NSA Hercules 12K
#12 in Tow barFull review
For a heavy vehicle when you want the brake built into the bar. It is heavy and costly, so weigh it against a bar and brake bought separately.
Amazon $1,675$1,675
The NSA Hercules 12K is the better tow bar overall, rated 3.4 to 3.2. The NSA Hercules 12K leads on warranty. The Blue Ox Apollo BX7470 wins on weight or install and features. The Blue Ox Apollo BX7470 costs $185.81 less ($1,489.19 vs $1,675).
Blue Ox Apollo BX7470
#17 in Tow barFull review
For a large motorhome towing a heavy truck or SUV. Nothing else here is rated higher, but the warranty is short for the price.
Amazon $1,489.19$1,489.19
Prices were last checked November 3, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the NSA Hercules 12K for warranty (limited lifetime warranty vs 3-year warranty).
- Choose the Blue Ox Apollo BX7470 for weight or install (49 lb vs 56 lb) and features (self-aligning arms, non-binding latches, stores on the motorhome, safety cables included vs self-aligning arms, non-binding latches, stores on the motorhome).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every tow bar tow bar; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | NSA Hercules 12K | Blue Ox Apollo BX7470 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Price 25% | 0 $1,675 | 7 $1,489.19 |
| Capacity or braking 20% | 100 12,000 lb towing capacity | 100 15,000 lb towing capacity |
| Weight or install 15% | 0 56 lb | 24 49 lb |
| Features 20% | 75 self-aligning arms, non-binding latches, stores on the motorhome | 90 self-aligning arms, non-binding latches, stores on the motorhome, safety cables included |
| Warranty 20% | 100 limited lifetime warranty | 22 3-year warranty |
Specifications
| NSA Hercules 12K | Blue Ox Apollo BX7470 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tow bar | ||
| Type | Tow bar | Tow bar |
| Towing capacity | 12,000 lb | 15,000 lb |
| Hitch | 2 in receiver | 2.5 in receiver |
| Material | Aluminum and steel | Steel |
| Self-aligning arms | Yes | Yes |
| Non-binding latches | Yes | Yes |
| Stores on motorhome | Yes | Yes |
| Safety cables included | No | Yes |
| Brake included | Yes | No |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 56 lb | 49 lb |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | 3 years |