Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - Car Mount - 6,000 lbs
(134 reviews)
Price: $875.00
In Stock
Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - Car Mount - 6,000 lbs
Item # RM-501
Our Price: $875.00
In Stock
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- Reviews (134)
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- Used (1)
Roadmaster Tow Bar - RM-501
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Telescoping
- Coupler Style
- 6000 lbs
- Roadmaster
- Standard
- Stores on Car
- Steel
With stainless steel arms, this coupler-style tow bar extends smoothly to reach your ball mount. Mounts to the base plate with quick-disconnects and stores on the front of your vehicle while you drive around town.
Features:
- Safely bring your vehicle along behind your RV
- Easy hookup with arms that smoothly extend and pivot to reach the ball mount
- Stainless steel construction of inner arms lets them slide in and out
- Autowlok mechanism automatically locks the arms into towing position
- Once at your destination, press the Autowlok button to unlock and disconnect
- Release tool (RM-066 - sold separately) helps you get out of a bind
- Quick-disconnect system lets you quickly and easily mount the tow bar on your towed car
- Brackets on tow bar match up with brackets on base plates
- Engineered to be super tough
- FEA testing guarantees a strong finished product
- Self-lubricated nylon bushings eliminate friction between the inner and outer arms for a longer-lasting, better-functioning system
- Welded steel plugs seal the ends of the tow bar to guard internal components
- High-tech powder coat finish protects against rust
- Full-length crossbar with angle iron brace provides maximum strength and support
- Secure storage on the front of your car
- Stays mounted on the base plate as you drive around
- Made in the USA
Specs:
- Fits: most Roadmaster Crossbar-Style base plates
- Will not work with Direct-Connect base plates
- Can be used with Demco Classic base plates with adapter (DM9523062 - sold separately)
- Application: 2" ball
- Arm length (as measured from center of hitch ball to center of quick-disconnect bar):
- Extended: 44-1/2"
- Retracted: 36"
- Weight capacity: 6,000 lbs
- Weight: 38 lbs
- Limited lifetime warranty
Smooth Hookup with Stainless Steel Arms
The StowMaster is designed to make hooking up your toad (towed vehicle) a smooth and easy process. The telescoping arms are able to extend to the needed length and angle to reach your RV's ball mount without the need for your vehicle to be perfectly level or in the exact right spot. The inner arms are stainless steel and will slide in and out smoothly. Supremely corrosion resistant, they'll stay rust-free and functional for the life of the tow bar.
What is Autowlok?
Once you're all hooked up, slowly pull forward and the mechanism in the arms will automatically lock into towing position when the arms are fully extended (hence the name Autowlok!). Double check that the arms are properly latched and you'll be ready to hit the road!
Then, when you've reached your destination and you're ready to unhook your vehicle, press the Autowlok release button on the arm of the StowMaster to disengage the internal spring-loaded pin. The arms will be able to telescope again, making it easier to disconnect.
However, if you're on uneven terrain, or if your towed vehicle is not perfectly lined up behind your RV, chances are you'll experience some binding. This is the result of tension that can build up in the telescoping arm, and it can make it difficult to press the button all the way down and disconnect your vehicle. If this happens, a release tool (RM-066 - sold separately) will give you the leverage you need to force the button down.
Simple Storage: Car-Mounted Tow Bar with Quick-Disconnect
The StowMaster comes with quick-disconnect brackets to make it easy to mount your tow bar to the front of your toad. This crossbar creates a triangular frame so you can maneuver the tow bar as one piece, instead of working with each arm at a time. It also gives you the option to add on other Roadmaster accessories, such as the Guardian Rock Guard or Tow Defender.
When you're not towing, the Roadmaster StowMaster stays mounted on the front of your car. To store the tow bar, you'll slide the driver's-side arm all the way over to the passenger side and fold the arms down together parallel with the quick-disconnect crossbar. Pin the arms in place and you'll be set to drive around on your adventure; just be careful pulling into a parking spot as you'll need several inches of extra clearance.
