Community Forums

winnie32v · 06-14-2013, 03:44 AM

I am in the process of buying a 2011 or 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I will have to install a new Base Plate so I can tow 4 down behind my MH.
I see that these brands are available:
Blue Ox, Demco, Roadmaster.

Can anyone recommend (from experience, if possible) which brand would be the best? I will be installing myself and would like the most secure set-up.
I know the Blue Ox has a removable end that will work with the old Reese hitch that I have.

ALSO, is there an easy way to hook up the rear tow lights to the existing tail light assy? I have a set of magnetic mounts but would prefer a better way.
Advise, Please.

Anyway, please respond with all and any comments. I only want to do this ONCE and be done with it.

Thanks for your time to advise me.
Paul

DancinCampers · 06-14-2013, 08:11 AM

My only experience has been Blue Ox. Over 90k towed miles on 2 vehicles, never a problem.I had our first baseplate installed on our 99 Suzuki, wife and I installed the baseplate ourselves on our current Jeep Liberty. Instructions very good from BlueOx.

I believe you can download them from their site, to see what you will need to do.

I used diodes to wire in our Suzuki, on the Liberty I added a stop/taillite bulb at the bottom of the lens assy as there was adequate space.

slick60 · 06-14-2013, 08:51 AM

X2 DancingCamper. nstalled my own on a 2004 Jeep Cherokee and I am not a real nuts and bolts guy.

DennisZ · 06-14-2013, 06:02 PM

I installed a Blue Ox on my 2014 GC, tows great and looks good, you can hardly tell it's there unless you really look. I have about 4300 miles towing it so far with no issues.

Dennis

hardy1000 · 06-15-2013, 04:40 AM

I have used Blue Ox base plates on my Jeep's for 10 years with no problems

Chickenman · 06-15-2013, 06:04 AM

I installed my Blue Ox myself in about 5 hours on a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. Love the easy hook up and you can hardly tell it is there without the pins in.

I had the Jeep dealership wire into the factory light harness which plugs into the MOHO to control the lights.

Roll · 06-15-2013, 06:28 AM

Since I just moved a BlueOx base plate from our 2010 Wrangler to the newer 2012 Wrangler I thought I would jump in.....

I haven't had a single problem using either the BlueOx base plate or the tow bar. I'm new to motorhoming and dragging a jeep along but in my meager 8000 towing miles not a single problem.

You can install the base plate yourself if you have some experience with cars and tools. Find a friend with a torque wrench if you don't already have one.

For wiring, try Cool Tec. They offer a wiring kit that has factory harness connectors and plugs right in to the jeeps wiring; no extra bulbs to install or drilling.

I did have a bit of an issue with fuses but it turned out to be my mistake in wiring the plug at the front of the vehicle.

Note: The Cool tech kit is a four wire only, I needed an extra two wires for the Patriot Brake system which I have powered from the coach (6 wire plug not 4 wire). You may not have that issue.

Roll

fourstar · 06-17-2013, 08:29 AM

I installed the Blue Ox on my 2013 GC a few months ago. I did the installation myself and while it was a little daunting to take the front end off of a brand new vehicle, the installation itself was fairly simple as long as you have the right tools and a little mechanical knowledge/ability.
I also installed a Brakemaster 9160 including the breakaway component, and the TowDaddy light module. I am very happy with all of the parts I used, both in ease of installation, quality of product, and performance. If you go the same route and need some advice during the install, don't hesitate to ask! I would be happy to pass on some of my experience.