HITCH RECEIVERS
Check the rating of your hitch receiver to ensure that it is rated for the heaviest load you intend to pull. If a receiver is already installed on your coach then the weight limits and class will be visible on the receiver. The riding height of a motorhome rarely matches up with that of the chosen towed vehicle (or “Dinghy”), which can necessitate the use of a drop receiver to allow the tow bar to ride level.

TOW BARS
Hitchsource has tow bars from the highest quality manufacturers including Blue Ox, Roadmast er, Demco and N.S.A. Ready Brute. Tow bars are available in two basic styles: A- frame or self-aligning. Self-aligning tow bars are available in two styles: dinghy- mounted and coach-mounted. Coach-mounted units are the most desirable as there is less chance of damage when not in use and hitching is a simple, one-person operation. These tow bars can typically be folded up and locked to the vehicle when not in use. Hitchsource.com recommends a cover or bag (also available with each manufacturer) to keep the bar safe from nature’s elements.

A-frame tow bars (offered as “solid” or “folding”) are designed to fit a limited number of baseplates (the mounting brackets affixed to the front of a dinghy – see below) or specific applications; however, the folding design will fit a wider range than the solid design. These types of tow bars are strong, but heavy and require storage space when not in use as they will not fold up behind the RV in the receiver. Hitching is easier with a helper to guide alignment.

BASEPLATES
Baseplates are perhaps the most critical variable in this linkage. While tow bars and hitch receivers are intended for a variety of vehicles within a certain weight range, most baseplates are designed to fit specific vehicle models and years.

Installing a baseplate typically entails very specific procedures. On some vehicles the bumper covering (fascia) must be temporarily removed. Some minor drilling may be required and the bumper covering and/or grill may also require some trimming. Today’s baseplates do a good job of blending into the exterior lines of the dinghy vehicle and when not in use are barely detectable.

Remember too, that all 50 states require properly rated safety chains or cables to keep the dinghy from separating from the motorhome if the tow bar or ball fails. Safety chains or cables should be connected securely to the dinghy and crossed under the tow bar and then secured to the hitch receiver. They should be long enough to allow full turning without binding, but not drag when slack.

User our easy selectors to find the right Blue Ox, Roadmaster or Demco baseplate for your specific vehicle or give us a call at (866) 305-8309.

AUXILARY BRAKING SYSTEMS
Dingy towing laws are getting stricter every year. Hitchsource has numerous solutions to keep you compliant. Top selling portable braking systems sit on the floor under the steering wheel and install within minutes. Hitchsource carries Blue Ox Patriot, RVI Brake and Roadmaster EvenBrake. Permanent or hidden braking systems can be vacuum assisted or electrical. Installations are more involved, however once installed, you are always ready to tow your vehicle. Hitchsource carries top of the line permanent braking systems including the SMI AirForce One and the Roadmaster InvisiBrake.