Will the etrailer XHD Tow Bar and Demco Base Plate Work for Flat Towing a 2026 Ford Ranger Lariat?

Updated 09/09/2026 | Published 08/30/2026

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,500 lbs

(235)

$838.17

Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(445)

$718.16

Question:

For flat towing my 2026 Ford Ranger Lariat. I’m considering the etrailer XHD tow bar and the Demco base plate. Will this work? Do you have a preferred recommendation?

asked by: Robin C

Expert Reply:

Hi Robin!

Yes, the Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit, part # DM78UV, and the etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar, part # e94ZR, are a great combination for flat towing your 2026 Ford Ranger Lariat. I really like the Demco base plate because the removable arms use a simple twist lock connection with pull pins, making it quick and easy to hook up and disconnect without having to wrestle with it.

The etrailer XHD tow bar is also a great choice because its built in rise or drop adjustment helps you tow level with your motorhome, and the non binding latches make it much easier to release the tension when you are unhooking, even if you are parked on uneven ground.

Do you already have the rest of the components you need for your flat towing setup?

expert reply by: Heather A

Johnd

9/3/2026

I agree it's a great tow bar and easy to hook up and unhook. The people at Etrailer will make sure you have everything you need for a successful install.

Heather A.

9/4/2026

@Johnd Thanks John! We couldn't be sucessful without awesome customers like you :) What's your favorite advenuture on the road so far?

Johnd

9/4/2026

@HeatherA we live on the road as we are full time RVs. We spend out summers in North West Vermont and winters in Mesa AZ. We enjoy traveling back and forth and like to take different routes between.

Heather A.

9/5/2026

@Johnd Very nice! I would love to follow the nice weather. It sounds like you are living the life!

Douglas

9/3/2026

Robin, have had this tow bar for ~2 years towing a 2018 Jeep GC, about 5000' curb weight. Replaced Blue Ox tow bar that failed, as with any product there are plus and minus. + is the towing capacity, ease of hook-up and unhook due to the arms able to stay where placed and not fall to the ground, price for capacity. Storing of arms are very secure vs B.O. Downside, the arms when extended do not have a dust boot so cleaning of arms is necessary prior to retracting. Also to be able to "lock" the arms once retracted so when driving motorhome with tow bar attached, stored, no vehicle in tow, a cover IS necessary; I also use a bungee cord to be sure the arms don't extend.

Heather A.

9/4/2026

@Douglas Thanks for sharing such a detailed review, Douglas! It’s really helpful to hear how the XHD has held up for you over the last couple of years, especially after switching from a Blue Ox. Our engineering team will love to hear that!

Stan I.

9/4/2026

I have a similar combination of a Demco base plate and etrailer XHD tow bar and it has worked very well for me. The base plate installion went well with instructions and etrailer videos. The etrailer tow bar are very similar to what Demco make themselves. It's a good combination.

Heather A.

9/5/2026

@StanI What are your thoughts on the non-binding feature of the tow bar?

Stan I.

9/6/2026

@HeatherA. The non-binding is also a must have. It makes hooking up a breeze. Everything needed is include. I also use Demco wiring harness for there taillights and mounted braking systems. I used Demco because I like the fact they are a Midwest and a Iowa manufacturer. I live in Iowa.

Heather A.

9/9/2026

@StanI Love to hear the non-binding feature works well! All I can think of when I think of Iowa is the wind turbines along I-80 on the way to Minnesota. My kids are amazed by those things.