Community Forums

wmpatl · 08-09-2010, 11:56 AM

We are new owners of a 2006 Presidio 39 and are new to RVing.
After first trip we have decided we need to have a Toad.
We bought a new Chevy Equinox and are trying to decide between Blus Ox and a Roadmaster tow bar and baseplate.
Your recommendations and experiences would be appreciated.
Anyone have an Equinox Toad?
Thanks,
Bill Poole

CaptPat · 08-09-2010, 01:45 PM

We have a Blue Ox Aventa II, works fine, easy to hook up and is well hidden when unattached.

pameridan04 · 08-09-2010, 02:05 PM

I have the Blue Ox Tow Bar.... Blue Ox just came out with a new car bracket especially for Chevy Equinox.

They make really strong car brackets and they don't stick out in front of the vechicle.

Neither the Tow Bar or Bracket is cheap though.

Regards Jim P.

Always-RVing · 08-09-2010, 02:29 PM

I had the Blue Ox base-plate, Blue Ox 10k Tow Bar, US Gear Unified brake system, wiring, everything. Complete out-the-door with taxes, etc. for $3,100.

2006 Honda CR-V

Recommend? Yes

SeeTheUSA · 08-09-2010, 04:11 PM

I installed RoadMaster equipment on our 2010 Mini Cooper - opted for the EZ Twistlock series hidden brackets. Very good quality and design.

Norm4015 · 08-09-2010, 04:25 PM

I have a Blue Ox Aladdin tow bar and Blue Ox baseplate. But both Blue Ox and Roandmaster make excellent equipment and you can't go wrong with either.

RickO · 08-10-2010, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptPat

We have a Blue Ox Aventa II, works fine, easy to hook up and is well hidden when unattached.

Same here. I've become a big fan of Blue Ox products and also have their bike rack, drop hitch and locks. But, as already noted, they (nor Roadmaster) are not cheap.

RV Wizard · 08-11-2010, 02:30 AM

I prefer the Blue Ox base plate and Aventa II tow bar but then also prefer the Roadmaster Brakemaster brake assist.

Dave and Jaime · 08-11-2010, 03:51 AM

I couldn't be happier with our Roadmaster Sterling tow bar. It is SO EASY to attach/disconnect from the toad. Base plate is inconspicous on the toad. Honestly, the Blue Ox and Roadmaster products will both be fine products. Just shop for whichever one you get the best deal on -- and some dealers do sell them on ebay so check it out.

hardy1000 · 08-11-2010, 05:43 AM

Blue Ox Aventa and base plate. Second Blue Ox setup with never a problem.

carmantx · 08-11-2010, 06:47 AM

I just installed the Roadmaster base plate on our Enclave this past weekend. Haven't pulled it yet. I read and searched for which to get, Roadmaster or Blue Ox. I read the instructions on each for my model of vehicle. The Blue ox in this case required a good bit of cutting under our vehicle, and the roadmaster required none. So I chose the roadmaster.

Point is, look at each. Look at pictures of installs of each on your vehicle type and see which looks best to you. Can't go wrong with either brand as far as I have heard.

The Shadow · 08-11-2010, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carmantx

I just installed the Roadmaster base plate on our Enclave this past weekend. Haven't pulled it yet. I read and searched for which to get, Roadmaster or Blue Ox. I read the instructions on each for my model of vehicle. The Blue ox in this case required a good bit of cutting under our vehicle, and the roadmaster required none. So I chose the roadmaster.

Point is, look at each. Look at pictures of installs of each on your vehicle type and see which looks best to you. Can't go wrong with either brand as far as I have heard.

Our experience with Blue Ox and "no cutting required" was not good. In Dec 2006 I bought a Tahoe and Blue Ox instructions said no cutting required (we already had the Aventa II and baseplates for the Colorado we traded). Well, that turned out to be wrong. I still don't know how BO blew it but they did - and they were NOT helpful at all in solving the problem. Their suggestion was one that made us shudder as we would have had a high risk of shattering the front. We ended up having to cut a piece out of recesses for the tow hooks. Nice aspect of the Tahoe is that no cross support is required because of the strength of the frame. And, it also tows very well. The BO baseplates were well made (but slightly incorrectly) and they provide very strong cables to back up the installation bolts.

Moral of the story - don't trust the photos and the install description 100% since they could be incorrect - and don't always count on BO support.

Now, DW has a 2006 Equinox which is not towable. We've been dancing around the thought of getting a 2010/2011 Equinox for her and I'd like to tow it since it is so much lighter (we started towing the Tahoe with a 41 ft DP and now tow with a 32.5 ft Greyhawk Kodiak gasser). So, I'm really interested in how the install of your baseplates works out. Please keep us informed.

jacmat · 08-11-2010, 08:09 AM

I have a Blue Ox, Aventa II with custom made base plate from a dealer installer. I am satisfied, but if I had to do it again I would buy the readybrute tow bar which incorporates the toad brake. Very sturdy tow bar and good brake, and lots cheaper than the others for tow bar and brake.
RV Tow bars with Integrated ReadyBrake Surge Brake, Standard TowBars - Night Shift Auto

Dragonrover · 08-23-2010, 11:28 AM

My dealings with Blue Ox have been nothing but great. They are a very reliable company. You might want to think about getting "the patriot" to go along with your blue ox products. Its a great system.