Community Forums

Don_Monaco · 11-27-2010, 09:32 PM

Greetings All:

I just spent 2 hours reading combing towing forums and still not where I need to be with information. I bought a 2011 Jeep Wrangler sport today. I have read about someone spending 3k to get out the door. I can't do that. Camping World had a tow arm on sale for 600. Can you tell me what else I need. My understanding is tow arm, breastplate, light kit, brake kit (optional), and install. is it possible to get all this for say 1500. I live in Denver and will probably go to Camping World and have them install.

bdpreece · 11-27-2010, 11:41 PM

If you have time you can search on Craig's List for a Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000 tow bar which you should be able to pick up for somewhere between $100 and $250. You then purchase the base plates from Camping World and have them install them along with the light package. Having an aux brake system is a personal decision but I recommend getting one but again you can find them used on Craig's list.

Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376 · 11-28-2010, 09:03 AM

We use the Ready Brute /Ready Brake Tow bar and aux braking system. I did all the labor my self. A brief break down of cost.
$900 for the tow bar and braking setup.
$175 for a set of Roadmaster 1428 brackets (found on eBay)
$110 for the Demco Adapter (From Ready Brute)
$60 for a roadmaster coil cord for lights
$100 for a Cooltech LLC wiring harness for the jeep.
One day's worth of labor
As you can see a proper toad setup need not cost $3000. I think the totals for mine was well under $1500 and a little supplied labor if you can twist a wrench or two. There isn't really much to install it. Take you time and ask a friend for help if you need.

**JohnRR** · 12-03-2010, 09:52 AM

Towing the weight of the Jeep, living in Colorado, and towing with a gas unit makes a combination that just screams to have axillary braking, it's just not an option for safety's sake.

Vegasdan · 12-03-2010, 09:27 PM

You spent over 20K for the new Jeep, your safety and the safety of others should be worth something. Get a brake. Check on www.hitchtrader.com. I bought several things there for my Wrangler and saved hundreds.

Don_Monaco · 12-06-2010, 06:27 PM

Hi Everyone:
Thanks so much for your response. I have found methods of better pricing than what I orig found thanks to everyone's responsed. I do agree with the brake to be safe.

Love this site.

TXiceman · 01-14-2011, 06:41 PM

Don, as an engineer, I highly recommend auxiliary brakes for the dinghy as well as a break away system. Since you have a gas chassis, more than likely it has a towing limit of 1500# without adding brakes on the towed load.

The brakes on the dinghy may only stop you 12" shorter, but if you did not have them, it may make a difference of 1" between having an accident and not having one.

ken

Triker56 · 01-15-2011, 02:21 PM

Camping World may have a combo package, tow bar, baseplate, all wiring, cables and install. Ready to tow, but no brake system included. I had mine done there for $1,489

CW will not install anything, that wasn't bought from them.

Parkerrs · 01-17-2011, 06:45 AM

Adventurerv.com is running a sale this month on Blue Ox equipment. I've used them and they are good to deal with.

HD4Mark · 01-17-2011, 07:18 AM

We found a perfectly good Blue Ox tow bar on Craigslist for $170. As long as nothing is bent or beat up, used is a good way to go. We were lucky to find one with very little use and 1600+ miles so far with NP. Brake system is a Ready Brake and Ready Stop breakaway kit for $600 and something. Installation $0 by yours truly. Toad had the base plate and wiring from previous owner.

DW would love your Jeep though.

hardy1000 · 01-17-2011, 07:40 AM

I use the Blue Ox Aventa and US Unified Tow Brake to tow my Jeep. Also check out SMI and M&G braking systems they are very good. This is the lowest cost for a new Base plate that I found.

Blue OX Baseplate - $335.85

scenic route · 01-18-2011, 05:39 PM

Ok, it's been almost 2 months Don. Whatjawldo? Inquiring minds...Bob

Don_Monaco · 01-22-2011, 09:28 AM

Greetings All:
Well this is where this saga has led me. I found a Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar used on-line but the seller has gone dark. That takes me to the WEB.

At HitchSource I found a Roadmaster MX baseplate for 299.00 plus shipping.
At AdventureRV.net I found a Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar for 469.00.

I plan to go to Camping World and hopefully they will install without being too upset I did not purchase from them. but they are waaaaaay more expensive. So I have not done any of this yet wut will before RV season and for me that is May.

Thanks everyone.
Don

ps side point this is the third time I typed all this in due to the fact the terrible Dell notebook mouse decides to move where ever it wants to go and I keep losing everything. Yep I know I can plug an external in and fix the issue but it is my wifes computer. She seems to be ok with it.

tncruiser · 01-22-2011, 09:38 AM

don
i installed my base plate in about 3 hours very straight forward only 2 holes to drill
for lights i drilled a 15/16 hole in my tail light lens and pressed an 1157 bulb and socket in and wired to a flat 4 connecter works great lighting was less than 20 bux
briabj