Differences Between The Roadmaster Falcon All-Terrain And Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bars
Question:
I was thinking that I would use Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO rather that a portable system. I like the idea that it is installed once and little setup each time it is used. Does that make sense?
asked by: James H
Helpful Expert Reply:
The difference between the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain # RM-522 and the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain # RM-676 is somewhat substantial. The first difference being the increased weight capacity with the the Falcon at 6,000lbs and the Nighthawk at 8,000lbs. The Nighthawk will allow you to flat tow your larger SUV or truck while the Falcon is more meant for your sedans and mid-sized SUV's.
The Nighthawk features LED lights down both arms to make it easier to hookup/disconnect in the dark if you start/end your hauling early in the morning or late at night. It will also come with a 6-way to 7-way adapter cable and 6-way socket for your vehicle so that you can run your braking and turn signals through to the towed vehicle. It also comes with safety cables that run through the channels on the arms so that you don't have to purchase these separately. Other than those features these tow bars are basically the same.
Since you're towing a 2014 Jeep Wrangler both would have enough capacity to handle the job. It really just comes down to if you'd like the LED lights and whether you'd prefer the black over the gray design. Personally, I'd go with the Falcon # RM-522 because I don't need to be flashy and instead go for function over looks.
Both of these tow bars use a direct-connect style attachment point so you'll need a Roadmaster Direct-Connect base plate like part # RM-521448-5. Note: this base plate kit is for standard factory bumpers.
Since you will be towing with a F-350 instead of a motorhome I recommend going with a portable braking system like the Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Supplemental Braking System # HM39524. This system offers intense, emergency braking or steady, smooth braking in a single portable system. Easily switch between proportional or full braking from the cab of your F-350 using the remote. The included charge line kit will keep your Wrangler's battery charged while you tow as well.
For the tow bar wiring kit you will only need the Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit # RM-152 to send your turning signals to the Wrangler if you choose the Nighthawk. If you choose the Falcon you'll need the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267.
You will need to disconnect the negative battery cable to flat tow your Wrangler so I recommend installing the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect # RM-766 to make it as easy as flipping a switch.
If you choose the Falcon you'll also need to purchase safety cables. For this I recommend the RoadMaster 76" Single Hook, Straight Safety Cables # RM-645-76. These will slide through the channels on the arms of the Falcon, keeping them out of the way and preventing them from dragging on the ground.
You may also require a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level between your F-350 and Wrangler. This will require some measuring once the base plates are installed so I've attached our help article, which will walk you through determining the correct rise/drop needed for your application.
Products Referenced in This Question
Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Wireless Monitor - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- One Time Set-Up
- Fixed System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Demco
more information >
Brake Buddy Select 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Brake Buddy
more information >
Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon All-Terrain Tow Bar - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 76" Single Hook, Straight Safety Cables - 8,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Straight Cables
- 76 Inch Long
- 8000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System - Gas
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Auto Battery Disconnect
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Aluminum
- 8000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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James H.
2/17/2022
I was thinking that I would use Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO rather that a portable system. I like the idea that it is installed once and little setup each time it is used. Does that make sense?