Ever dreamed of hitting the open road in your trusty Jeep, only to realize your adventure is limited by how you can bring it along? That feeling of wanting to explore further, but being stuck with the logistics of towing, is a common one for Jeep owners. If you’re nodding your head, you’re in the right place!
Flat towing your Jeep can unlock a world of freedom, letting you bring your favorite vehicle wherever your RV or motorhome takes you. But when it comes to choosing the right tow bar, it can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many brands, styles, and features to consider, and picking the wrong one can lead to headaches, safety concerns, and even damage to your precious Jeep. It’s a big decision, and we get that!
This guide is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll break down exactly what you need to know to pick the perfect tow bar for your Jeep, so you can tow with confidence and get back to enjoying the journey. Get ready to discover the key features, essential safety tips, and the best options available, making your next adventure smoother than ever.
Our Top 5 Tow Bar For Flat Towing A Jeep Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Tow Bar For Flat Towing A Jeep Detailed Reviews
1. VEVOR Tow Bar
Rating: 9.1/10
Ready to haul your adventures? The VEVOR Tow Bar is here to make towing easier and safer. This tough, universal tow bar can handle up to 5500 pounds, making it perfect for everything from RV trips to moving day, or even tough jobs on the farm or construction site.
What We Like:
- It boasts a strong 5500 lbs towing capacity, so you can move heavy stuff without worry.
- The heavy-duty alloy steel construction means it’s built to last, and the powder coating protects it from rust and the weather.
- Glow-in-the-dark strips add visibility for safer towing, day or night.
- It’s super easy to set up. Just slide, click, and go!
- The tow bar fits a standard 2-inch ball hitch and adjusts up to 41 inches wide, making it compatible with many different vehicles.
- All-weather components ensure it stands up to rain, sleet, and snow.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for universal use, some very specific vehicle setups might require additional adapters not included.
- The opening width is listed as 39.4 inches, but the description also mentions up to 41 inches. Clarifying the exact maximum adjustment would be helpful.
This VEVOR tow bar is a reliable and versatile tool for anyone who needs to tow. It’s built tough and designed for simple, safe use across many different situations.
2. SmittyBilt ADJUSTABLE TOW BAR KIT – SB87450
Rating: 8.8/10
The SmittyBilt ADJUSTABLE TOW BAR KIT – SB87450 makes towing your vehicle much simpler. This kit includes everything you need to get started. It’s designed to be strong and dependable, so you can tow with confidence. You can easily connect it to your vehicle.
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What We Like:
- It has a 2″ coupler. This is a common size.
- It comes with two universal brackets. These fit many vehicles.
- It also includes two lateral strut brackets. These add extra support.
- The D-Ring brackets are included. They work with Smittybilt Bumpers.
- Tow vehicle safety chains are part of the kit.
- Towing vehicle safety chains are also included. These are important for safety.
- The kit is adjustable. You can change its length as needed.
- It’s built tough. It can handle the demands of towing.
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What Could Be Improved:
- The D-Ring brackets only work with Smittybilt Bumpers. This limits their use for some people.
- The instructions could be clearer. Some users found them a bit confusing.
- It’s a bit heavy. It’s not the lightest option available.
Overall, the SmittyBilt ADJUSTABLE TOW BAR KIT – SB87450 is a solid option for towing. It offers good features for a reliable towing experience.
3. Blue Ox BX7365 Alpha 6
Rating: 9.1/10
The Blue Ox BX7365 Alpha 6,500lb Tow Bar makes towing your vehicle behind your RV simpler and safer. This tow bar is designed for convenience and strength, letting you easily take your car on road trips. It’s built tough and weighs less than many other options, making it a user-friendly choice for many RVers.
What We Like:
- It folds away easily for simple storage.
- It can tow up to 6,500 lbs, which is a lot of weight.
- It only weighs 35 lbs, making it easy to handle.
- It mounts and stores right on the back of your RV.
- The self-aligning feature makes connecting your car a breeze.
- Quick disconnect hookup pins and easy release locking handles mean you can connect and disconnect fast.
- It’s made of dependable steel for long-lasting use.
- Off-set triple lugs help keep towing forces lined up properly.
- Rubber boots protect the tow bar from dirt and road grime.
- It comes with 10,000 lb. safety cables for extra security.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the mounting system is convenient, some users might find the initial installation requires a bit of effort.
Overall, the Blue Ox Alpha tow bar is a robust and user-friendly option for RV towing. Its smart design and included safety features offer peace of mind on the road.
4. CURT 19745 Universal Car RV Tow Bars for Flat or Dinghy Towing
Rating: 9.2/10
Take your adventures to the next level with the CURT 19745 Universal Car RV Tow Bars! This handy gear lets you bring your car along for the ride behind your motorhome. It’s perfect for camping trips, allowing you to explore new places easily. You can tow your car flat, which means all four wheels stay on the ground. This makes it a simple way to have your own transportation at your destination.
What We Like:
- DINGHY TOWING: Makes it easy to tow your car behind your RV for more freedom on your travels.
- HIGHLY ADJUSTABLE: The tow bars can be adjusted from 41 inches down to 26 inches wide, fitting many different cars.
- STANDARD FIT: Connects easily to a standard 2-inch trailer ball found on most RVs.
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH: Can tow up to 5,000 lbs, so it’s strong enough for many cars and small SUVs.
- CORROSION-RESISTANT: The black powder coat finish protects it from rust and weather, so it lasts a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation: Some trimming of vehicle brackets might be needed for a secure fit, which can add a bit of work.
This tow bar system offers a strong and adaptable solution for flat towing. It’s built to last and makes bringing your car along for RV trips much simpler.
