Best Flat Tow Bars Ranked

For a car or midsize SUV on a budget. It brings aluminum and lifetime cover for much less than the big names.

For towing a heavy SUV or pickup. It pairs a high rating and lifetime cover with a fair price.

For a heavy SUV or pickup on a budget. The most capacity per dollar here, but it is heavy to lift.

For a car or small SUV on a budget, with the release and warranty of pricier bars.

For anyone who wants the lightest bar to lift and stow. You pay extra for the low weight.

For a car or midsize SUV behind a motorhome. It has the hookup features of pricier bars for less.

For towing a heavier SUV or pickup at a mid range price. Budget for the cable kit on top.

For towing a big SUV or pickup without paying for a premium bar. A good value at 10,000 lb.

For anyone who lifts the bar on and off often. It is light and complete in the box, at a premium price.

For short or rare tows of a small car on the smallest budget. Regular RV travelers should buy a self-aligning bar.

For a compact car behind a motorhome on a budget. Park level to unhook, since the latches can bind under load.

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.

For full time travelers who hook up often, sometimes after dark. The built in lights and wiring are worth the high price if you use them.

For owners who want the bar to stay on the car and already have a crossbar baseplate. Others get more for the money elsewhere.

For owners who want the bar and the brake in one purchase. Compare it with a plain bar plus a separate brake before you buy.

For a car or small SUV behind a midsize motorhome. It is easy to handle, but rivals offer more capacity and longer warranties for the money.

For a large motorhome towing a heavy truck or SUV. Nothing else here is rated higher, but the warranty is short for the price.

For occasional towing of a small car on the lowest budget. Full time travelers will want self-aligning arms.

For towing a midsize SUV or pickup with a 2 in receiver. It is solid and proven, but heavy, and the warranty is short.

For a light car on a budget, when you want the bar to ride on the car. Heavier vehicles need a receiver bar.