Is There An Advantage To Choosing A Tow Bar With Longer Arms

Updated 10/28/2024 | Published 03/11/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs

(424)

$1009.62

etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue Ox and Curt Base Plates - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6K lbs

(263)

$800.75

etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue Ox and Curt Base Plates - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10.5K

(162)

$887.66

Question:

Im looking at several of the non binding tow bars, some of the arms when extended are a few inches longer. Is there any advantage to have the longer arms and does it effect the towing of the vehicle. Thanks

asked by: Dave M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Longer arms will simply place the towed vehicle further back giving you a bit more turning clearance. That being said, the difference is so small you probably wouldn't really see any benefit. When I recommend tow bars, or any other product for that matter, I tend to shop with my own wallet and focus on what's the best for the cost and with tow bars I firmly believe we hit more focus points for a lower cost with our etrailer tow bar than other manufacturers.

Our tow bars have an adjustable head and shank that can help you stay within the 3" safety zone without having to purchase a high/low adapter. The included safety cables are bracketed to the arms to prevent them from dragging on the ground and getting damaged. It also comes with a holder rod for a coiled 7-way cable to help manage slack and keep it up off the ground.

We also carry a variety of attachment points for our tow bars to match each baseplate brand so that you're not adding on another adapter or having to buy a whole new tow bar if you were swapping between cars that had different branded baseplates. It's a super common question that we get here for people who trade in their vehicle for a newer model and then realize there isn't an adapter available and then have to buy a whole new tow bar when there isn't a compatible adapter. Overall the etrailer tow bar is going to give you the best bang for your buck.

I see you're looking a Blue Ox tow bar, if you have Blue Ox baseplates then the compatible etrailer tow bar would be the # e47ZR (6,500lb capacity) or # e67ZR (10,500lb capacity) depending on the weight of the towed vehicle. I've attached our selection of etrailer tow bars below if you're going with a different brand baseplate, but would be happy to assist you further if you could provide more information on the towed vehicle.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Tow Bar Safe Zone
(click to enlarge)

Barry S.

10/26/2024

I have a blue ox tow bar now but it binds a lot. I am looking at your e44ZR ($741) vs e47ZR. ($858). does the higher priced one have more features that would justify the higher price. They seem to be the same. Thank you

Kevin C.

10/28/2024

@BarryS The etrailer # e47ZR is essentially the same as the # e44ZR except for its baseplate connectors. The # e47ZR comes with attachment points for Blue Ox and Curt baseplates, while the # e44ZR comes with attachment points for a Roadmaster Crossbar-Style baseplate. With the crossbar-style baseplate becoming less commonly used the price is a bit lower. Since you have a Blue Ox tow bar I'm assuming your baseplate is also Blue Ox so you'd want to go with the # e47ZR to avoid having to purchase additional adapters to connect to your baseplate.

Barry S.

10/28/2024

@KevinC thank you for the information. I know which one to purchase now does this bar come with the pins and cover?

Kevin C.

10/28/2024

@BarryS The etrailer # e47ZR would come with all the hardware you need but does not include a storage cover. For the cover you can use part # DM9523042.