Best Towing Combo Bars in 2022

Last update: November 13, 2022

Blue Ox BX2630 Base Plate for Ford F-150 Raptor SVT Review:


Although I haven't had an opportunity to pull my Raptor behind my RV yet, I was pleased to see that the gear for installing this device appears to be pretty significant (I installed this kit myself). Although daunting when first opened in the package, the Grade 5 heavy strong nuts and bolts, thick steel side plates, and incredibly thick cable wrapping were relatively simple to install. Crowfoot 19mm (ideally 3/8" drive with an adapter that will allow it to be used with a 1/2" torque wrench) is the only non-standard tool you will need for this installation.To remove parts, you'll need a 15mm, a 19mm end wrench, and socket drive (which is relatively easy and will probably not take more than 45 minutes even if you take your sweet time like I did). You'll need a crow foot wrench and a 19mm socket drive for installation (that can be connected to your torque wrench for the necessary 78 ft lbs tightening torque).Two interesting things:Due to two lock washers that split, failed, and broke during installation and had to be replaced, I debated giving this product only four stars (because grade 5 hardware hardware is not really necessary for washers, I simply replaced them with galvanized washers from Lowes).You should also be prepared to change the front OEM brackets that hold the skid plate in place. It takes ten minutes if you have a cordless grinder with a metal removal wheel. If you don't have this tool, you should borrow one. If you can only borrow a grinder without the grinding wheel, you can buy the wheel at a box store for a few dollars. It will be barely noticeable when it is used, so return it to the person you borrowed it from as a gesture of gratitude.Crow's foot wrenches are typically unavailable for individual purchase, so if you can't borrow one (plus, if you don't already own a grinder and must purchase it along with the grinding wheel), you might want to think about having this professionally installed. Considering that the cost of purchasing these tools individually could be more than $200, which is likely to be at least half of the cost of the kit installation. If you are mechanically inclined and have access to these tools, I would give this work roughly a 3 out of 5 stars. It isn't necessarily difficult, but it is quite tiresome (particularly with the wire nuts). Although it took me all day instead of the half-day I had anticipated, I painted every hole that had been drilled into the frame before attaching hardware and taking care of any other details to ensure that there would be no rust or other issues with this installation.It's an excellent kit with sturdy hardware but requires a few specialist tools that aren't listed in the instructions. If you feel up to it, give the installation a whole day. Although not difficult, it is tedious. However, the heavy gauge hardware will reassure you that it won't likely let you down.ADVANCEMENT – August 2014: I've used this device to tow my Ford Raptor for over 13,000 miles already, and I can categorically state that it is fantastic. For some four-wheeling, we drove from South Florida all the way to New Mexico and Utah, then on to San Diego, and all the way back (this was my first trip post installation). Numerous steep hills that go up and down will undoubtedly put the towing equipment to the ultimate test. These bracket nuts were retorqued, and not a single one of them came loose. This year, I successfully towed to Wisconsin and up to the Smoky Mountains. Other than that, everything is perfect. It just needs a little wire brushing and touch-up spray paint. I still firmly advise purchasing this item.



Blue Ox 84-0140 Tow Bar Replacement Retaining Pin 1/2 in. Incl. Clips for Use w Tow Bars 2 pc. Tow Bar Replacement Retaining Pin Review:


Since they don't have locks, these pins function incredibly well—better than I had anticipated. However, "locking rings" are the rings that you insert into the pin's bottom holes. They firmly keep the pins in place and snap into place. You won't ever experience a vibration issue with the pins if you secure the rings properly. They aren't safe from potential vandals who might be tempted to remove them, of course, but the likelihood seems quite distant. Not having to bother with keys each time I connect up or unhook the car is a nice convenience.