Of course, you can also remove your tow bar and stow it away when you're not flat towing. The StowMaster folds into a pretty compact, convenient bundle, and the quick-disconnects will make it pretty easy to pop on and off.
For added protection from the elements, slip the Roadmaster tow bar cover (RM-052-3 - sold separately) over the tow bar when you're not using it.
Engineered for Excellence
The StowMaster is engineered to be as tough and durable as possible. Throughout the design process, rigorous physical and computerized testing is done, including Finite Elemental Analysis (FEA). Each of these tests displays a 3-dimensional image of the tow bar while it is put under thousands of pounds of pressure. Areas of stress in the tow bar can then be located and strengthened. This process is repeated until any weak spots, particularly those found in load-bearing components, are completely removed. The result is a product that is durable, strong, and safe.
The internal self-lubricating nylon bushings also help to absorb road shock and reduce wear and tear on the tow bar by eliminating friction between the inner and outer arms as they telescope in and out. Inside each arm, a built-in safety strap provides extra peace of mind by ensuring that the inner and outer arms won't separate in the event of a latch failure.
What You Need to Flat Tow
Flat towing can be a much more convenient way to take your car RVing with you than using a trailer or a tow dolly. It'll save you storage space both at home and at the campsite, and it takes less time and hassle to hook up.
To flat tow your vehicle, there are 5 basic components you're going to need: a tow bar, a base plate kit, a safety cable set, tow bar wiring, and a flat tow braking system.
| For the RV | Between the RV and Towed Car | For the Towed Car |
|---|---|---|
| Hitch | Tow bar | Base plate |
| Wiring plug | Safety cables | Braking system |
| Wiring adapter cord | Wiring kit/diodes |
The custom-fit base plate installs on the frame of your toad so you can connect the car to your RV with a tow bar. Hook up safety cables between the vehicles to ensure that the toad does not separate from the motorhome if the tow bar becomes detached. Tow bar wiring syncs your vehicle's signal lights with your motorhome's tail lights, as required by law in most states. Finally, the flat tow braking system - also required in most states - activates the brakes in the toad when you hit the brakes in the RV, making for smoother, safer braking, and preventing wear on your motorhome.
501 Road Master Stow Master Coupler-Style Towbar for 2" Hitch Ball - Vehicle Mount - 6K Rating
Installation Details
Customer Satisfaction Score:
94% were satisfied with this product
6% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
- etrailer mistake
- Did not arrive in time
Customer Reviews
Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - Car Mount - 6,000 lbs - RM-501
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (134 Customer Reviews)
With stainless steel arms, this coupler-style tow bar extends smoothly to reach your ball mount. Mounts to the base plate with quick-disconnects and stores on the front of your vehicle while you drive around town.by: Erik11/03/2022
The adjustable arms make this tow bar simple to hook up and disconnect. I can pull up behind our RV and hook up in about 3 minuets (including the wiring for our break buddy and putting the transfer in neutral). Disconnecting and stowing the bar is even faster. Although is tow bar is locked to the baseplate and folds flat it is so easy to remove I end up taking it off and putting it in the back when we will not be towing.
by: Justin 10/10/2022
I was slightly nervous that this would be difficult to take on and off if I wasn't on flat ground. So for I have not had any issues and I really like that it hooks up to a 2 inch ball. My jeep has a lift on it and getting things level was easy with and adjustable height mount.
