First time Towing car

[edggy]

I will be towing a car for the first time this year. I am looking at
the roadmaster type tow bars and blue ox systems can anyone offer
advice on either system. Which is easier to hookup how do you set up
your lights on the toad do I need magnetic tow lights or can the cars
lights be used for turn signal and breaking etc. Which suplemental
braking system is best and easy to use. I will be towing a 2005 Chevy
Cobalt
Thanks Ed Lauzon
1992 Champion Europremier 33ft
Spartan Chassis
Cummins 5.9 230hp
Chevy Cobalt

[edggy]

I will be towing a car for the first time this year. I am looking at
the roadmaster type tow bars and blue ox systems can anyone offer
advice on either system. Which is easier to hookup how do you set up
your lights on the toad do I need magnetic tow lights or can the cars
lights be used for turn signal and breaking etc. Which suplemental
braking system is best and easy to use. I will be towing a 2005 Chevy
Cobalt
Thanks Ed Lauzon
1992 Champion Europremier 33ft
Spartan Chassis
Cummins 5.9 230hp
Chevy Cobalt

[Webster]

I labored hard over which system to buy. I finally decided that Blue Ox was the way to go. You can order the stuff on-line at RVupgrades.com or www.PPLmotorhomes.com (which has great prices). I bought the Aventa II and am very happy with it. I bought the 10,000-lb stuff because I didn't want to be borderline with 5,000 which my GC is close to.

You're going to need a brake system for the Toad and I highly recommend the Unified Tow Brake system. Nothing to remove from the Toad. Just plug it in between the motorhome and toad and you're set to go. You have a control in the motorhome. But, the important thing is that it uses the toad's power brakes which helps you stop in half or less the distance.

I will admit, it is a bugger to install. It will take the better part of a day, but for me, the extra safety is well worth it. I got mine on sale at PPLmotorhomes on the Internet on sale for $759 (usually sells for about $1,300).

If you just want a good system, the Brake Buddy is the other way to go. They set the standard for brake systems of its type. You just set it on the floor, hook up the arm, and test it a couple of times each time you tow. It sells for about $1,100 at Camping World, but you can buy it at other places for much less. PPLmotorhomes had it for $765 a while ago.

Hope this helps....

[rebelsbeach]

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[ajbjrvers]

To; Edggy

Pulling toad since 1996, all blue ox, in 2000 I purchased the brake buddy system, no problems, other than those I caused thru lack of smarts, read my postings uned base plate maintanance.

Awaiting arrival of our 06 pontiac toad, all the new stuff from RVUPGRADES, best prices, is in my front hallway. The brake buddy disconnect wiring is already off old toad, 2 screws, ready to run on new toad. Make sure there is not more than 4 inches in height between moho and toad, if there is ,use a drop receiver.

Hope this info helps.====== AJBJRVERS

[Dave Bowers]

Brake Buddy has been fine for me.

[E Z Livin]

edggy, you have some choices that have been suggested to you. Lights. I ellected to add a second set of lights inside my Rangers tail light assembly. Ran the wiring under and put a plug assembly on the front and keep a loop of wire coiled up in the grill.
Installing the tow base plate and doing the lights turned out to be a pain for me. Long story but what could go wrong, did. Next time, I will have the lights and brackets installed. I use the Brake Buddy and there is really nothing to install except two cables to be fished thru the fire wall.
Of course I am getting to be an old goat and do not like these type projects that I used to thrive on. Just my 2 cents.

[RUFINIT]

edggy,

I have used Roadmaster since 1997 and have had great success with it. It really comes down to what you get used to. I think both companies are real good. Roadmaster is located in Portland OR and if you stop by, will take care of you if a problem.

As far as brake system, you have a couple of decisions to make. Do you mind taking the extra 2-5 minutes when you connect and disconnect? If not you can get the type that you place in front of the driver's seat and hook to the brake pedal. If you want the total no hassle appraoch, then the one like US Gear or M and G are the way to go. Plug in your umbillical cord with the brake wire incorporated and your good to go. I like mine a lot.

Same with lights. you can use magnets and have to do it every time, being careful not to scratch the toad surface and run the wires or just plug in and be good to go. I like the latter.

All the systems will serve you well. Some take a bit more effort, but what the hay...?

[ajbjrvers]

To; Edggy;

Haven't heard anything as to what you're going to use for your toad.

It would be very informative to others, patcularly, newbies, to tell us what you have decided on and why you made the choice.

The more info we share, the smarter we can get.

Thanks AJ AIME