DKRITTER
RVF Supporter
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2019
- Messages
- 479
- Location
- Haslet TX
- RV Year
- 2013
- RV Make
- Newmar
- RV Model
- Dutch Star 4318
- RV Length
- 43
- Chassis
- Freightliner
- Engine
- Cummins 450hp
- TOW/TOAD
- 2022 Ford F250 4X4
- Fulltimer
- No
Quick back story: We traded in our 5th wheel in May of 2019 for our Dutch Star. We also traded from a F350 to a F150. In the trade I bought a Blue Ox Avail (10,000lb. rating) towbar.
Now 7+ years later I’m looking at replacing the Blue Ox with a new one because it has almost 50,000 miles mostly towing a F250 with a large box in the bed all together weighing 8,900 pounds. I could rebuild it but, the metal and weld fatigue concern me.
I think I’m down to 2 different options a Blue Ox Apollo or a Demco Excali-bar.
I think either would tow fine. The Blue Ox has a 12.5k or a 15k rating depending on where you shop. I’ve always felt the Blue Ox was a PIA to hookup because the two bars are not independent of each other.
The Demco has a 10.5k rating. It solves the problem of hooking up with independent arms.
Hopefully someone has some experience with Demco and can offer an opinion good or bad. I just don’t know.
I will say I am leaning towards the Demco now.
Now 7+ years later I’m looking at replacing the Blue Ox with a new one because it has almost 50,000 miles mostly towing a F250 with a large box in the bed all together weighing 8,900 pounds. I could rebuild it but, the metal and weld fatigue concern me.
I think I’m down to 2 different options a Blue Ox Apollo or a Demco Excali-bar.
I think either would tow fine. The Blue Ox has a 12.5k or a 15k rating depending on where you shop. I’ve always felt the Blue Ox was a PIA to hookup because the two bars are not independent of each other.
The Demco has a 10.5k rating. It solves the problem of hooking up with independent arms.
Hopefully someone has some experience with Demco and can offer an opinion good or bad. I just don’t know.
I will say I am leaning towards the Demco now.