Justin
10/12/2023
The first few times I was nervous that I would mess something up on the tow vehicle or forget to hook something up. I have a printed list that I use every time I hook up or unhook my tow vehicle. We have over 2500 miles on this set up and had great luck until our return trip home this summer. One of the ring pins that holds the tow bar to the base plates came off and bent all kinds of things on the tow bar and base plate mounts. The only thing that kept the other side in place was the padlock I used as an theft deterrent. This happened about 400 miles into a 600 mile day luckily no one was hurt and things are replaceable. The first thing I did when getting replacement parts was throw away the retaining pins that come with the kit and put on padlocks on both sides. Everything is back up and running but I would not trust those pins in the future. Yes we checked the tow bar during the drive at food and gas stops. I wouldnt not recommend this set up but just be aware when something bad happens it is bad in a hurry. Roadmaster didnt really care when I called to talk about this and if they have seen this problem before. If you end up need replacement parts etrailer doesnt have much and you will need to go to Roadmaster.
Mike L.
11/4/2023
@Justin We're sorry to hear that happened! Keep in mind, just because a particular replacement part doesn't appear on our website, doesn't mean we can't obtain it. We add tons of replacement parts weekly so chances are we can get what you're needing!
by: Nick F02/09/2011
This is a very well made hitch. It was very easy to fit, is very robust and very easy to fold away. I bought the optional cover which makes the unit very neat when not in use.
by: Daryll V09/10/2017
Love this towbar. By myself, I can hook up to my motorhome and be ready to hit the road in 10 minutes .
by: Tom 12/15/2023
It’s been a year and it works great. Adjustable arms make hooking up a breeze.
by: Raymond04/16/2020
If you are thinking of towing a car this is the company to see. Just installed a base plate and tow bar to my Toyota. Took just 2 hours. With the video and instructions, no problems, very easy. Customer support excellent, very helpful. If you don’t think that you can do this install yourself, think again. I would recommend this tow bar, with the telescoping arms connecting to the car is very simple and secure. This is a 5 star product. Thank You
by: Richard M.03/24/2018
This product is well made and well engineered. It performs the functions of allowing a reasonable amount of flexibility in coupler/ball alignment, locking into place, smooth vehicle towing and securing into the "stowed" position. Because of my bumper mounted winch, I needed to make some adaptations to the mounting system which the RM-501 accommodated very well. I am very pleased with this purchase.
I will send a couple of installed pictures by seperate email.
by: Andw W.02/18/2017
Bought this from Etrailer with all the supporting hardware needed to flat tow my Durango. The quality is excellent (stainless steel, very strong), the install was pretty easy. Only issues I had were because of the are of my vehicle.
Towing with it and hooking up is simple. It takes only a minute to go from stowed to hooked up. Etrailer.com was easy to deal with, helpful, and shipping was very fast. This is my second order with them, both have been flawless. Their pricing also proved to be the lowest.
by: Michael 12/22/2022
I have been thoroughly satisfied with my Roadmaster tow bar. I use it to tow my Jeep Grand Cherokee behind my Damon RV and could not be happier with the Jeep in tow.
by: Tina 04/25/2023
This tow bar is definitely worth the money, it’s high quality heavy made.
This is our second purchase from Etrailer and shipping is really fast. We ordered on Sunday night and it was delivered Tuesday.
Very impressive customer service.
by: Paul 08/31/2023
Great tow bar. I've had this model before on a different vehicle. I was so happy with the prior bar I bought this one. It is as great as my first one.
by: Steve10/22/2020
A quality product. Very easy install
Used the frame mount from the same company, same review
Steve
10/22/2021
This product has held up very well. Highly recommend
by: Frank07/19/2019
Appears to be a high quality product, that came with good instructions, and all the parts for installation on the base plate already installed on my Honda Fit. This will allow me to flat tow the car behind my class A motor home.
Frank
7/20/2020
The road master tow bar is still functioning properly with no issues, a safe,reliable well made product.
by: H.D.11/06/2021
every thing went smooth instructions very good 2003 wrangler
by: Frank05/04/2016
Tow bar folds and fits nicely on front of car. It also fits nicely in trunk. Easy to adjust to fit ball on hitch. Good product works, well with Roadmaster EZ base plate kit with removable arms. Used to tow car behind RV.
by: Carol 08/17/2021
Love this tow bar it is so easy to hook up & it folds up as easy.
