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Setting up on an uneven site doesn’t have to turn into a wrestling match. The self-supporting, telescoping arms on the etrailer XHD hold their own weight, so you can hook up one side at a time without the bar crashing to the ground. Each arm extends from 39-1/4" to 51-3/4" and automatically locks once you pull forward, keeping the connection solid. When it’s time to unhook, non-binding trigger releases let you disconnect with a simple squeeze, even if the setup isn’t perfectly level.
Navigating crowded stations or campground loops is easier when your tow bar gives you extra clearance to maneuver. The XHD’s longer-than-average arms create a wider turning radius that helps prevent tight corner pinch points. The result is smoother, more predictable turns and less stress when backing into or pulling out of tricky spots.
Keeping your tow bar level helps prevent strain on both vehicles. The XHD has a built-in 1-1/2" rise/drop plus a head that tilts up or down by 3", giving you more flexibility to dial in a level connection without needing extra adapters. That means fewer parts to manage and a more balanced, reliable tow every time.
The heavy-duty, vinyl-coated safety cables are built right into the tow bar, rated at 14,000 lbs, and stay up off the ground where they belong. They connect securely with spring-loaded S-hooks and keep your setup neat. A storage rod holds your electrical cord (sold separately) off the pavement and out of the way, keeping everything organized and easy to reach.
When it’s time to pack up, the 46-lb XHD doesn’t fight you. The arms swing smoothly to either side and lock in place without needing to lift them fully upright. Whether both arms go one way or you split them, they stay secure and ready for the next leg of your trip.
Flat towing can be a much more convenient way to take your car RVing with you than using a trailer or a tow dolly. It'll save you storage space both at home and at the campsite, and it takes less time and hassle to hook up.
To flat tow your vehicle, there are 5 basic components you're going to need: a tow bar, a base plate kit, a safety cable set, tow bar wiring, and a flat tow braking system.
| For the RV | Between the RV and Towed Car | For the Towed Car |
|---|---|---|
| Hitch | Tow bar | Base plate |
| Wiring plug | Safety cables | Braking system |
| Wiring adapter cord | Wiring kit/diodes |
The custom-fit base plate installs on the frame of your toad so you can connect the car to your RV with a tow bar. Hook up safety cables between the vehicles to ensure that the toad does not separate from the motorhome if the tow bar becomes detached. Tow bar wiring syncs your vehicle's signal lights with your motorhome's tail lights, as required by law in most states. Finally, the flat tow braking system - also required in most states - activates the brakes in the toad when you hit the brakes in the RV, making for smoother, safer braking, and preventing wear on your motorhome.
Ratings & Reviews
Works great. Doesn’t bind up. Easy to hook up and disconnect
I upgraded to this tow bar. I had 6000lb SD that was borderline acceptable for my new Gladiator. Just for safety sake I increased the rating buty purchasing the XHD version of the etrailer telescopic tow bar. It was a direct swap. Very heavy duty. No worries now. Nice product. I had used the SD version for many many years towing my 2 dr wrangler. Never had any issues.
Fast and free shipping.
This is a very heavy duty and reliable hitch. Highly recommended.
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.
I have only made 2 tows so far with my new XHD tow bar and am very pleased with it's quality, features and operation. The only criticism I have is that the telescoping arms do not latch in the retracted position, making stowing them without a cover impractical. My solution is to use a lightweight cargo strap to secure them when I don't want or it is inconvenient to use my tow bar cover. So, only 4.99 stars for this one. :-)
Have not used it yet,but looks well made and e-trailer was easy to deal with. Answered all my questions and got me the parts I needed. Will definitely use them in the future again.
Only used it once seems pretty easy to use, on and off, the real test going on a 7 hour one way adventure this weekend ,
Easy setup. Starting the first road trip this weekend.
Big improvement over the Blue Ox tow bar. The safety chains are integral to the tow bar so you don’t have to deal with them or store them separately. Also the arms stay up and don’t fall to the ground when disconnected. After one year no rust on the bars.
The hitch works great. It’s easy to use. I had a small problem where the C clip came off the storage pin and it was loose. Not a performance issue on the hitch, and it totally could’ve been user error, but I called E trailer and they sent me a new one no questions asked. I was beyond impressed. Thanks E trailer.
AS has been mentioned in previous reviews, the powder coat on the portion that goes into the receiver prevents inserting the tow bar into the receiver due to its thickness. It's not rust in the receiver tube preventing this as it wouldn't go into a brand new receiver. Now I have to grind off the powder coat on the 2" tube and figure out a way to keep it from rusting. etrailer should have the steel machined a few thousandths smaller to compensate for the finish thickness or just paint that 6 or so inches and powder coat the rest.
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.
I've bought from e-trailer several times and I'm always happy with my purchase. The base plate and tow bar are of excellent quality and a good price. Installation was as not too bad; I watched the installation video for my truck even though it was for a different base plate. It gave me enough information to get the job done.
Very well built.
See my review on the hitch. Great syste m.
Very easy to use and handled as well as I expected.
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
Larry
4/28/2024
This has been the best thing for me since I started RVing, having the ability to take my vehicle with me state to state
Do you have a question about this Tow Bar?
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Brooke M.
6/6/2023
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