Chevy HHR - Blue Ox or Roadmaster Base Plates?

[dkhender]

Just purchased a 2006 Chevy HHR to tow behind the MH. Planning to use a ReadyBrake/ReadyBrute integrated tow-bar/braking system.

However, not sure which base plates might be easier to install and work with? I plan to do the work myself. I've looked over instructions for both the Blue Ox and Roadmaster base plates, and it appears to me that on the Chevy HHR the Blue Ox base plates are easier to install than the Roadmaster.

Any one offer any practical experience/installation tips for a Chevy HHR with either the Blue Ox or Roadmaster base plates?

[Abnmarine]

Can't help you yet on the installation as I just ordered mine. I went with the Blue Ox setup. I agree that the instructions make it appear an easy install. I'll be doing mine in a couple of weeks at a friends house since he has a car lift.

[paz]

You'll probably end up taking the entire front fascia off the car, which can be a little intimidating for some people. But most cars nowadays use little snap-on connectors that makes it east to unfasten and refasten the fascia. The only thing you really have to worry about is to not loose any of the connectors and not to scratch the paint.

I don't know about Roadmaster, but Blue Ox uses nuts with wires welded onto them to fasten the base plates onto the vehicle frame. The wires are used to position the nuts while you stick them up inside the frame member and hold them until you get the bolt started. These can be a PITA to get positioned. I got one bolt thread started crooked and ended up twisting the wire off the nut. Then I couldn't hold the nut to get it back off. I finally got everything installed and tightened as it should be. Just make sure your nuts are positioned correctly and the threads are started properly before you attempt to tighten the bolts all the way.

[hardy1000]

I installed the Blue Ox base plate on my 09 Wrangler and the fit was perfect. I had to remove the bumper and belly pan which wasn't to difficult.

[Lued]

I installed a blue ox on my 1999 Cherokee sport, it was a easy install and looks good to, Shop around, prices vary. Denny

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkhender Just purchased a 2006 Chevy HHR to tow behind the MH. Planning to use a ReadyBrake/ReadyBrute integrated tow-bar/braking system. However, not sure which base plates might be easier to install and work with? I plan to do the work myself. I've looked over instructions for both the Blue Ox and Roadmaster base plates, and it appears to me that on the Chevy HHR the Blue Ox base plates are easier to install than the Roadmaster. Any one offer any practical experience/installation tips for a Chevy HHR with either the Blue Ox or Roadmaster base plates?

I had mine installed for me on my 09 HHR. The installer said he had to drill holes to match up base plate with frame. It is a good match otherwise and looks good. My mh is 22" high and the base plate tow bar connections are 11" off the ground.I had to put a 10" drop down receiver to tow level.

Cliff

[mythplaced]

Blue Ox---Roadmaster
CA Cheddar---WI Cheddar take your pick....good and bad on BOTH sides


Did the Roadmaster on the 05 Exploder...

Simplest install ever.....for the baseplate...

Now the wiring for the lights and the Evenbrake...just a bit more difficult....there is not much space under the dashboard and in front of the seats...I suppose this would be easy for a contortionist pygmy but not for me!

[rv rick]

I put a Raodmaster onto our 2009 HHR and it worked out great -- see HHR Roadmaster Bracket for pictures and some suggestions on how to make it a bit easier.

[dkhender]

Quote:

Originally Posted by clifftall I had mine installed for me on my 09 HHR. The installer said he had to drill holes to match up base plate with frame. It is a good match otherwise and looks good. My mh is 22" high and the base plate tow bar connections are 11" off the ground.I had to put a 10" drop down receiver to tow level. Cliff

Any problems with the 10" drop down receiver? My MH is 21" high, and on 06 HHR appears baseplates will be 13" from ground - I'm concerned about that distance, going to try going with 6" drop down, but may have to go with 8" and I'm concerned about it dragging.

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkhender Any problems with the 10" drop down receiver? My MH is 21" high, and on 06 HHR appears baseplates will be 13" from ground - I'm concerned about that distance, going to try going with 6" drop down, but may have to go with 8" and I'm concerned about it dragging.

Some steep driveways are a problem. I just go super slow and it drags a little .Blue ox sells something that goes on the bottom of the receiver with rollers of some sort. I just take it easy as I said and all is well.

Cliff

[tncruiser]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardy1000 I installed the Blue Ox base plate on my 09 Wrangler and the fit was perfect. I had to remove the bumper and belly pan which wasn't to difficult.

did you find a good price on the base plate,it seems that every place i look they want list price. i would prefer to find a deal
thans
brianj

[Abnmarine]

I found my baseplate for $376 shipped. I can post the link tonight if you want.

[wa8yxm]

When it comes to Blue-OX/Roadmaster I have a stock answer (Oh for the record I have a blue ox)

Get whatever our dealer sells. Or, whichever is easier for you to get

There really is not much difference in the two at any level.

[RMS]

I installed a Demco baseplate with no major problems. As I recall the Demco online instructions for install were less complicated than Blue Ox.

One difference in the units is--- that the Blue Ox is called "invisble" with removable tabs. Demco is not "invisible". My reasoning on that advantage is that Demco is visible but, at least I can't lose the tabs.