# 1
etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plates - RV Mount - 10,500 lbs
etrailer has been just what I need it as a first time tower of a Rv tow car there experience and courtesy of helping someone with no experience has been a huge relief with something so important there help was invaluable all the way through Thank you so much
Very easy to use and handled as well as I expected.
# 2
etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue Ox and Curt Base Plates - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10.5K
This tow bar replaced a 10k Blue Ox that was older and lots of miles towing heavy pickup. I wanted to replace with new tow bar for piece of mind. It was important that I had a non-binding tow bar because I have a 43’ MH and tow a full size crew cab pickup and more than not at rv parks and my driveway is pickup not completely straight and 100% level behind MH. If that’s the case I struggle to release arms. Sometimes both or just one depending on angle. Even if vehicle is slightly angled I have to fight it. Description states quick disconnect even on rough terrain. If that means uneven terrain I disagree. Also, the tabs that hold arms in when not in use are a joke they are not designed for a HD tow bar. Those came loose after just a few uses. Strut boots would have been nice but not a biggie. I like that the safety cables are integrated in to arms and has an electrical cord holder. Tow bar is EZ to hookup to my pickup and tows perfect. I don’t want to be negative (to late) but I would not buy or recommend because of disconnecting issue.
The product functions as advertised. I used my towing equipment over a year to pull a 2009 Saturn Aura. I love that the tow arms don't fall to the ground once you disconnect them from the car.
# 3
etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate - RV Mount - 10,500 lbs
First, this bar is extremely heavy, which makes transporting and maneuvering cumbersome and difficult. Secondly, I had issues with this unit from the get-go. I did not receive the correct bolts to attach the Roadmaster clevis to the arm ends. The instructions clearly state that a clevis bolt was to be installed with the XHD unit, but it was not in the hardware bag. I had to call customer service (which was so/so, almost like the person didn't believe me) and had the bolts sent to me. I received the bolts but long story short, they were too short. They did not come out of the bottom of the locknut and any attempt to torque them to the point they did protrude, caused the forks of the clevis to bend, which is too much stress on such an important piece. I did not feel it was safe to either have the bolts not protrude, or force them to protrude. Then came the days-long process of trying to rectify the situation. I called customer service and attempted to explain the problem to the rep. She didn't really want to hear my problem and I was quickly rushed off the phone and directed to call Roadmaster for support, which I did. Roadmaster, of course, has nothing to do with this bar, or problem (pictures were sent to RM) and I was directed to call eTrailer back. I spoke to another person and she was a little more helpful. However, during our "conversation," I could hardly get a word in (I was spoken over and interrupted constantly.) I was told that #1.) the first person I talked to had no idea what she was talking about #2.) Demco manufactures these parts, not Roadmaster, #3.) Essentially the correct length bolts don't exist in the parts catalog. At this point I am starting to get upset with my experience and just wanted a tow bar that worked. I was convinced to but a Roadmaster branded tow bar to avoid any more issues (Blackhawk All Terrain) which I found to be strange, I figured the margin on the eTrailer branded products would be higher, but I digress. Since there is no exchange program with eTrailer, I had to purchase the Blackhawk outright. I was given a UPS label to send the XHD back, but I had to wait to receive the Blackhawk to reuse the box, which is not a huge deal, a minor inconvenience at this point. As of today (4/26/24) I am still waiting for a refund on this unit which I was assured it would be on it's way once the tracking number showed that it was picked up by UPS, but this is not the case. In conclusion, the XHD seemed like it would be a decent product if they can get the hardware right (at least for the Roadmaster system) it's just heavier than most tow bars I have had experience with. eTrailer.com customer service can also use some work, I was not happy with the service after the sale I received. Oh, and the final kick in the tail, the Blackhawk does not come with safety cables. If this were my company, I would have thrown those in for the inconvenience, but I was offered nothing for the trouble this has caused, no discount on the Blackhawk, cables or anything. I will do all I can to avoid buying from etrailer again and will direct others to the same.
Was simple to install. The only hard part was installing the backing nut with the wire handle. That could be done different.
# 4
Demco Excali-Bar III Non-Binding Tow Bar - Blue Ox and Curt Base Plates-RV Mount-2" Hitch-10.5K
Demco has made MANY improvements over the original Excalibar I purchased 18 years ago. Some of the changes have been with the safety cables being better organized; the main 'towing' bolt being perpendicular to the towing pull tension; being able to adjust the assembly to accommodate a more level alignment between the powered and towed vehicles by 'flipping' or turning over the yoke. Also, it is much easier to store the assembly with the newer pin and plate arrangement, instead of the previous pin system which required getting on the ground and attempting to pin the shaft to secure the tow arms. In addition, the tow arms now have the ability to hold themselves up while you are in the process of disconnecting the tow bar from the powered vehicle. I have not towed my truck behind my motorhome as of yet, so I can't say how it will disengage and be non-binding on the arms for storage. One of the issues I had with the old Excalibar was being somewhat difficult to release and disengage after a trip. Hopefully, that issue has been resolved.
The Demco Excali-bar 3 is proving to be a great purchase. Having owned a previous model Demco, I am very pleased with the current model Excali-bar's new improvements!
What our customers are saying:
"I just wanted to thank you for the excellent service and outstanding product. I certainly will keep your web-site at hand if I need other parts. Thanks again Dick"