5. BX1139 Tow Bar Base Plate Bracket for 2018-2025 Jeep Wrangler JL JLU Sports Sahara Freedom Rubicon Unlimited All Models with Standard Bumper Includes Acc
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to hit the road with your Jeep Wrangler JL? The BX1139 Tow Bar Base Plate Bracket is here to make towing your adventure-ready vehicle a breeze. This heavy-duty black bracket is designed specifically for all 2018-2025 Jeep Wrangler JL and JLU models, including Sport, Sahara, Freedom, Rubicon, Unlimited, and even the ACC, 4XE, and 392 versions with a standard bumper. It’s built tough to handle whatever the road throws at you.
What We Like:
- Excellent fit for a wide range of Jeep Wrangler JL/JLU models.
- Strong steel construction with a protective black powder coating prevents rust and damage.
- The design absorbs shocks, protecting your Jeep’s suspension and body.
- It bolts directly into your Jeep’s chassis for a secure connection.
- Removable tabs and hidden receivers keep your Jeep looking clean when not towing.
- Installation is straightforward with included hardware and no welding needed.
- Comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a 12-month warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some drilling and trimming are required during installation.
This base plate bracket offers a robust and neat solution for towing your Jeep Wrangler. It’s a quality investment for any Wrangler owner who loves to explore.
Choosing the Right Tow Bar for Your Jeep: A Flat-Towing Guide
Taking your Jeep on an adventure is a fantastic idea. Flat towing your Jeep behind your RV or motorhome makes getting to your destination even easier. But you need the right tow bar to do it safely. This guide will help you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a tow bar, keep these important features in mind.
- Breakaway System: This is super important for safety. If your Jeep accidentally comes unhooked, this system will automatically apply the Jeep’s brakes.
- Self-Centering Design: A good tow bar will help your Jeep line up straight behind your RV. This makes connecting and disconnecting much simpler.
- Locking Mechanism: You want a tow bar that locks securely in place. This prevents it from accidentally folding or extending while you’re driving.
- Weight Capacity: Make sure the tow bar can handle the weight of your Jeep. Check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for your Jeep and choose a tow bar that exceeds it.
- Adjustable Arms: Being able to adjust the length of the tow bar arms helps you connect to different RVs. It also allows for better maneuverability.
- Durable Finish: A good tow bar will have a powder coat or similar finish to protect it from rust and the elements.
Important Materials
The materials used in a tow bar greatly affect its strength and how long it will last.
- Steel: Most tow bars are made from high-strength steel. This makes them very strong and able to handle heavy loads. Look for tow bars made with quality steel.
- Stainless Steel: Some parts, like pins and bolts, might be made of stainless steel. This is great because it won’t rust.
- Durable Coatings: Powder coating is a common finish. It’s a tough layer of paint that protects the metal from corrosion and scratches.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things can make a tow bar better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built tow bar will have smooth welds and tight-fitting parts. Poorly made tow bars might have rough edges or loose connections.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands that have good reviews. These companies usually stand behind their products.
- Ease of Use: A tow bar that’s easy to hook up and unhook is a big plus. If it’s difficult to connect, you might not use it as much.
- Corrosion Resistance: A tow bar that resists rust will last much longer, especially if you camp in different weather conditions.
User Experience and Use Cases
Most people use tow bars to take their Jeep on road trips.
- Road Trips: This is the most common use. You can tow your Jeep to national parks, beaches, or anywhere you want to explore without driving your big RV everywhere.
- Off-Roading: Once you arrive at your destination, you can unhook your Jeep and take it on fun off-road trails.
- Easy Setup: Many users find that modern tow bars are quite easy to set up once you’ve done it a few times. The self-centering feature really helps with this.
- Durability: Users often report that good quality tow bars hold up well over many miles and different types of weather.
Frequently Asked Questions: Flat Towing Your Jeep
Here are some common questions people have about tow bars for flat towing a Jeep.
Q: What is flat towing?
A: Flat towing means pulling your Jeep behind another vehicle, like an RV, with all four wheels on the ground. The tow bar connects the Jeep to the RV.
Q: Do I need a special base plate for my Jeep?
A: Yes, most tow bars require a specific base plate to be installed on your Jeep’s frame. This plate provides the connection points for the tow bar.
Q: Is flat towing bad for my Jeep’s transmission?
A: Most modern Jeeps can be flat towed safely. However, you must follow the specific instructions in your Jeep’s owner’s manual for flat towing. This usually involves putting the transmission in neutral and the transfer case in a specific setting.
Q: What is a breakaway system?
A: A breakaway system is a safety feature. If the towed vehicle (your Jeep) becomes detached from the towing vehicle, this system automatically applies the Jeep’s brakes.
Q: How do I choose the right tow bar capacity?
A: You need to know the weight of your Jeep. Check your Jeep’s owner’s manual for its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Choose a tow bar that has a higher weight capacity than your Jeep.
Q: Can I tow my Jeep with automatic transmission?
A: Many Jeeps with automatic transmissions can be flat towed. Always consult your Jeep’s owner’s manual for the correct procedure. It usually involves specific gear selections.
Q: What safety equipment is needed besides the tow bar?
A: You’ll also need a safety chain or cable, a supplemental braking system for the Jeep, and proper lighting that matches your RV.
Q: How much does a tow bar typically cost?
A: The cost can vary, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $1,000 or more for a good quality tow bar, depending on the brand and features.
Q: Is it hard to connect and disconnect the tow bar?
A: Once you’ve done it a few times, it becomes much easier. Features like self-centering arms and clear instructions help a lot.
Q: Can I use any tow bar with any RV?
A: Tow bars connect to a hitch receiver on the RV. As long as your RV has a compatible hitch receiver and the tow bar’s weight capacity is sufficient, you can usually use them together.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.