As an RV technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of a safe and secure towing setup. Your hitch is the only thing connecting your tow vehicle to your trailer, and it’s not something you want to take chances with.
I remember a customer, a young family on their first RV trip, who came to me with a bent and twisted trailer tongue. They had made a sharp turn and their trailer had jackknifed, causing thousands of dollars in damage. They were lucky that no one was hurt.
After countless hitch installations and side-by-side comparisons, I’ve learned what separates a durable, high-performance towing system from one that will leave you stranded on the side of the road.
This guide is the culmination of that experience, designed to help you choose the best hitch accessories and towing essentials for your specific needs.
For those in a hurry, here’s a quick overview of my top recommendations. Each of these has been selected for its reliability, durability, and overall value.
Now, let’s dive into the detailed reviews of each product. I’ve installed and tested all of these, and they each bring something unique to the table.
Best for: A reliable and easy-to-use tow bar for towing a car behind your motorhome.
When it comes to tow bars, Blue Ox is a name that is synonymous with quality and reliability.
A retired couple who were new to RVing came to me for help setting up their tow vehicle. They were intimidated by the process and were worried about making a mistake. We set them up with the Blue Ox Alpha 2, and they were amazed at how easy it was to use. They were able to hook up and disconnect their car with confidence, and they were able to enjoy their retirement on the road without any worries.
The Alpha 2 is a top-of-the-line tow bar that is designed for years of trouble-free service. It’s made from high-strength steel and is rated for 6,500 pounds, which is more than enough for most cars and SUVs.
The non-binding latches make it easy to hook up and disconnect, even on uneven ground. The Alpha 2 also features a patented self-aligning design that makes it easy to hook up, even if you’re not perfectly aligned with your tow vehicle.
The Alpha 2 also comes with safety cables and a storage cover, so you have everything you need to get on the road safely. The powder-coated finish is also very durable and will resist rust and corrosion for years to come.
Buy Blue Ox BX7380 Alpha 2 Tow Bar
Best for: Improving your visibility when towing a trailer.
When you’re towing a trailer, your factory mirrors are often not wide enough to give you a clear view of what’s behind you. The Camco Convex Tow-N-See Towing Mirror is a simple and effective solution. This mirror clips onto your existing mirror and provides a wide, convex view of the road behind you. It’s easy to install and remove, and it’s a great way to improve your safety and confidence when towing.
A truck driver who had been driving for 30 years came to me for help setting up his new fifth wheel. He was used to having large mirrors on his semi-truck, and he was not comfortable with the limited visibility of his new pickup truck.
We installed a set of these Camco mirrors on his truck, and it made a world of difference. He said he could finally see what was in his blind spot, and he felt much more confident on the road. It’s a simple, affordable, and effective way to improve your safety when towing. The mirror is also adjustable, so you can get the perfect angle for your specific needs.
Buy Camco Convex Tow-N-See Towing Mirror
Best for: A durable and reliable tow ball for your hitch.
The tow ball is a critical component of your towing system, and it’s not something you want to skimp on.
A customer brought me his boat trailer, and the tow ball was so rusted that it was about to break. He was lucky that he hadn’t lost his boat on the highway. We replaced the old, rusted tow ball with this Buyers tow ball, and he was very happy with the results. It was a simple, affordable, and effective way to improve the safety and reliability of his towing system.
The Buyers Chrome Plated Towing Ball is a high-quality tow ball that is designed for years of trouble-free service. It’s made from high-strength steel and is chrome-plated for corrosion resistance. It’s rated for 3,500 pounds, which is more than enough for most travel trailers and pop-up campers.
The Buyers tow ball is also very easy to install, and it comes with a lock washer and nut to ensure a secure connection. The chrome plating is also very thick and will not chip or peel like some of the cheaper tow balls on the market.
Buy Buyers Chrome Plated Towing Ball
Best for: Protecting your tow vehicle and trailer from rocks and debris.
When you’re towing a trailer, your tow vehicle can kick up a lot of rocks and debris. The Smart Solutions Rock Solid Tow Guards are a great way to protect your tow vehicle and trailer from damage.
These guards are made from a durable, high-density rubber, and they are designed to deflect rocks and debris away from your vehicle. They are easy to install and remove, and they are a great way to protect your investment.