Uriah Products UT623411 Aluma-Tow 8" Drop Ball Mount for 2" Receiver Review:


This hitch's adaptability, in my opinion, outweighs its drawbacks (which are minor). Before making a purchase, make sure to check your drop. Since I had previously used a 4" drop on my Silverado, I had assumed I would require a 6" drop. On a Yukon XL, however, I needed an 8" drop because the receiver was taller than on a Silverado.Make sure to look at the GTWR and tongue weight as well. This is best suited for domestic trailering needs rather than heavy commercial or industrial applications.Three steel balls (1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16"), an aluminum ball carrier, two keyed-alike locking pins, one retaining pin with a hair pin, two ball retaining pins, and four keys are included with the hitch system.Your two most used balls can be inserted into the ball carrier, which can hold two balls simultaneously, keeping them available for use when needed. A ball retention pin is inserted through the rear after the ball has been dropped into the carrier. Following that, the ball carrier is moved onto the shank. Once the correct drop has been achieved, insert the retaining pin through one of the carrier's two holes before inserting one of the locking pins through the other. The ball is kept in place while attached thanks to the pin on the back. To prevent the "ordinary" person from removing the hair/retaining pin, I advise sliding the carrier locking pin through the hair pin. Due to ground clearance concerns, I deleted the second ball (the one that points down) since I utilized the lowest drop setting.Next, the good and terrible. I can imagine how much this would weigh if it were made of pure steel, but the aluminum body helps to reduce weight. The two keyed-alike locking pins are useful, but if one is lost or damaged, you'll need to replace them both in order to maintain the use of just one key. This device has highly useful ball interchangeability and adjustment. Prior to this, I had four drops, and depending on the trailer I was towing, I had to switch out the balls on each drop. With this, I just need one drop, have two balls available right away, and can switch out a third ball in under a minute.Two things I discovered to be negative. One is that because there are so many pieces, if you leave this setup on your car without a trailer connected, it makes a lot of noise as it moves around. The rubber keyhole cover is the second item. Already, I can tell that this will be forgotten. I notice that it falls off very frequently just in ordinary use.I believe the pricing is exorbitant for what it is, but similar hitch systems from rival companies have far higher prices.An excellent system all around for a residential transporter. The four steel drops I previously used are no longer necessary.Advantages include a good all-in-one system, less weight due to the aluminum carrier and shank, keyed-alike locking pins, and no need for a massive wrench to change the ball.Cons: loud while not in use; keyhole covers that could come off.



GearAmerica (2PK Heavy Duty D Ring Shackles Red | 58,000 lbs (29 US Ton) Max Strength | 3/4" Shackle + 7/8 Pin + Isolator + Washers | Connect Your Tow Strap or Winch Rope for Off-Road 4x4 Recovery Review:


There weren't any d-rings made in America that I could find despite my search (ridiculous). With the exception of the expensive Warn epic series, this seemed to be the greatest alternative. For American-made goods with a lifetime warranty, I would gladly pay three times as much. I don't think I'm the only one that has this feeling. I hope you give this some serious thought. Despite the fact that I haven't yet abused them, I adore the style and design of these. The delivery was prompt.



GearAmerica Mega Duty D Ring Shackles Orange (2PK) | 68000 lbs (34 Ton) Tested Strength | 3/4" Shackle + 7/8 Pin + Washers| Securely Connect Tow Strap or Winch Rope to Jeep for Off-Road 4x4 Recovery Review:


There weren't any d-rings made in America that I could find despite my search (ridiculous). With the exception of the expensive Warn epic series, this seemed to be the greatest alternative. For American-made goods with a lifetime warranty, I would gladly pay three times as much. I don't think I'm the only one that has this feeling. I hope you give this some serious thought. Despite the fact that I haven't yet abused them, I adore the style and design of these. The delivery was prompt.



Smittybilt 87450 2" Ball Adjustable Tow Bar Kit - 5000 lbs. Rating Review:


One would need to spend hundreds more to get a Roadmaster Stowaway in order to obtain something better than this (with my new Smittybilt bumper I had to take the Roadmaster off my Jeep). The quality of this Smittybilt Tow Bar really shocked me. The tow bar in this picture is not accurate; it is incredible. includes extras so you may decide how you want to mount it. It fitted wonderfully because I had a Smittybilt bumper. Due of its weight, removing and replacing is a little more challenging. To support it during installation and disconnection, I set it up on an ice chest. Be prepared to exert a lot of force on the bolts holding it in place. I use it on my Jeep Wrangler, so all I have to do to draw the Jeep up to the hitch is grasp the tow bar after shifting into neutral. Very smooth tracking; no drifting. This tow bar comes highly recommended. To avoid having to drive it all the way there, I tow it behind a pickup truck to locations like Montana so I can use it there to fool about on backroads (from Oregon).