Do Flat Tow Bars Need a High Low Adapter for Steep Driveways and Uneven Parking Lot Entrances?
Updated 05/28/2026 | Published 05/18/2026
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Question:
I notice that neither blue ox or etrailer bars have heads that rotate to allow differential vehicle heights or tilts when entering or exiting steep 90 degree turns as is common to many commercial parking lots located inside of streets with curb/gutter/sidewalks. Seems like an engineering failure that will result in excessive torque on the head of the arms. Also, what’s the deal with etrailer version with the stacked arms at the head? That results in a a smaller margin of operational height installation.
asked by: Sam S
Expert Reply:
Hi Sam, great questions! You are on the right track.
The Blue Ox tow bars like part # BX7380 do not use a fully articulating head design the way some people initially expect, so keeping the tow bar as level as possible between the motorhome and towed vehicle is very important. That is really where a high low adapter comes into play. Tow bars are designed to articulate through the arm pivots and attachment points during turns and uneven terrain, but manufacturers still recommend keeping the tow bar within about 3 inches of level to reduce stress and binding forces during steep driveway transitions or angled parking lot entrances.
To determine whether you need a high low adapter, you would measure from the ground to the center of the motorhome’s hitch receiver opening and then from the ground to the center of the base plate attachment tabs on the towed vehicle while both are sitting level. The difference between those two measurements tells you how much rise or drop is needed. For example, if the motorhome hitch sits 6 inches higher than the base plate tabs, you would typically use a 6 inch drop adapter like part # RM-048-6 to bring the tow bar back closer to level.
The etrailer tow bars like part # e94ZR do have a little more built in flexibility because the shank itself incorporates rise and drop into the shank, which helps reduce the need for a separate high low adapter in many setups. The stacked arm design also allows each arm to move independently during hookup, which actually makes connecting on uneven ground or at awkward angles noticeably easier than some traditional side by side arm layouts. The stacked configuration can look unusual at first, but it is intentionally designed that way to improve articulation and hookup flexibility. Your concern about steep transitions and torsional stress is definitely valid though because extreme driveway angles can put a lot of load into any tow bar setup if the setup is too far out of level.
What base plate setup are you currently using? I’d be happy to help narrow down which tow bar would work best for your baseplate. I would also need to know the measurement you come with to see if you need a rise or drop.
Where do those steep 90 degree entries usually give you trouble most, city lots, your driveway, or trailheads?
Sam S.
5/28/2026
After looking at a Blue Ox Alpha in person, the head DOES rotate in the shank. That was my concern and it isn’t well described by any of the manufacturers either. Does the Ultra-Fab product move the same way? I’m interested in that product because of the lifetime warranty but there isn’t much customer data.
Heather A.
5/28/2026
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Blue Ox Alpha Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,500 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount
- Telescoping - Non-Binding
- Steel
- 8500 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Stores on RV
- Cables Included
- Blue Ox
more information >
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on Tow Bar
Sp
5/22/2026
Correct there’s no vertical/height adjustment. The only way this product will meet your requirements is with a high/low adjustable adapter which will give 12” of vertical adjustment.