A customer had just purchased a brand-new Airstream, and he was very concerned about rock chips. He was planning on taking a trip to Alaska, and he knew that the roads would be rough. We installed a set of these Smart Solutions tow guards on his truck, and he was very happy with the results.
He said he could hear the rocks hitting the guards, but his Airstream was still in pristine condition. It’s a simple, effective, and affordable way to protect your tow vehicle and trailer from damage. The guards are also very easy to clean, and they won’t crack or fade over time.
Buy Smart Solutions 0 Rock Solid 34" x 18" Truck Tow Guards
Best for: A complete and convenient accessory kit for your Roadmaster tow bar.
The Roadmaster Tow Bar Accessory Kit is a great way to get all of the accessories you need for your Roadmaster tow bar in one convenient package.
This kit includes a wiring kit, a tow bar cover, and a storage bag. The wiring kit is designed to connect your tow vehicle’s lighting system to your trailer’s lighting system, and the tow bar cover and storage bag are great for protecting your tow bar when it’s not in use.
A customer had just purchased a new Roadmaster tow bar, and he was overwhelmed by all of the different accessories that were available. He didn’t know what he needed, and he didn’t want to spend a lot of money on things he didn’t need. We set him up with this accessory kit, and he was very happy with the results. He said it was a simple, effective, and affordable way to get everything he needed in one package.
The kit is also very easy to install, and it comes with detailed instructions. The wiring kit is also very high-quality, with weather-pack connectors that will not corrode over time.
Buy Roadmaster Tow Bar Accessory Kit For Nighthawk and Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bars
Best for: A durable and reliable weight distribution hitch for your travel trailer.
A weight distribution hitch is a must-have accessory for anyone who is towing a travel trailer. This type of hitch distributes the weight of the trailer evenly between the tow vehicle and the trailer, which improves stability and control.
A family was having problems with their travel trailer swaying in the wind. They were on their way to a family reunion, and they were very nervous about driving on the highway. We installed this Husky weight distribution hitch, and it made a world of difference. They said their trailer was much more stable, and they felt much more confident on the road. It’s a simple, effective, and affordable way to improve the safety and stability of your towing system.
The Husky Towing Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch is a high-quality hitch that is designed for years of trouble-free service. It’s made from high-strength steel and is rated for 8,000 pounds, which is more than enough for most travel trailers. The hitch also includes a sway control system that helps to reduce trailer sway.
The hitch is also very easy to install, and it comes with detailed instructions. The sway control system is also very effective, and it can be adjusted to match the specific needs of your trailer.
Buy Husky Towing Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch
Your RV’s towing system is a complex system of components that all work together to ensure a safe and secure towing experience. It’s important to understand the function of each component and to choose the right components for your specific needs.
A weight distribution hitch is a must-have for anyone who is towing a travel trailer, and a sway control system is a great way to improve stability. It’s also important to have the right tow bar, tow ball, and mirrors for your specific setup. And don’t forget about safety essentials like tow guards and a good set of safety cables.
The type of towing system you need will depend on the size and weight of your trailer, as well as the type of tow vehicle you have. It’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified RV technician to ensure that you have the right setup for your specific needs.
Installing a new hitch or towing accessory can be a complex and dangerous task. If you’re not comfortable with this type of work, I strongly recommend hiring a qualified RV technician.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and make sure all of your connections are tight and secure. It’s also a good idea to inspect your towing system regularly for any signs of damage or wear.
A little bit of preventative maintenance can go a long way in ensuring that your towing system remains safe and reliable. I recommend inspecting your towing system before every trip, and I also recommend having it professionally inspected at least once a year.
Choosing the right hitch accessories and towing essentials is a critical decision for any RVer. It’s about more than just getting from point A to point B; it’s about doing it safely and securely.
Whether you need the reliability of the Blue Ox Alpha 2, the visibility of the Camco Tow-N-See, the durability of the Buyers tow ball, the protection of the Smart Solutions tow guards, the convenience of the Roadmaster accessory kit, or the stability of the Husky weight distribution hitch, there’s a perfect solution for every RVer.
Investing in a quality towing system is one of the most important upgrades you can make, and I’m confident that any of the products in this guide will provide you with years of safe and reliable service.
Don’t take chances with your towing system. Do your research, choose the right equipment for your needs, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your RV is safe and secure.
Happy camping!
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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