If you want to silence a whining power steering pump and extend the life of your hydraulic system, choose XADO Power Steering Fluid; if you need instant visibility and safety while flat towing your pickup truck behind an RV at night, choose 4 Mavericks Tow-n'-Glow. These two products solve completely different problems for vehicle owners, and comparing them directly is like asking whether you should buy a new tire or a flashlight. One is a chemical additive designed to repair internal mechanical wear, while the other is a physical hardware accessory built to illuminate the dangerous blind spot between a motorhome and a towed vehicle. I have analyzed the technical specifications and design intent for both to help you decide which solution fits your specific situation, whether you are dealing with a noisy steering column on your daily driver or preparing for a long haul down the highway with a Jeep in tow.
• XADO Power Steering Fluid: Its biggest strength is repairing worn metal components to eliminate pump howling and reduce vibration within 50 hours of operation; its trade-off is that it requires a precise dosage based on your specific system capacity and acts as a treatment rather than a standard fluid replacement.
• 4 Mavericks Tow-n'-Glow: Its biggest strength is providing immediate, hands-free illumination for safer hookup and teardown during low-light conditions without any tools or wiring; its trade-off is that it is strictly limited to vehicles with a standard 6-pin tow harness and does not affect the driving mechanics of the vehicle itself.
• Best For: XADO is for drivers facing hydraulic noise and seeking to restore steering feel, while 4 Mavericks is for RV owners and flat-towing enthusiasts prioritizing nighttime safety and convenience.
The XADO Power Steering Fluid Oil Additive EX120 is not a standard bottle of fluid you pour in to top off a reservoir; it is a specialized metal repair conditioner designed to revitalize existing hydraulic equipment. The core function of this product is to address the symptoms of wear and tear that accumulate over time in older steering systems. If your power steering pump has started making a distinct howl or whine, or if you notice increased vibration when turning the wheel, this additive targets those exact issues. The data indicates that the formula works by restoring worn components, effectively extending the lifespan of the hydraulic equipment and preventing the need for costly component replacements.
This product is specifically engineered for drivers who value a smoother, quieter ride and want to maintain their current vehicle's performance without immediate major repairs. The manufacturer states that users can expect a significant improvement in steering performance after approximately 50 hours of operation, which translates to roughly 950 miles of driving. During this break-in period, the fluid reduces steering effort, making the vehicle easier to handle and more responsive. This is particularly relevant for older trucks or SUVs where the hydraulic seals and pumps have degraded but are still functional enough to be saved with proper maintenance.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-11-07 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
However, this product is not for everyone. You must follow the dosage chart precisely based on your vehicle's oil system capacity to ensure maximum effectiveness. Using too much or too little will compromise the results. Furthermore, if your steering system has catastrophic failure, such as a seized pump or a massive leak, no amount of additive will fix it. It is a revitalizer, not a miracle cure for total mechanical collapse. If your power steering system is already brand new or operating silently and smoothly, there is no reason to introduce this treatment into the mix. It is a targeted solution for specific wear-related complaints, not a general maintenance item for every car on the road.
The 4 Mavericks Tow-n'-Glow is a dedicated safety device created to solve a very specific frustration for people who flat tow vehicles behind recreational vehicles. When you are parked at a campsite late at night or early in the morning, trying to connect or disconnect your tow cables in the dark is difficult and potentially dangerous. This unit plugs directly into the female umbilical receptacle of your towed vehicle, and then your tow cable plugs into the Tow-n'-Glow itself. The result is a bright, forward-facing LED light that illuminates the space between your RV and the towed vehicle, making the connection process visible and safe.
This product is ideal for RV owners who travel frequently and often find themselves working in low-light conditions. The housing is built to be durable and weather-resistant, designed to withstand road spray, vibration, and the rigors of long highway miles. Since it is a patented product with a universal 6-pin compatibility, it works with standard RV tow harness systems and most flat-towed vehicles without requiring any vehicle-specific wiring modifications. The installation takes seconds, meaning you do not need to run wires through your firewall or hire a mechanic to set it up. It is a true plug-and-play solution that enhances safety during setup and teardown.
That said, this device is only useful if you actually flat tow a vehicle. If you use a trailer with a separate electrical connector, or if your tow setup uses a 7-pin system without a compatible 6-pin adapter, this product will not fit your needs. It does not improve the driving dynamics, handling, or fuel economy of your vehicle. It is purely an auxiliary lighting tool for the moment of connection. If you never tow at night or always have someone else handle the hookup in daylight, the utility of this device diminishes significantly. It is a niche tool for a specific hobbyist group, but for those who fall into that category, it addresses a genuine pain point that other lights simply cannot solve because they are not integrated into the tow line itself.
• Best for eliminating mechanical noise → XADO Power Steering Fluid (specifically for pump howl caused by wear).
• Best for nighttime safety visibility → 4 Mavericks Tow-n'-Glow (illuminates the tow zone instantly).
• Best for extending component lifespan → XADO Power Steering Fluid (revitalizes worn hydraulic parts).
• Best for quick, tool-free installation → 4 Mavericks Tow-n'-Glow (plugs in seconds with no wiring).
• Best for reducing steering effort → XADO Power Steering Fluid (improves responsiveness after 50 hours).
• Best for weather resistance during towing → 4 Mavericks Tow-n'-Glow (built to handle road spray and vibration).
• Best for general maintenance → Neither (one is a repair additive, the other is a safety accessory).
• Best for pickup truck owners towing trailers → 4 Mavericks Tow-n'-Glow (if flat towing), or XADO Power Steering Fluid (if the truck has a noisy steering system).
I would recommend buying the 4 Mavericks Tow-n'-Glow if your primary concern is safety while flat towing your pickup truck behind an RV. The ability to see exactly where you are connecting cables in the dark removes a significant risk factor from your travel routine, and the simplicity of the installation means you get that benefit immediately without any mechanical work. However, if your pickup truck is making that dreaded whining sound when you turn the wheel and you want to save your steering pump from total failure, the XADO Power Steering Fluid is the clear choice. It addresses a mechanical issue that could lead to expensive repairs if ignored. In my opinion, for the average driver who might encounter either scenario, the Tow-n'-Glow offers a more tangible, immediate improvement to the ownership experience, whereas the fluid is a preventative measure for a specific symptom. Both are excellent tools for their respective jobs, but they serve entirely different masters.
No, this product is an additive designed to repair and revitalize existing components rather than replace the base fluid entirely. It works best when used according to the specific dosage chart for your vehicle's system capacity.
It is compatible with standard RV 6-pin tow harness systems and flat-towed vehicles, but you must verify that your vehicle has the correct female umbilical receptacle before purchasing.
You can expect to see a significant improvement in steering performance, including reduced noise and effort, after approximately 50 hours of operation or about 950 miles of driving.
No, the installation is designed to be simple and tool-free, taking just seconds to plug into your towed vehicle's receptacle and attach your tow cable.
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