New to Towing and Need Opinions

[RJay]

This past Thanksgiving Holiday we purchased a new toad. Actually this is the first car we've been able to tow since going fulltime six years ago, we've always driven behind the coach in our previous car. We bought a '12 Jeep Grand cherokee 4x4 and since this is our first toad I've been looking for a base plate, tow bar and brake. The Jeep has a class IV hitch and tow package.

Up until now I've been carrying my yamaha fz6 motorcycle on a carrier which fits into the receive of the coach and since we'll now have a toad I'm planning to carry the bike on the class IV hitch of the Jeep. The tongue weight of the hitch is rated for about 1100 lbs. The bike and carrier weigh in at about 575 lbs., well below the tongue weight. The total payload capacity of the Jeep is 1580 lbs. so the load of the bike should be well within the capacity of the rear axel and well under the GVWR of 6500 lbs. of the Jeep. The Jeep came with a load leveling option where an onboard compressor automatically adds air to the air shocks to keep the Jeep level.

I am considering adding a Blue Ox Base plate with a Blue Ox Alladin tow bar rated at 7500 lbs. but considering up sizing to the Blue Ox 10,000 lbs. rated tow bar for piece of mind. Finally, I like the Air Force One supplemental braking system for the Jeep.

I'm wondering what you experienced towers think of this tow package and have you had any problems with any components.

[JohnRR]

Do you have a picture of your MH towing the MC? Do you tow it where it sits on the carrier like a bicycle (sideways)?

I'm thinking if you have 1100lb tongue weight and if you already carry the cycle side ways I'd be looking at a custom made or modified carrier that would mount the bike on the hitch and tow the Jeep rather than put the weight on my Jeep. The tow bar for all practical purposes adds no tongue weight.

While the Jeep does have the payload of 1580 I would not be happy with all the weight carried on the hitch.

[GaryKD]

Hi RJay,
Consider upgrading the Blue Ox to the 10K model. I have no comment on the braking system because I have USGEAR. I had to replace the USGEAR control board in the toad, but other than that it has worked perfectly for 6+ years.

[Route 66]

I used a Blue Ox 10K Adventa tow bar, and a Brake Buddy Vantage. Never had a problem.

I had the Brake Buddy set to only activate during hard or panic stops and it rarely activated.

The coach's brakes and Jake brake were quite sufficient .

I would not recommend the Aladdin for any but the smaller toads because of the aluminum construction.

[JohnRR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route 66 I used a Blue Ox 10K Adventa tow bar, and a Brake Buddy Vantage. Never had a problem. I would not recommend the Aladdin for any but the smaller toads because of the aluminum construction.

Funny you mention that I have a brand new unused Aladdin (5K) I bought to tow my Fiat Spider which is still in pieces it weights in at about 2200lbs, when my wife got her MKX it weighs in at 4700lbs which made me feel uncomfortable thinking of using the aluminum bar so I bought a Adventa II (with the round knuckle) and 10K capacity I made one 2500+ mile trip a while back to the east coast and was very satisfied with it.

[jeepfreak]

Just wondering , did you have to get a v-8 engine to get the transfer case with the neutral position?

[Finhawk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepfreak Just wondering , did you have to get a v-8 engine to get the transfer case with the neutral position?

No, you just need the automatic tranny and 4WD

[H. Miller]

Knowing NOTHING about Newmars, may we assume the MH reciever is rated at 10,000 lbs? Rather than the 5,000 lbs. seen in so many MH's