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Old 02-20-2018, 08:18 PM   #1
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Tow System

I would appreciate any advice. I am installing a tow bar and braking system for my 2018 Anthem and 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid. I am zeroing in on the Air Force One and the Blue Ox bar. Do you think i am on the right track or are there considerations I'm unaware of that may make other products more appropriate for this pair? As always thanks for the feedback.
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Old 02-20-2018, 08:24 PM   #2
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I a using Blue OX and I love it. I have a brake Buddy and it works fine. However if it should break I will be replacing it with the SMI Air Force One.
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Old 02-20-2018, 08:33 PM   #3
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Just had M&G air brake set up on my 15 Anthem w/blue Oxy on my Ford F-150. Service center wanted $5700 turn key but took both to M&G in Athens Tx and got the whole thing done for $3k.
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Old 02-20-2018, 08:41 PM   #4
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Hybrid has full time electric brakes... even with key off. less effort needs to be applied than traditional vehicle brakes. Confirm the braking system adapts to the electric full time brakes.
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Old 02-21-2018, 07:17 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom n Sandra View Post
I would appreciate any advice. I am installing a tow bar and braking system for my 2018 Anthem and 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid. I am zeroing in on the Air Force One and the Blue Ox bar. Do you think i am on the right track or are there considerations I'm unaware of that may make other products more appropriate for this pair? As always thanks for the feedback.
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If you don't mind driving to Tacoma, Ballews did my old coach and multiple cars for me. Great company, know what they are doing and very resonable.
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Old 02-21-2018, 07:39 AM   #6
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Tom

You are absolutely looking at the right systems. There are tons of them out there, but many of them have heavy and cumbersome things that need to be added (extra boxes that need to be secured in place each time you hook up) and removed each time you set them up or take them down. What you need to be considering is how much time and complexity do you have to deal with each time you hook up or drop the toad. The AF1 (and although I have never used the M&G) have consistently been rated and advocated as the top products on the market with minimum fuss and problem in their use. I have personally been using the DEMCO Excalibur -II towbar which is a 10,000 pound rated bar on my ~ 3,500 pound Honda. No signs of wear or any problems. Also has a very convenient thing which I have seen on no other tow bar ..... a stainless steel bar on the side of the tow bar that you mount the pig tailed electrical cord to the toad when not hooked up. That is VERY convenient! The power cord is always right where you need it when connecting. Very nice. The Air Force 1 is brain dead easy to connect. Connect air line to coach and Honda fittings (30 seconds) and connect the “break-away” line from coach hitch to AF1 loop on toad (15 seconds) and you are ready to go..... could not be easier.

You’ll see more AF1s in use than any other system .... JMHO

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Old 02-21-2018, 08:23 AM   #7
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I'm in total confidence with the AF1 and the Blue Ox Avail through an eight inch drop hitch. We tow our F-150 and forget its back there. Easiest system to install and easiest to hook up and take down. Love it.
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Old 02-21-2018, 07:21 PM   #8
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Thanks guys! I ended up purchasing the AF1 and the Blue Ox Ascent. The Ascent is their newest product that has the non binding release but constructed out of Aircraft aluminum and 20#’s lighter than the Avail. It is 7500 lb rated but should suffice for my Fusion.
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