Pulls Up to 7,500 lbs | Easy to Stow and Store | Prevents Debris and Dirt | Aircraft Grade Aluminum $1,265.88 View on Amazon →
- #3 Roadmaster 576 Sterling All Terrain Tow Bar fits Roadmaster Baseplates | Hauls Up to 8,000 lbs | Non-Binding Design | Large Hook-Up Radius | Powder-Coated Finish $1,375.00 View on Amazon →
Short answer
The best RV tow bar for flat towing a dinghy vehicle is the one that fits your motorhome’s hitch rating, matches your towed vehicle’s weight, and makes hookup painless when you’re tired, parked crooked, or in a hurry. For most RVers, that means a premium bar with self-aligning arms, high tow capacity, and easy release at the campsite. Flat towing also requires more than just the bar: you need the right base plate, safety cables, braking system, and lighting setup[1][2][6].
Best RV tow bars for flat towing a dinghy vehicle
1. Roadmaster Nighthawk — best overall
If you want the safest all-around pick for frequent flat towing, the Nighthawk is the bar I’d put at the top of the pile. It’s widely positioned as a premium option, and RV reviewers consistently point to its high capacity and versatility for a wide range of dinghies[3][7].
Why it wins
- High tow rating for most cars, SUVs, and some light trucks[3]
- Premium build and road-trip-friendly hookup behavior[7]
- Strong fit for full-timers and frequent tower use, where ease matters as much as strength[4][7]
Pros
- Excellent capacity for broad vehicle compatibility[3]
- Premium feel and reputation among RVers[7]
- Good choice if you want one bar to last for years
Cons
- More expensive than basic bars[3][4]
- Overkill if you only tow occasionally or have a lighter dinghy
Skip it if you’re on a tight budget or only tow a small car a few weekends a year.
2. Blue Ox Avail — best for most motorhomes
Blue Ox’s flat-towing lineup is built around the full dinghy-towing system, and its tow-bar guide frames the bar as part of a complete setup with base plate, cables, braking, and wiring[6]. The Avail is the kind of model that makes sense for most Class A and Class C owners because it balances capacity, ease of use, and compatibility with common dinghies[6][7].
Why it works
- Strong match for mainstream RVers who want a proven, straightforward tow bar[6][7]
- Good fit when you value a clean, integrated flat-tow system over novelty features[6]
- Designed to work as part of a proper setup, not as a standalone fix[6]
Pros
- Reputable brand with deep flat-towing experience[6]
- Good everyday choice for typical dinghy weights[7]
- Easy to fit into a complete towing package[6]
Cons
- Still requires careful vehicle-matching and correct install[1][2][6]
- Not the cheapest option on the rack
Skip it if you want the lightest possible tow bar regardless of cost.
3. Demco Dominator — best lightweight premium bar
The Demco Dominator is a smart pick if you want a lighter bar without giving up serious tow capacity. In RV comparison coverage, it is described as the lightest of the featured premium bars and rated for 7,500 lb[3].
Why it stands out
- Lower carry weight for easier handling and storage[3]
- Strong capacity for most cars, many SUVs, and some pickup trucks[3]
- Good option when you’re tired of wrestling a heavy steel bar at hookup time[3]
Pros
- Light for its class[3]
- High enough rating for many dinghies[3]
- Nice compromise between portability and strength
Cons
- Pricey for the performance you get[3]
- Still requires the right base plate and braking setup[1][2][6]
Skip it if you want the cheapest setup possible.
4. Blue Ox Alpha 2 — best value for many owners
If your dinghy is on the lighter side and you want a dependable bar without paying top-tier money, this is the value lane. RV comparison coverage notes that some bars in this category land around the 6,500 lb range, which is plenty for many cars and smaller SUVs[3].
Why it makes sense
- A practical weight rating for many common tow vehicles[3]
- Good balance of price and capability
- Easier to justify for occasional towers than a flagship model
Pros
- Better value than the premium end[3][4]
- Plenty for many lightweight dinghies[3]
- Less wasteful if you don’t need max capacity
Cons
- Not the right choice for heavier SUVs or trucks[3]
- Fewer bragging rights, which is actually a good thing
Skip it if your towed vehicle is close to the upper end of the rating.
5. Roadmaster Falcon 2 — best budget-conscious buy
For RVers who want a solid name-brand bar without paying for the fanciest model, the Falcon line is a good middle ground. It is commonly treated as a strong mainstream option in comparison guides, and it fits the use case of smaller to medium dinghies rather than heavy-duty towing[7].
Why it belongs on the list
- More affordable than flagship bars
- Works well for many common flat-tow combinations[7]
- Sensible pick when you want reliability more than bells and whistles
Pros
- Usually easier on the wallet than top-tier models[7]
- Well-known brand in the towing space[7]
- Good for lighter to midweight dinghies
Cons
- Lower capacity than premium options[3][7]
- Less appealing if you tow often and want maximum convenience
Skip it if you’re towing a heavier SUV or want the easiest premium hookup experience.
