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Demo tow bars - recommendations
Yahoo Message Number: 152008
I am considering buying a Demco Dominator tow bar to use with my Blue Ox baseplate on the Honda CRV. Does anyone have expierence or opinions about this tow bar?

Thanks in advance,
Mike
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
Re: Demo tow bars - recommendations
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152011
I cannot help you as my set up is all Roadmaster Sterling. Am curious why you don't just use a matching Blue-Ox towbar. It's a known quantity and all I have talked with that have it, love it.

bobmoore14
Re: Demo tow bars - recommendations
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152014
Bob,

Blue Ox was the first tow bar I used several years ago and releasing the arm tension in a binding situation was a real problem. Also the rubber arm boots deteriorated over time was a problem. However, the Blue Ox base plate with the hidden attaching arms I have always liked. The arms could be removed when not being used.
I have been using the Roadmaster tow bar for a few years because it was easier to unlock in a binding situation. However, the mechanism that holds the tow bar up while temporarily not towing would sometimes release dropping the bar on the road. Not good. This is why I am now considering the Demco product.

Thanks for the input,
Mike
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
Re: Demo tow bars - recommendations
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152020
Blue Ox was the first tow bar I used several years ago and releasing the arm tension in a binding situation was a real problem. Also the rubber arm boots deteriorated over time was a problem"

"I have been using the Roadmaster tow bar for a few years because it was easier to unlock in a binding situation. However, the mechanism that holds the tow bar up while temporarily not towing would sometimes release dropping the bar "

Mike

Towbars wear out. The good news is that rebuild kits are available for many models of tow bars.

Last summer, our old Roadmaster towbar starting popping and releasing one of its arms, while on our summer vacation. One of the locking pins was worn, along with all of the telescoping arm's bushings, allowing the arms to wobble. I drilled a small hole through the arms and bolted it together until repairs could be made, once home.
I found a kit with the wear parts and locks, so for less the 10% of a new bar, the old towbar was refurbished, on a Saturday afternoon. The biggest chore was drilling out a few 1/8'' pop-rivets, to release the plastic bushings.
Consider rebuilding one of your towbars.

Newer towbars, from all manufacturers, have better release mechanisms than in years past, so I would not discount a new bar from either Blue OX or Roadmaster.
I have no opinion on Demco towbars, they are rare and I have never had a conversation with anyone who owned one. Don't know if that tells you anything.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Demo tow bars - recommendations
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152032
Several years ago I looked at the Demco along with Blue Ox and Roadmaster.  At the time I felt that Roadmaster had the best product.  I bought a Roadmaster Sterling with Blue Ox feet as I have a Blue Ox base plate on my Jeep.  I liked the Sterling because of its "cable channels".  After using it for 90K miles, I damaged the first Sterling and now have a second.  Roadmaster told me that after 80K miles or so you should have the bar factory overhauled to replace the bearings and seals.
 The newer Roadmaster bars are supposed to have latches that will not "bind up."  I have seldom had a bind problem with my bars, which are the older style.  When they do bind a bit there are a couple of tricks for getting them loose.

Doug Baker
Re: Demo tow bars - recommendations
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152039
IMO it is a piece of crap. I gave a nearly new Demco away and bought another Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain quick release tow bar.  I got the demco at a great price when my original Falcon all terrain wore out after 75,000 miles. Never again.
Reply from Mike: [LD] Demco tow bars - recommendations
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152046
Thanks for all the responses to my request. I will stay with Roadmaster, possibly stepping up to the Sterling model because of the lighter weight (I have had three hernia operations in the past).
Mike
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
 
Re: Reply from Mike: [LD] Demco tow bars - recommendations
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152047
Mike, I think you will be happy with your choice. The Sterling is a stout unit with beautiful welds on the aluminum. Bought mine used and never had a problem except the umbilical cable got smog rotted. Larry put on a new one and no fuss since. If you get a used one check cable for opens or shorts.

bobmoore14