Carol
8/18/2022
It works great if I bought another one I would buy one just like it.
by: David11/29/2022
I installed the kit. Didn't have many problems. It is a really stout setup. I am very pleased with the kit and very good instructions.
by: Bryce10/27/2020
I am pulling a Jeep behind a pickup camper so I don’t have a place to stow the tow bar like a motor home. This tow bar folds nicely and fits on the front of a Jeep well.
Bryce
10/23/2021
The tow bar has worked well. The videos on the installation of the base plate were very helpful. There are a couple of different covers for the tow bars, so be sure to get the right one.
by: James 09/04/2020
This tow bar with the base plate and rock guard is the finest set up I have seen for towing a rig behind a RV. Combined with the patriot brake system and magnetic light system makes me ready to go in style with safety.
I'm a happy boy!
by: Gerald B12/13/2018
I bought the RM baseplate for my jeep because they may an adaptor for the Duncan tow bar. I got the Duncan on craigslist and it looked great. But I didn't know that I needed a DUNCAN quick release kit. It wasn't on it. The RM quick release only attaches the RM Duncan adaptor to the baseplate. So learn from my mistake don't buy a used Duncan unless you are sure you have all the parts. I out $200 for very nice looking hardly used but worthless Duncan tow bar plus the return shipping for the RM 038 and RM 021. The only solution to this was to buy the RM-501 tow bar which is what I should have done in the first place. It is very well made and easy to stow or remove. How much are they getting for scrap metal these days.
by: Edward 06/24/2023
Had this installed on 2002 wrangler in just a few minutes. Built very well.
by: Robert J. Letellier, Sr11/15/2016
I was very pleased with the products I ordered from you. I was also extremely pleased with the professionalism, informative, friendly and helpful young lady that took my order. Her name is Katie. Everyone else I dealt with was also very good and knowledgeable. My order was, Tow Bar, Base Plate, Rear Trailer Hitch, Light Bulb, Wiring Kit and other accessories. Everything fit perfectly. Thanks for all of your help.
by: Ronnie M02/12/2020
Absolutely love my Roadmaster tow bar from etrailer.com. Easy to hook up and easy to unhook, a great edition to our camping gear!!! Thanks etrailer.com great price and great service!!
by: Allen01/25/2017
This is a premium quality item. Very well made from heavy materials. I'm still installing the baseplate so I haven't use the tow bar yet but as soon as I took it out of the box, there is no question it's a quality product. I'll review again after my first tow.
There was a slight problem with my delivery in that I didn't receive the "vehicle side" hardware. I contacted etrailer.com and they are sending it out immediately. Really good customer service!
by: Anthony 04/22/2023
I really like this product. I've towed for a year with it, very strong and well built. Would purchase again.
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See what our Experts say about this Roadmaster Tow Bar
- How to Put Vehicle with Push Button Start into ACC to Unlock Steering WheelTypically to get the steering wheel of a vehicle with a push button start to unlock you need to press the start button without your foot on the brake. That will move the "key" to the ACC position which will unlock the steering wheel. Since your foot isn't on the brake it won't start the vehicle.
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Steering Wheel That Doesn't Return to Center Around Sharp Turns When Flat TowedSounds like your tow bar may not be sitting perfectly level. If I had to guess it sounds like the tow bar is angled forward and that is causing the wheels to get stuck turned to one side. I attached a help article on how to pick out the correct high low adapter to allow the tow bar to be level as well as a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.
view full answer... - How is Steering Wheel of Vehicle Normally Unlocked to Flat Tow ItThat depends on the vehicle, but most vehicles only require putting the key ignition into the ACC position to unlock the steering wheel so that it can be flat towed. If you check the owners manual of your vehicle this would be covered under the recreational towing section.
