Roadmaster debuts their state-of-the-art Nighthawk tow bar incorporating their latest crossbar-free tow bar design, technology, and weather proof LED lights.
Admittedly, putting LED lights on a tow bar seemed like a gimmick when we first saw the Roadmaster Nighthawk. Then we talked to David Robinson of Roadmaster, Inc. and got the full story.
It turns out there’s a lot more to the Roadmaster Nighthawk than some admittedly fancy LED lights. First, the Nighthawk is rated to 8,000 pounds and has the longest tow arms on the market.
Second, it features an innovative design that does not require a crossbar. And third, the Nighthawk comes with the required safety and power cables (usually purchased separately) and features channels to keep these cables contained within the system. This is one smart and sexy tow bar set up.
If you missed it, we strongly encourage reading our primer on using tow bars in a truck camper rig cleverly titled, “Tow Bars and Truck Campers”. The article offers an overview of tow bar types, installations, and usage and should be considered mandatory reading for anyone considering towing a vehicle behind their truck camper; car, Jeep, or SUV.
To get the full details on the Roadmaster Nighthawk, we talked to David Robinson of Roadmaster, Inc.
TCM: Other than the LED lights, what sets the Roadmaster Nighthawk apart from other tow bars on the market?
David: There are many features that set the Roadmaster Nighthawk apart both from our current product line and our competition.
First, The Nighthawk is the first tow bar we have produced that’s designed for Roadmaster’s EZ5, MX, and MS tow bar mounting brackets. These brackets incorporate the strength of the crossbar into the mounting bracket. As a result, the Roadmaster Nighthawk does not require a crossbar.
All of our previous tow bars have featured a crossbar, which goes from the driver’s side bracket on the front of the car to the passenger’s side. By eliminating the need for a cross bar, there’s one less thing to connect and disconnect. It’s also a cleaner and sleeker installation. With the EZ5, MX, and MS brackets, in just a couple of seconds you can remove the bracket arms from the front, and you would be hard-pressed to know the vehicle is a towed car.
The safety cables and power cord come standard with the Nighthawk tow bar. Usually these are something people buy after purchasing their tow bar.
Above: The cables and power cord are half straight and half coiled
The Nighthawk’s cables and power cord are quite unique in that they are half straight and half coiled. The straight portion goes through the Nighthawk’s internal channels for a clean, uncluttered look. The coiled portion allows the cables and cords to extend several more feet to accommodate a drop hitch or hitch extension.
Lastly, Roadmaster has made the longest tow bars in the industry for decades. But the Nighthawk is 2-inches longer. This extra length greatly improves towing characteristics while also allowing more room between the vehicles. This is important because, with some brands of tow bars, the vehicles can clip each other in very tight turns.
TCM: The first thing most folks will notice is the LED lights. Why was this an important feature to debut?
David: The LED lights give the Nighthawk a wow factor and a safety element. When you are towing a car at night there is a dark space from the back of a RV or truck camper all the way to the rear of the towed vehicle. In most cases there is no lighting for maybe 15 to 20-feet behind the RV or truck camper. When people are merging, they may not see the vehicle being towed.
With the built-in LED lighting, drivers can see the tow bar. As a Nighthawk owner, you can also see the tow bar, pins, and clips in a dark campground. Anyone who has hooked or unhooked a towed vehicle before dawn or after dusk will appreciate the convenience and safety of the built-in lighting.
The LED light strip exceeds the IP68 standard which is the most waterproof and weather proof rating for LEDs. IP68 is a totally encapsulated LED that’s impervious to water and air.
Above: The Nighthawk is waterproof, as evidenced by Roadmaster submerging the Nighthawk in a tank of water
Check out our video showing a Nighthawk that’s been submerged in 100 gallon water tank for a couple days. The IP68 LED lights keep on going – like a Timex watch. It’s cool to see that.
Above: Luis Vera, CNC Mill Operator
Check out our video showing a Nighthawk that’s been submerged in 100 gallon water tank for a couple days. The IP68 LED lights keep on going – like a Timex watch. It’s cool to see that.
Above: Mike Cannon, New Product Development at Roadmaster
TCM: What is the towing capacity of the Roadmaster Nighthawk?
David: The Nighthawk has a market-leading towing capacity of 8,000 pounds. The inner arms are solid stainless steel. The Nighthawk’s outer arms are made from aircraft grade aluminum.
Above: The egg shaped design of the Nighthawk tow bar is light weight and provides strength. The small bottom channel holds the power cords, and the bigger bottom channel holds the safety cables.
The Nighthawk also features extruded aluminum cavities for the power cord and safety cables. The power cord and safety cables can go through the tow bar instead of around it. Towing systems sometimes look like a wiring mess because the power cord and safety cables are wrapped around the towing bar. This has been solved with the Nighthawk channels.
The Nighthawk is non-binding. It gives you the freedom to connect and disconnect at any angle. The operation is easy.
TCM: The Nighthawk is a RV-mounted tow bar. Will it be available as a car mounted tow bar?
David: Not at this time. If consumer demand is there, we would certainly consider a car mounted version of the Nighthawk.
TCM: Is the Roadmaster Nighthawk a product a customer can install themselves, or do you recommend a dealership installation?
David: The tow bar has little installation. You simply pin it into your 2-inch receiver, unfold the tow bar, and connect it to the front of your towed vehicle.
If you have a car-specific mounting bracket, that installation can be done by a mechanic looking at our high-quality instructions. You can also take it to your local hitch shop or RV dealership.
A typical mounting bracket takes about three hours to install. If you are afraid of taking apart the front of your vehicle, take it to a professional to be installed.
Above: Alan Douglas, Aluminum TIG Welder
TCM: What is the MSRP of the Nighthawk?
David: The MSRP is $1,252. The Nighthawk is the most expensive tow bar on the market, but it’s also the most polished and sexy tow bar on the market.
We make two versions, the 676 and 677. We understand you might have another product, and want our new tow bar. If you order 677, it is compatible with the Blue Ox or Demco base plates on your towed car.
Above: Jeff Fisk, Nighthawk Assembler
TCM: Is the Roadmaster Nighthawk made in the USA?
David: All of the steel, aluminum and heavy parts are made in our factory, right here in the USA. A few of the sub-assembly wires, nuts, bolts, and LED lights are manufactured overseas.
Above: Matt Dodds, Sawyer at Roadmaster
TCM: What is the warranty for the Roadmaster Nighthawk?
David: All Roadmaster tow bars have a one year warranty. If you complete the warranty card, we double the warranty to two years.
TCM: When will the Roadmaster Nighthawk be available at Roadmaster dealerships?
David: We are taking orders now and they are shipping.
For more information on Roadmaster’s Nighthawk, visit their website at roadmasterinc.com. To request a Roadmaster towing brochure, click here.
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