Advice on tow bar and lighting

[La.Paul]

I just purchased a 2006 jeep wrangler x auto transmission, 4wd to tow behind a 2003 sea breeze lx 8311. I'm looking for advice on the best value tow bar to use. Seems to be a large disparity in prices, and some require fairly expensive baseplates. I do plan to use a ready brake system for breaking. I am part time, most camping is local, probably go about 5k miles per year.

Also, what kits are available to hook up tow vehicle lights to this year/model wrangler, and how involved a process is that? Would I be better off just using temp magnetic mount lights?

Thanks.

[La.Paul]

Also, I will want to hook up toad by myself, so would want adjustable tow bar.

[ahicks]

If you're looking to buy a new tow bar, the manf. of the Ready Brake makes one called the ReadyBrute with the brake built in to it. Pretty nice, and competitively priced compared to purchase of separate components. The "all in one" is quite a bit shorter than the individual componts as well.

The diode kits make the lights a relatively easy project for those that have a basic understanding. You might look at the installation directions to see what you'd be getting into going that way? If you have specific questions at that point, post them here. There's some pretty good help available.

[Joyal]

Since you have decided to go with the Ready Brake system, I agree with ahicks the ReadyBrute is the way to go.
I use a ReadyBrute tow bar hooked to a Demco base plate on a 07 Jeep Liberty. I did all the installation myself and I'm no mechanic. I estimate I saved about $1000.00 over other systems as Ready Brake has a built in braking system. For more info and price comparison on base plates go to : Readybrake RV Tow Bars and RV Surge Braking Systems for Car Towing - NSA RV Products

[Gary RVRoamer]

If you have decided on the ReadyBrake, then the ReadyBrute is the obvious choic eof tow bar. Otherwise I would have suggested either Blue Ox or Roadmaster.

The choice of type of towbar within the brand is a trade-off of cost vs convenience. The high end towbars (BO Adventa or RM All terrains) are terrific, but the price is high.

I use a Blue Ox Aventa LX.

[La.Paul]

It seems like I can get a new ready brake kit for about $370 on eBay, and I've seen a tow bar by Curt that doesn't seem to require additional ordering of separate baseplates for $150, this would be about $5-600 less than ready brute with built in brake and additional baseplates. The Curt tow bar comes with pieces that bolt to bumper. I just don't know if this is a good/ safe combo.

[La.Paul]

Also, the jeep has a wire bundle with connector on the driver's side behind rear seat, which I would assume is for trailer wiring hook up. Is there a way to utilize this for dinghy lights?

[LeeSoCal]

What ever you do, do not, I repeat, do not hook in to the Jeep's factory wiring. Do not use diodes. Wire you toad separately from the front plug all the way to the rear lights. You can take the lights a part and find a place to mount some bulbs.

[Elkhartjim]

Quote:

Originally Posted by La.Paul Also, I will want to hook up toad by myself, so would want adjustable tow bar.

The only Curt tow bar I could find for less than $150 is not adjustable.

[Cruzer]

I ran an M&G tow brake system on my 2004 TJ Jeep. I also ran a Blue Ox Aventa LX towbar. Note that the new baseplates have removeable connector tabs, which are a big help when using going off-road with your Jeep. For lighting I recommend the Towdaddy Tow Daddy - The Best Designed RV Products on the Planet lighting kit, which is plug and play. Details on my old setup are at M & G Tow Brake Installation

[La.Paul]

Thanks all! I decided to go with the ready brute elite with built in compression brake. I also decided to use separate magnetic mount lights, but will install permanent wiring and plug ins. That way I can either use them on the jeep bumper or when I am using a hitch rack, can mount them on that.