view full answer... - Should Steering Wheel be Unlocked on 2000 Toyota RAV4 When Flat Towing With StowMaster Tow BarI took a look at the owner's manual for a 2000 Toyota RAV4, and when you are using the Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar # RM-501 to tow the vehicle, your steering wheel should be unlocked. The manual states on page 181, "The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight." I highly recommend contacting your local Toyota dealer for the exact procedure required to flat tow this vehicle as the owner's manual does not outright state what the procedure should be.
view full answer... - What is the Distance Between the Top Holes of the Roadmaster StowMaster Tow BarThe measurement between the top holes on the Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar # RM-501 is 28-1/2" on center.
view full answer...
- How Far Out Does the Ball Mount Need To Extend To Attach A Vehicle Mounted Tow BarIn order to flat-tow a vehicle you'll need to use a tow bar which attaches the towed vehicle to the motorhome. If you are using a vehicle mounted tow bar like the Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar part # RM-501. The length of ball mount required will vary by application but you should not need any sort of extended version. That said, I don't have an exact length for you as it will again vary by application. I have attached a list of ball mounts below.
view full answer... - How to Handle Rust On Tow Bar Inner ArmsWhat you are currently doing is the best way to prevent rust. Unfortunately rust is sometimes pretty persistent. If you can sand the metal so that it stays off of the bars and then use the dry lubricant you would be best off. Using a cover like part # RM-052 would also help prevent rust. Removing the tow bars from the vehicle when not in use will help as well. We are located in Wentzville, MO.
view full answer... - Does 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Require Special Harness to Unlock Steering WheelIf you had a Jeep Cherokee with 4 wheel drive or the Activedrive 2 system to maintain the vehicle's stable steering while being flat towed you will want to install the Mopar accessory kit 68321424AB, available from your Jeep dealer. This kit will prevent the Cherokee's steering from shaking while being flat towed. Since you have a Grand Cherokee that would not be needed. I attached a few links to tow bar accessories that are confirmed to fit your 2015 Grand Cherokee as well.
view full answer... - Will The Roadmster StowMaster Tow Bars Be Able To Handle The Weight Of A 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee?You can use your Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar # RM-501 with your 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee clocks in about 4,238-lbs to 4,784-lbs and your StowMaster has a maximum weight capacity of 6,000, so you'll have plenty of capacity. Attached is a product review video for you to check out as well.
view full answer... - How to Flat Tow 2020 Nissan Versa with Keyless IgnitionI do believe we can help you get this figured out. According to the owner's manual that I was able to find online, you don't want the car running while you're flat towing your 2020 Nissan Versa and it needs to be started back up every 500 miles. If the steering wheel is locked while you're trying to flat tow the vehicle, the wheels are just going to drag through turns. With that said, I do have something you can try to unlock the steering wheel since you'll need the vehicle in neutral...
view full answer... - What is Width Between Attachment Points on Roadmaster Tow BarsFor Roadmaster tow bars like the # RM-501 the distance between the mounts is going to be 28-1/2 inches.
view full answer... - Centering Roadmaster StowMaster Tow BarAccording to the directions of the Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar # RM-501, you do not need to be perfectly centered when initially attaching the tow bar. The directions state this is the the step you'll need to take in order to center: "When you drive away, steer briefly to the left and then to the right, to extend, self-center and lock the tow bar."
view full answer... - What Keeps the Wheels Straight on a Car Being Towed Behind a Motor Home The act of pulling the vehicle will keep the wheels on the vehicle straight. Its like pushing a shopping cart; if just sitting the wheels can turn. But when pushing it the wheels straighten out. As long as the RV is pushing or pulling the towed vehicle (pushing of course when backing up) the wheels are going to turn, or not, as needed. Like a shopping cart.
