Enclave to tow, what do I need?

[carmantx]

Looking for a list, and some help. I have searched and read and need help deciding what to get for the Least Expensive option that is good. I will be doing the installations. We have been towing on a trailer, and now looking for dinghy towing.

Looks like blue ox base plates require some cutting to work on Enclave, and roadmaster does not. But looks like Blue ox tow bars are less expensive?

Bottom line, can someone give me a simple basic list of what I need? And recommended lowest cost brand. Maybe best place to order on internet?

Base plate
Tow bar (can I mix brands?)
Wiring adapter

Am I missing anything.

Thanks for the help.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by carmantx Bottom line, can someone give me a simple basic list of what I need? And recommended lowest cost brand. Maybe best place to order on Internet?

carmantx, Your best option is to call Blue Ox directly. They will be able to assist you in selecting only those components that you need plus they will explain what needs to be done and how much time it should take to get the job done.

You can buy your Blue Ox products from www.rvupgrades.com. Call and ask for Bill he should also be able to help you.

One other source for Blue Ox would be Discount Towing Supply.

[FlyingDiver]

Even if it costs a little more, I would go with the blue ox baseplate over the roadmaster. The blue ox one is barely visible on an Enclave if you remove the pins. The roadmaster is always obvious, as I recall.

It's possible to mix brands, but will usually require an adapter of some sort which will cost more. I don't recommend it if you're buying new stuff.

joe

[TXiceman]

Also, don't forget you need dinghy brakes as well.

Ken

[Gary RVRoamer]

Both Blue Ox and Roadmaster have lower priced models of tow bars, but the high end ones are the most convenient. Take your pick on that score, trading cost for convenience as you see fit.

The base plates have to protrude through the fascia somehow, and I don't see how the Roadmaster could be much different than Blue Ox. The fascia on these cars extends far down from the bumper, so there is no way for the base plate to come out under it or around it.

I have an Acadia (a brother to the Enclave) and use the Blue Ox base plates with an Aventa LX tow bar.

[carmantx]

Thanks Everyone.

The blue ox base plate requires a good bit of cutting of the underside support pieces for the front facia and other panels. The roadmaster doesn't require the same amount of cutting underneath. They both come out of the lower grill area.

What about wiring kits?

Yes, the dinghy brakes. what to do, what to do.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I suspect you are agonizing over mostly insignificant details. Mostly it is convenience vs cost and your personal preference. ALL the toad brakes work. All the tow bars work. The top of the line units are very nice - Roadmaster All Terrain and Blue Ox Aventa LV tow bars and SMI AF1 or US Gear Unified Tow Brake or M&G brakes. If you are willing to give up a bit of convenience for reduced cost, there are plenty of other viable choices. A-frame tow bars with a ball hitch. Simple brakes like the Tow-V-Aire or an older Brake Buddy.

And watch for used equipment on Ebay, craigs list, etc..

[FlyingDiver]

hitchtrader.com is also a good place to look.

joe

[deandec]

I cannot recommend anything but what we have used for 8 years since I have no other experience.

Roadmaster Sterling tow bar: Leave it on the Coach. Adjustable arms for easy on and off connections. Aluminum material so light weight and stays rust free, so far. Wiring channels to contain the MH to Toad wire loom. Built in safety cables.

Roadmater base plates: I have two Jeep GC and baseplates for each. They are visible but not protruding. No cutting was required.

Brake Buddy Classic: Pendulum braking. Did cost me a set of brake calipers due apparently to operator error.

[Dragonrover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman Also, don't forget you need dinghy brakes as well. Ken

Yes, these are important. I eventually got rid of my old Brake Buddy, with the pendulum, and upgraded to D-Brake's Professional Tow Brake for my dinghy towing. Pretty much wireless and runs off of computer chips. Technology sure is getting ridiculous!

[carmantx]

ok, finding bars, brakes and base plates on ebay and craigslist.

What else is needed with wiring? Any recommendations?

[carmantx]

Just in case anybody searches and needs to know.

I put on the roadmaster base plate, and got a great deal on a falcon 2 tow bar with accessories. Also got a brake buddy.

The roadmaster base plate went on fine and all worked out great for the 1000 mile trip this past week.

All we do is pull bat1 fuse and the enclave pulled fine.

[TXiceman]

What did you get for the dinghy braking system?

Ken

[carmantx]

Quote:

What did you get for the dinghy braking system?

Ken, we got the Brake Buddy classic.