6 Best Dinghy Towing Brackets for RV Travel

Imagine pulling into a secluded lakeside cove with your RV, only to realize your main vehicle is left behind at the campsite miles away. Dinghy towing solves this logistical headache by allowing you to bring a nimble runabout vehicle along for your aquatic adventures. With the right bracket and tow bar setup, you can turn your motorhome into a mobile base camp for exploring every shoreline you encounter.

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Understanding Dinghy Towing for RV Travelers

Dinghy towing, often called "flat towing," involves pulling your vehicle behind your RV with all four wheels on the ground. This setup is a game-changer for water enthusiasts who need to haul kayaks, paddleboards, or heavy fishing gear to remote boat launches that a large motorhome simply cannot reach. It provides the freedom to leave your campsite set up while you head out to find the perfect water access point.

However, the process requires more than just a hitch. You need a base plate kit—the "bracket"—permanently mounted to your vehicle’s frame, and a tow bar that connects the car to the RV. Choosing the right hardware is a balance of weight capacity, ease of connection, and the specific geometry of your vehicle’s front end.

Blue Ox BX7420 Avail: The Top Tow Bar Choice

The Blue Ox Avail is widely considered the gold standard for those who want a "hook it and forget it" experience. Its standout feature is the extra-long turning radius, which makes maneuvering your RV in tight, winding coastal roads significantly less stressful. The non-binding latches are a massive relief, allowing you to disconnect even when your car and RV aren’t perfectly aligned on flat ground.

If you are a frequent traveler who often finds yourself at uneven, gravel-heavy boat ramps or tight campsites, this is the bar for you. It handles up to 10,000 pounds, meaning it can pull almost any SUV or truck you’d use for hauling gear. You are paying for premium convenience, but the time saved during setup and teardown is well worth the investment.

Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain: Best for Stability

The Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain is designed for the traveler who doesn’t shy away from rougher, unpaved terrain to reach hidden swimming holes. Its defining characteristic is the inclusion of integrated crossbar-style arms that provide exceptional stability and tracking. This bar is built like a tank, offering a rock-solid connection that prevents the dreaded "tail wag" on the highway.

I recommend this for anyone towing a heavier vehicle that needs that extra bit of structural support. While it is slightly heavier to handle than some aluminum models, the peace of mind provided by its rugged construction is unmatched. If your adventures involve long hauls over varied, challenging roads, the Falcon is your best insurance policy.

Demco Excalibar III: Premium Heavy-Duty Option

When you need a heavy-duty solution that doesn’t compromise on ease of use, the Demco Excalibar III is a top-tier contender. It features a unique design that allows for independent arm movement, which makes hooking up on uneven ground significantly easier than with rigid systems. The stainless steel inner arms also resist corrosion, which is a major plus if you frequently travel in salty, coastal environments.

This is the ideal choice for the serious RVer who wants a high-capacity bar that will last for years of heavy use. It’s built for those who prioritize durability and want a system that can handle the rigors of constant travel. If you want a "buy it once" product, the Excalibar III is hard to beat.

Curt 70001 Rambler: Best Self-Aligning Design

The Curt Rambler is a clever piece of engineering that simplifies the often-frustrating process of aligning your car with your RV. Its self-aligning head design allows you to hook up even if you aren’t perfectly centered, saving you from the tedious "back and forth" dance with your vehicle. It’s a user-friendly option that takes the intimidation factor out of the initial setup.

This bar is perfect for solo travelers or those who want to minimize the physical effort required to get on the road. While it may not have the extreme weight capacity of some heavy-duty competitors, it is more than sufficient for most standard SUVs and crossovers. If ease of use is your primary concern, the Rambler is an excellent, practical choice.

Blue Ox Alpha 2: Reliable Standard Towing Bar

The Blue Ox Alpha 2 is the reliable workhorse of the towing world, offering a solid 6,500-pound capacity that covers the vast majority of towable vehicles. It features a simple, intuitive design that is easy to understand and operate, making it a favorite for those new to the RV lifestyle. It lacks some of the bells and whistles of the premium models, but it makes up for it in pure dependability.

If you are just starting your journey into dinghy towing and want a proven, cost-effective solution, the Alpha 2 is your best starting point. It provides everything you need for safe, standard towing without overcomplicating the process. It is a no-nonsense choice for the practical RVer.

Roadmaster BlackHawk 2: Best for High Capacity

When you are pulling a heavy-duty truck or a large SUV loaded with water sports equipment, the Roadmaster BlackHawk 2 is the heavy hitter you need. Rated for 10,000 pounds, this tow bar is designed for maximum strength and security. Its wide stance and robust construction ensure that even the heaviest vehicles track perfectly behind your RV.

This is not a light-duty tool; it is a serious piece of equipment for those who have a heavy load to manage. If your towing setup pushes the limits of your RV’s hitch capacity, the BlackHawk 2 offers the structural integrity to keep everything secure. It is the definitive choice for heavy-duty, long-distance towing.

Essential Safety Gear for Dinghy Towing Setups

Beyond the tow bar itself, you must invest in secondary safety systems to ensure you are road-legal and secure. A supplemental braking system is non-negotiable; it allows your towed vehicle to brake in sync with the RV, preventing the "push" effect that can lead to jackknifing. You also need safety cables that are properly rated for your vehicle’s weight.

Don’t forget the electrical connection, which ensures your car’s taillights and turn signals mimic the RV’s movements. A high-quality breakaway kit is also vital, as it will automatically engage the vehicle’s brakes if the tow bar ever fails. These components aren’t just accessories; they are the foundation of safe travel.

Installing Your Dinghy Towing Bracket Safely

Installing a base plate bracket is a precision task that involves modifying your vehicle’s front bumper and frame. If you aren’t highly experienced with automotive mechanics, I strongly suggest having a professional shop perform the installation. A bracket that isn’t perfectly aligned or properly torqued can lead to catastrophic failure on the highway.

When choosing a shop, look for technicians who specialize in RV equipment rather than general auto repair. Ensure that all bolts are treated with thread-locking compound and that the electrical wiring is routed away from hot engine components. A professional install provides the documentation and peace of mind necessary for worry-free travel.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Towing Success

Your tow bar is exposed to road salt, grit, and moisture, all of which can lead to binding or corrosion over time. After every trip, take a moment to clean the sliding arms and apply a dry lubricant to keep them moving smoothly. Regularly inspect the rubber boots for tears, as these protect the internal mechanisms from debris.

Before every departure, perform a "pre-flight" check: ensure all pins are locked, safety cables are crossed, and the electrical connection is tight. If you notice any stiffness in the arms or unusual noises, address it immediately rather than waiting for it to become a mechanical failure. A little bit of consistent maintenance goes a long way in ensuring your gear lasts for years of adventure.

Dinghy towing opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to venture far beyond the limits of your RV’s footprint. By selecting the right bracket and tow bar for your specific vehicle and travel style, you ensure that your gear arrives safely and ready for the water. Take the time to set up your system correctly, and you will enjoy years of seamless transitions from the open road to the open water.