view full answer... - Does the Steering Wheel of a Vehicle Being Flat Towed Need to Be UnlockedYou want the steering wheel to be unlocked on a vehicle being flat-towed. Otherwise the front wheels of the towed vehicle would scrub around corners. Unlocking the front wheels allows the towed vehicle to turn and follow the tow vehicle as it is being towed.
view full answer... - Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000 Serial Number Year IdentificationI spoke to my contact at Roadmaster and while she had a hard time finding your specific serial number in their system she was confident that your tow bar was made in 2010.
view full answer... - Is Steering Wheel Difficult to Turn When Vehicle is Off and Unlocked When Flat Towing Since your vehicle is turned off the power steering isn't active to make turning the wheel easier. This is totally normal and would not be an issue.
view full answer... - Will the Roadmaster Stowmaster Tow Bar part # RM-501 Work With EZ Base Plate KitsYes, the Roadmaster Stowmaster Tow Bar part # RM-501 that you referenced is compatible with EZ Roadmaster base plates as well as with XL and Standard Roadmaster base plates. I attached a review video for you to check out as well.
view full answer... - Does the Roadmaster StowMaster # RM-501 Tow Bar Fit Specific VehiclesWhat you have in your picture is a very old StowMaster Tow Bar # RM-501 which is still attached to some base plates. I reached out to my contact at Roadmaster who said the serial number from the StowMaster indicates that it is rated for 5,000 lbs but there really isn't a way to determine what the base plate kit fits. If you let me know what vehicle the base plate kit was used on I can possibly give you some part numbers that you can compare to what you have but if you remove the StowMaster...
view full answer...
- Does My Jeep Need To Be Cranked To Flat Tow It?If by cranked you mean does the motor need to be running, the answer is no. The motor should not be running when you flat tow a vehicle. I've attached an article to give you an overview of flat towing. If I can help you with recommendations, please let me know.
view full answer... - Dimensions Between StowMaster Quick Disconnect PointsThe distance between those mounting points for the Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar # RM-501 are 28-1/2" on center. I confirmed this with my contact at Roadmaster.
view full answer...
- How Much Does the Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar Weigh?The Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar - Car Mount - 2" Ball - 6,000 lbs # RM-501 weighs 57 lbs. That is including the hardware and plates that connect to your base plates, so it will be closer to 50 lbs when you disconnect it.
view full answer... - Technical Specifications for Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar RM-501Most of the key specs for the Roadmaster StowMaster Tow Bar # RM-501 are noted on our product page or they will be noted in the instructions, which are linked for you. There is an exploded view diagram included but this is not an actual measured engineering drawing. Such things are sometimes kept confidential to protect designs from imitation. This car-mounted tow bar has a 6000-lb capacity, it works with three specific series of base plates, EZ, XL and Standard, but not the MX or MS series. The...
view full answer... - Steering Wheel on Volkswagen Golf Locks in Place When Flat Towing Behind a Motor HomeThe key may not be in the right position or there could be something wrong with the ignition switch/lockout feature used to unlock the steering when the key is in the right position. I suppose it is possible that with a heavy enough key chain it could turn the key or damage the ignition cylinder there where the key is inserted. I would take the Golf to a Volkswagen dealer and explain what is happening and have them check things related to the steering lock/unlock mechanism when the...
view full answer... - Will RoadMaster StowMaster Car-Mounted Tow Bar # RM-501 Fit Jeep CJThe RoadMaster StowMaster Car-Mounted Tow Bar # RM-501 requires installation of base plates on the toad in order to mount and cannot attach directly to a vehicle bumper. In order to determine availability of base plates for your CJ we'll need you to advise the year and model (CJ-5, CJ-7, etc). You can use the link provided to enter your vehicle information in order to check for base plates that will fit your vehicle. Once you've identified appropriate base plates you can select a compatible...
view full answer...
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Condition: Installed
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Erik
11/4/2023
The tow bar is wonderful. The only maintenance is some basic cleaning and lubricating the sliding arms. I love how easy it is to connect and disconnect.