Community Forums

jimmy12 · 11-28-2015, 09:49 PM

Im getting a new to me monaco vesta and currently have a rubicon jeep unlimited. It needs the baseplate installed and everything. Which is the best setup for this? It appears blue-ox brand is pretty well trusted. I also want added protectiong for rocks and debris that the MH might kick up. Any suggestions? And what is a decent install price for all of this? I was quoted approx $3200 out the door for it all.

Mr_D · 11-28-2015, 09:59 PM

Sounds high but then I don't know what towbar and braking system they quoted you. Blue Ox is good but we went with RoadMaster because they were 25 miles away from home and now that they moved they're even closer.

**Lt Dan** · 11-28-2015, 10:04 PM

I did a lot of research before I set up my Wrangler. I opted for the Demco base plate, Blue Ox tow bar, Mopar wiring harness and the RVI2 brake system. The Demco base plate sets very tight up under the bumper, is solidly constructed, bolts firmly to the frame and has no extra pins or parts to wear and loosen up. The Demco mates up perfectly with the Blue Ox tow bar. If the $3200 includes the braking system, it's not too far off. I have about $2300 invested in mine but I did all the labor. The lights and base plate are the major components and it took me about eight hours to do both.

vsheetz · 11-28-2015, 10:21 PM

Currie base plate or tow from aftermarket bumper. Ready Brute tow bar with built in brake system. Great tow setup for the least money.

One can also watch Craigslist for used tow bar. I tow from the bumper and bought used. Less than $1000 invested.

avid_dk · 11-29-2015, 08:46 AM

LoD offroad bumper with welded on tow tabs for me. I went totally wireless with an RVi2 brake and Towmate wireless lights.

RedRaider93 · 11-29-2015, 08:53 AM

I have a Jeep Wrangler that I tow, and I went with the Blue Ox towbar, along with the Blue Ox mesh net that goes between the RV and the Jeep to catch the rocks. I'd say it does a good job of stopping 90% of the rocks. For a supplemental brake, I use M&G Engineering's air brake system. It's really good because it works off the air system of the RV, and doesn't require any electrical connections on the Jeep that may drain the battery. I happen to live near Athens, TX, where they're based, but I believe they have authorized installers around the country. Here's their website if you're interested...

M & G Engineering - Car Braking Systems: Home Page

hogdriver · 11-29-2015, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avid_dk

LoD offroad bumper with welded on tow tabs for me. I went totally wireless with an RVi2 brake and Towmate wireless lights.

I have similar setup. I got an aftermarket front bumper from LOD with welded on tow bar tabs. I use a Roadmaster All Terrain aluminum towbar and a Roadmaster brake master braking setup (moved from two other MHs). I recommend the MOPAR wiring harness. If I bought all that again from scratch, it would be about $3000. I have about 40,000 towed miles on this Jeep JKU.

avid_dk · 11-29-2015, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogdriver

I recommend the MOPAR wiring harness.

So do I, but the tech failed to figure it out. The Towmate lights are working out so far. State Troopers seem to take an interest in them. I don't think they have ever seen a set before. Troopers regularly ride right up behind my toad and seem to stay their until I either brake or put on a turn signal.

jimmy12 · 11-29-2015, 03:43 PM

One question that comes to mind is this: Would I be able to change bumpers later on if say I go with the Demco baseplate? I have the stock front bumper right now but may change at a later time. Would the demco be in the way of aftermarket bumpers?

**Lt Dan** · 11-30-2015, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmy12

One question that comes to mind is this: Would I be able to change bumpers later on if say I go with the Demco baseplate? I have the stock front bumper right now but may change at a later time. Would the demco be in the way of aftermarket bumpers?

Jimmy;

I have looked at several aftermarket bumpers. You have to make certain that the bumper does not extend any lower than the stock one. The Demco fits very close up under the stock bumper and that's one of the things I liked about it. So far I have not settled on an aftermarket bumper, but the Smitty Bilt looks promising.

If you are considering an aftermarket bumper, the best idea may be to go ahead and get one with the towing tabs installed and skip the base plate. At the time I installed the Demco, I was not interested in an aftermarket bumper, but am now considering one.

dmurdock · 11-30-2015, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avid_dk

LoD offroad bumper with welded on tow tabs for me. I went totally wireless with an RVi2 brake and Towmate wireless lights.

Same here..they will weld whatever brackets you want (blue ox or roadmaster).

vsheetz · 11-30-2015, 12:55 PM

Agree with above, if you think you may go later with a aftermarket bumper go for it now. Why spend money in a baseplate when the money can go towards a bumper. Then there is no fitment concern down the road either.

canman001 · 12-01-2015, 08:58 PM

We run the RoadMaster system for 10,000# capability, M&G Engineering with break-away add on for our Rubicon 2 door. It is 4200# with full tank of gas. Hope to to never need the break-away or panic stop capability!

erstanfo · 12-02-2015, 05:28 PM

I 2nd the Currie base plate and Ready Brute tow bar, surge brake combination.
I ran wires back and added 2nd bulb for signal lights.
2015 Wrangler unlimited