Researching Cost Estimates for Full 4 Down Setup

[htmac007]

After purchasing my rig and now the toad I need to mate them together with a tow package. I will NOT be attempting to DIY this so am relying on the "experts" to install and setup.

Rig is a Newmar Ventana LE with a 10k hitch
TOAD is a 6,000lb 2018 Chevy Colorado 4X4

My question as I seek estimates - what seems to be a fair price for a complete setup and install?

1st estimate:
Roadmaster Nighthawk $1200 (within $100 of internet pricing)
Baseplate $950
Wiring $325
M&G brake setup and install $1595
Approx $4100 + tax

Am I in the game or should I keep looking?
Based in Houston Texas so if anyone has recommendations am all ears!
Thanks in advance!

[Floridakamper]

The base plate seems high but I didn't research it.

Personally, I would go with a Blue Ox setup instead of Roadmaster. I've had both. They both work but I like the way the front of my toad looks with the Blue Ox base plate and the tow bar just seems sturdier.

[Cooperhawk]

That seems awful high to me. I did Blue Ox and Air Force One for about half that.

[htmac007]

Originally Posted by Cooperhawk

That seems awful high to me. I did Blue Ox and Air Force One for about half that.

Does the AF1 also use the Air brake from the rig?

[redcolorado]

Something to consider is the height of your RV hitch in relation to the tow bar attach points on the Colorado. I have the Blue Ox base plates in my Colorado and the attach points are about 23 inches above the ground. This works out perfect for my coach, the hitch is also 23 inches above the ground. I understand the Roadmaster base plate attach points are lower. Not that it matters but are you sure your Colorado weighs 6,000 lbs? Mine is also a 4X4 Z71 crew cab and actual weight full of fuel and a few tools is 4,635.

[Dutch Star Don]

"htmac007"....I do my own installs and I know what it takes to do the baseplates on your new truck. That price is a little high, by probably $150 - $200. If the same guy is doing all the work, I would work on a better package deal.

As stated, your truck only weighs about 4600 -4800 pounds, unless you've added something big to it.

Lastly, don't forget that the battery has to be set up so that it can be disconnected while towing....very important. On mine, I added the Roadmaster electronic battery disconnect. I have a switch in my cab that lets me push it and disconnect the truck battery.

If you PM me with an email address, I'll send you a card I created that condenses the procedure for putting the truck in neutral and then back in drive. On the back of my card, I also have the procedure if the truck doesn't want to come out of neutral. I've never had it happen, but there is a procedure. I printed out the instructions and then laminated it, keeping t in the passenger's seat pocket.

[htmac007]

Originally Posted by redcolorado

Something to consider is the height of your RV hitch in relation to the tow bar attach points on the Colorado. I have the Blue Ox base plates in my Colorado and the attach points are about 23 inches above the ground. This works out perfect for my coach, the hitch is also 23 inches above the ground. I understand the Roadmaster base plate attach points are lower. Not that it matters but are you sure your Colorado weighs 6,000 lbs? Mine is also a 4X4 Z71 crew cab and actual weight full of fuel and a few tools is 4,635.

Will research more on the attach points - Thanks!

And no, I am not sure about the 6,000 lbs. Only repeating what I saw on the paperwork.

[Bojets]

Im in Houston also and went to a local dealer. I was looking at the complete Roadmaster package. NightHawk tow bar, baseplates and Invisibrake,total was around $3700.00.
Im still looking and leaning more toward the Blueox Avail, Baseplates and Airforce 1.I have not finished pricing it out, but Ill do the install myself. Toad is 2014 Jeep Patriot 5spd 4wheel drive.2018 DS 4369

[Cooperhawk]

Originally Posted by htmac007

Does the AF1 also use the Air brake from the rig?

Yes it does. We also ran a 12 volt line from the coach to the battery to prevent draining the toad battery.