RPM Sept-Oct 2019

44 Towing Brands and Products to Watch and Stock in 2019 CURT (C93) Carrying a broad and diverse selection of custom fit receiver hitches, trailer balls, harnesses, and more, CURT products ensure safe and reliable transportation, nomatter the adventure. From light-duty trailers and cargo carriers to ATVs, RVs, and campers, CURT has a quality, USA-made towing solution designed to provide stability, comfort, and confidence on the road ahead. The company’s vehicle-specific trailer hitches offer industry leading rust protection and in-house testing capabilities, guaranteeing long-lasting performance. CURT fifth wheel towing products allow customers to choose from a range of weight capacities and mounting styles. And a complete line of gooseneck hitches ensures vehicles are properly equipped for serious towing and hard work, tested to SAE J2638 standards for safety. Installation and removal are made easier by available CURT OEM puck system kits, custom under-bed brackets, base rails, extension harnesses, andmore. Furthermore, safety is maximized by top-quality weight distribution hitches, sway control units, and the one-of-a-kind portable Echo mobile brake control system. The first of its kind in the industry, the Echo acts as a hightech link between the vehicle and trailer. Plugging into the standard 7-way RV blade socket and then connecting to a smartphone via Bluetooth, the Echo allows drivers to control all brake settings through a compact, control panel on an easy-to-use app. Featuring a no-tool, plug-and-play installation, multi-color LED indicator light for easy readout, and a specially designed slip cap and potted enclosure to keep out dust and debris kicked up during the drive, the Echomobile brake controller is a state-of- the-art piece of towing technology. Reese (R34) With a reputation for providing some of the most innovative and dependable towing products in North America, Reese has been pioneering performance since 1952. The company’s core product line, heavy-duty fifth wheel hitches, provides safe towing for a variety of enthusiasts, while a range of weight distribution systems keep trailer sway in check—that way your customers can focus on the road ahead with peace of mind. Reese’s rugged M5 20K fifth wheel hitch illustrates the brand’s commitment to ease- of-use, featuring a patented Talon™ jaw system that allows customers to back in their vehicle, secure the trailer, and be on their way, eliminating the hassle of having to continually adjust the hitch. The unit’s fully-articulating head adds 20 percent more landing area to make backing in easier and a clear Tow/No Tow indicator signals when the connection is secure. Shock dampening, tighter tolerances, and a stronger connection guarantee a safe and quiet ride and an easy-to-reach ergonomic handle makes unhooking a breeze. Tested to the industry’s highest standard, the M5 is backed by the Reese limited lifetime warranty. Blue Ox (B1B) Already a major player in the tow bar and baseplate market, Blue Ox has expanded into weight distribution hitches, brake and steering control systems, as well as other products aimed at improving driver safety and satisfaction. Knowing how essential safe braking is when towing, the company offers superior mobile stopping power in the form of its Patriot 3 Braking System. This all-electric, in-coach brake controller allows drivers to monitor and adjust proportional braking response from within the tow vehicle. Compatible with all vehicles, including hybrids, it is completely self-contained, meaning there are no tanks to drain or hoses to connect. And the Patriot 3 is lightweight and easy to install with a corresponding controller remote that mounts simply and securely to any dash. Furthermore, this system automatically checks brake pressure during setup and will continually monitor it throughout towing for added safety and convenience. Blue Ox also offers its innovative SwayPro® Weight Distributing Hitch, which is geometrically optimized to not just slow down trailer sway, but actually bring the trailer back into alignment, ensuring stability and control. And the company’s top-of-the- line Avai®l tow bar stands above competing products with its better turning radius, patented non-binding latches, low profile handle design, and premium metallic paint job. Rated for up to 10,000 pounds and sporting solid steel construction, this Class IV tow bar promises the smoothest towing over even the roughest roads. RoadMaster (R6L) Roadmaster, a company known for its hands- on manufacturing, top notch customer service, and can-do attitude, introduces the Nighthawk—the world’s first illuminated tow bar. What was once the darkest, worst lit portion of the rig, now shines brightly thanks to powerful LED lights built into solid, stainless steel legs—allowing drivers to connect and disconnect safely in any setting, and making nighttime hauling less stressful. With internally-routed, enclosed safety cables and power cord, the longest tow bar arms for improved towing stability and Nylatron® bushings to eliminate metal-on- metal friction and reduce wear over time, the Nighthawk is truly a next-gen piece of towing equipment. The first tow bar designed for Roadmaster’s direct-connect baseplates, which eliminate the need for a crossbar due to their high- strength design, the Nighthawk is also the world’s strongest aluminum tow bar, promising superior towing and stability. Furthermore, Roadmaster’s proprietary Freedom LatchTM technology allows for user-friendly, non-binding operation, releasing the tow bar at any angle or bind.