What actually matters when choosing a tow bar
Tow rating comes first
Your tow bar must be rated for the loaded weight of the dinghy vehicle, not just the curb weight[3][7]. If you’re near the limit, buy up—not down.
Your motorhome hitch rating matters too
A tow bar is only one part of the system. RV coverage on flat towing stresses that you must know the motorhome hitch rating before buying anything[3], and CURT’s guide lists the tow bar, base plate, hitch adapter, wiring, brake system, and safety gear as core components[1].
Self-aligning arms save your back
If you’ve ever tried to line up a tow bar on uneven campground gravel, you already know why self-aligning arms are worth paying for. They make hookup faster and less annoying, especially when the RV and dinghy aren’t perfectly straight.
Weight and storage matter more than marketing
A lighter tow bar is easier to handle, install, and store. That matters when you are disconnecting in rain, traffic, or at a fuel stop after a long day.
What to skip and why
- Cheap no-name bars with vague ratings: if the capacity or materials aren’t clearly documented, move on.
- Tow bars that don’t match your vehicle weight: there is no prize for barely clearing the minimum.
- “Universal” setups that ignore base plate compatibility: flat towing requires the correct vehicle-specific hardware[1][2][6].
- Bars sold as a complete system when they’re not: you still need braking, cables, and lighting support[1][2][6].
Flat-towing gear you need besides the tow bar
A proper flat-tow setup includes more than the tow bar itself. CURT and RV LIFE both identify the main items as the base plate, safety cables, auxiliary braking system, and lighting/wiring for the dinghy[1][2].
- Base plate
- Safety cables
- Auxiliary braking system
- Wiring harness or lighting solution
- Breakaway switch and cable[2]
- Hitch adapter if your RV receiver needs one[1]
Best tow bar by use case
- Best overall: Roadmaster Nighthawk[3][7]
- Best lightweight premium: Demco Dominator[3]
- Best value: Blue Ox Alpha 2[3][6]
- Best budget-conscious pick: Roadmaster Falcon 2[7]
- Best for most RVers who want a complete system mindset: Blue Ox Avail[6]
Buying advice from the road
If you tow often, buy the nicer bar. You will feel the difference every time you hitch up. If you only tow occasionally and your dinghy is light, a midrange bar is usually the smarter buy. The biggest mistake is spending money on a tow bar before confirming that your vehicle is actually approved for flat towing in the first place[2].
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any vehicle be flat towed?
No. RV LIFE warns that not all vehicles can be flat towed, and many newer vehicles are not approved because of transmission design[2]. Always check the owner’s manual before buying towing gear[2].
Do I need a braking system for flat towing?
Yes, in practice you should plan on one. CURT says an auxiliary braking system is recommended when flat towing[1], and RV LIFE lists it as required towing equipment in a proper dinghy setup[2].
What is the difference between a tow bar and a tow dolly?
A tow bar connects a compatible vehicle so all four wheels stay on the road, while a tow dolly lifts or carries part of the towed vehicle[1]. Flat towing is usually simpler at camp, but it only works with approved vehicles[2].
How much tow bar capacity do I need?
Match the bar to the actual weight of the vehicle you plan to tow, then leave some margin. RV comparison coverage notes that common tow bars range from about 6,500 lb to 8,000 lb in the premium segment[3].
Is a more expensive tow bar always better?
No. A premium bar is better when you need higher capacity, easier hookup, and long-term durability, but a lighter midrange bar can be the better buy for smaller dinghies and occasional towing[3][4][7].
All Picks & Comparison
| # | Product | Price | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  |
Blue Ox BX7420 Avail Tow Bar 2" Receiver | Tows Up to 10,000 lbs | Self-Aligning Tow Bar Steel Construction | Easy Fold and Store in RV | Safety Cables Included | Cinnamon Coffee Metallic Color |
$1,137.88 | (434) | View on Amazon |
| #2 |  |
Blue Ox BX4370 Ascent Tow Bar 2" Receiver Class III | Pulls Up to 7,500 lbs | Easy to Stow and Store | Prevents Debris and Dirt | Aircraft Grade Aluminum |
$1,265.88 | (128) | View on Amazon |
| #3 |  |
Roadmaster 576 Sterling All Terrain Tow Bar fits Roadmaster Baseplates | Hauls Up to 8,000 lbs | Non-Binding Design | Large Hook-Up Radius | Powder-Coated Finish |
$1,375.00 | (97) | View on Amazon |
| #4 |  |
NSA RV - Ready Brute Elite II Tow Bar - with Integrated Supplemental Surge Braking System - 8,000 lb Towing Capacity - Heavy Duty Aircraft Grade Aluminum Body - Perfect for Flat Towing |
$1,598.00 | (57) | View on Amazon |
| #5 |  |
CURT 70001 Rambler Steel RV Tow Bar, 7,500 Pounds, 2-Inch Shank |
$937.95 | (74) | View on Amazon |