Community Forums

Buly · 03-13-2017, 07:06 AM

Hi,
We bought a 2014 Honda CRV for our future dinghy. Planing to buy the RV in late summer.
I will be installing the Blue OX base plate myself. Since the front end trim will be removed, what else should be installed when everything is open? Hate to do it all over again to install something that I should have done earlier.
Thanks in advance.

MSHappyCampers · 03-13-2017, 08:09 AM

If you choose the NSA ReadyBrake braking system, which I recommend, then the cable from the front to the brake pedal would need to be installed. It would be easier to do with the front cap off.

cwit · 03-13-2017, 08:16 AM

Wiring from front to rear tail lights might be easier.

KennyGolub · 03-13-2017, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwit

Wiring from front to rear tail lights might be easier.

... X2

ronspradley · 03-13-2017, 08:38 AM

And now is the time for wiring from MH to CRV battery to keep CRV battery charged while towing.

Buly · 03-13-2017, 10:10 AM

Thank you all for the advise.
Looks like I have to come up with a decision on a brake system and brake lights wiring too?

Cover Dog · 03-13-2017, 02:05 PM

Easiest lighting hook up for your 2014 CRV is a Hopkins custom tail light wiring kit #HM56304 $69.95 which can be purchased from Etrailer. It's plug-and-play no splicing or diodes of any kind. You'll also need a brake light relay kit which is part number RM88400 $28.95.

Since you're pulling off the front facia yourself you will not have any problem hooking up the brake light wiring. Etrailer has videos that show exactly how to do it.

That's what we used on our 2014 CRV and the only modification I made was to cut off the four pin plug in the front and wire it directly into our six pin plug.

Bigd9 · 03-13-2017, 02:46 PM

The Hopkins Tow Bar Wiring kit- HM56304 has the required diodes incorporated into the wiring in a "weatherproof box that keeps built-in diodes protected".

You only need the brake relay if your toad braking system you choose uses the toad brake pedal to apply the toad brakes. Several great systems out there do not use the toad brake pedal.

While you have the front end trim removed, as has already been said, install the wiring for turn signals, brake(if it is a separate circuit) , tail lights, ground, and a 12 volt "charge wire". Also if you choose a toad brake system that uses a air hose to activate the the brakes install that 1/4 inch line now also. If you choose a system that uses a cable to pull the brake pedal install that.

So many options, so many choices! Good luck.

Cover Dog · 03-13-2017, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigd9

The Hopkins Tow Bar Wiring kit- HM56304 has the required diodes incorporated into the wiring in a "weatherproof box that keeps built-in diodes protected".

You only need the brake relay if your toad braking system you choose uses the toad brake pedal to apply the toad brakes. Several great systems out there do not use the toad brake pedal.

Good clarification.

chinobob · 03-14-2017, 09:33 AM

X2 with CoverDog and Bigd9. I have had 2 CR-V's with my current one being a 2012. The base plate and related things are not difficult to install but do need patience! Instructions all over the net are very clear and the installation is straight forward. I picked the Blue Ox brake system that does use the toad brake pedal. Frankly, I'm not too concerned with stopping it behind the DP but did want the breakaway system just in case the toad gets away from the coach for some reason. It does need to be installed when towing and removed to drive it but it isn't a problem at all. About a minute to remove it. Good luck and happy travels.

Bigd9 · 03-14-2017, 10:39 AM

When I installed the BlueOx baseplate on my 09 CR-V I had to drill several holes in the frame. Let me tell you, that frame steel is some hard stuff! I had to get several Cobalt Drill Bits and start small and increased the hole size bit by bit. There was also one small flange on the frame that was supposed to be "bent out of the way". Yea right. That sucker resisted everything I threw at it including about 5000 4 letter bad words! I finally had to grind the flange off.

Buly · 03-14-2017, 01:43 PM

Thanks again guys.
Looks like I will go with InvisiBrake, since I want it to be out of the way and not having to install and remove every time I need to move the Toad. It will be lots of fun ahead