2008 Liberty--Time has come...

[SSteve]

OK folks,

Here's the background.

We have been looking for the BEST setup we could find to tow our Jeep. Tow bar, aux brake, rock deflector. We'd be stupid if we didn't learn from your experiences.

Some of the decisions were simple (tow bar mount from company A was easier to install than the one from company B.

Some were more difficult (aux brake--box in the foot well or a permanent installation), use diode packs or cut holes for separate TOAD tail lights.

Deflecting rocks from the TOAD is the only category for which there is no clear (at least from user input) direction to follow.

But, decisions must be made and here we are.

In the spirit of the recent (and we've heard, pretty pathetic) EMMY awards, here are our choices.

To review, here are the categories:

Tow bar/ Base plate.

Auxiliary brake system.

TOAD rear lighting.

Rock deflector.


Based on a few of our queries, and (gratefully) countless responses, we've decided...

Drum roll please!

Tow bar/ Base plate -- Blue Ox (based on a seemingly far simpler installation compared to competitors).

Auxiliary brake system -- SMI Air Force One (based on user experience).

TOAD rear lighting -- Blue Ox, again (based on our desire to keep things simple and to keep electrical systems separate).

Rock deflector -- Protect-A-Tow (PAT) (we've heard a lot of good and bad about several systems, including PAT, but this system made the most sense for us).

The ordering begins tomorrow, so anyone with a strong differing opinion to offer is most welcome.

Thanks to all who offered their experiences!

Steve

[SSteve]

OK folks,

Here's the background.

We have been looking for the BEST setup we could find to tow our Jeep. Tow bar, aux brake, rock deflector. We'd be stupid if we didn't learn from your experiences.

Some of the decisions were simple (tow bar mount from company A was easier to install than the one from company B.

Some were more difficult (aux brake--box in the foot well or a permanent installation), use diode packs or cut holes for separate TOAD tail lights.

Deflecting rocks from the TOAD is the only category for which there is no clear (at least from user input) direction to follow.

But, decisions must be made and here we are.

In the spirit of the recent (and we've heard, pretty pathetic) EMMY awards, here are our choices.

To review, here are the categories:

Tow bar/ Base plate.

Auxiliary brake system.

TOAD rear lighting.

Rock deflector.


Based on a few of our queries, and (gratefully) countless responses, we've decided...

Drum roll please!

Tow bar/ Base plate -- Blue Ox (based on a seemingly far simpler installation compared to competitors).

Auxiliary brake system -- SMI Air Force One (based on user experience).

TOAD rear lighting -- Blue Ox, again (based on our desire to keep things simple and to keep electrical systems separate).

Rock deflector -- Protect-A-Tow (PAT) (we've heard a lot of good and bad about several systems, including PAT, but this system made the most sense for us).

The ordering begins tomorrow, so anyone with a strong differing opinion to offer is most welcome.

Thanks to all who offered their experiences!

Steve

[Route 66]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">The ordering begins tomorrow, so anyone with a strong differing opinion to offer is most welcome. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

IMHO, excellent choices.

[jfb]

Would you you share the MSRP's with us? thanks in advance...

[SSteve]

OK jfb,

Sorry about the delay getting back to you, but as I did my research I was only looking at performance--so I didn't note the prices.

So, here's the scoop:

Tow
Bar--Aventa LX (2")--$745
Base Plate -- $350
Accesory kit--somewhere between $200 and $300 (never found an MSRP, but contains MOST of the extras needed)

Brake
SMI AFO--$995

Rock Shield
Protect-a Tow--$200

As always, you can get prices below MSRP with a tip-toe through the internet. The Protect-a-Tow seemed only available from the manufacturer, hence the price is the price. But, with all of these products watch out for shipping and taxes.

I was pleased with most of the prices I found, but not all.

Steve