Community Forums

billdunnells · 12-22-2015, 12:09 PM

I sure hope someone can help me, We just purchased our first RV (33ft. Class A), and we are looking at purchasing the Blue Ox Aladdin (BX4325) tow bar, the Blue Ox base plate (BX1119) and the Patriot braking system and a Magnetic Towing Light Kit to tow our 2003 Jeep Liberty.
My question is
1). Do I need to install a brake-lite relay ?
2). Is there anything else I will need ?
3). Is this the best set-up for a 2003 Jeep Liberty ?
4). Is this a good and safe hook-up ?
We won't be towing much, just Va. to Fl and park for the winter.

dennis45 · 12-22-2015, 12:20 PM

You will most certainly get a bunch of opinions on this. Here is mine.

Since you are new to towing, I suggest gathering up your equipment and find a reputable installer to install the base plate, wire up the lights, (forget the Magnetic idea) install and wire the Breakaway Switch for the Patriot and give you a crash course on how to hook up and disconnect. At the end of the day, it will be the best few hundred bucks you can spend and have peace of mind that it's done properly. Seeing your toad sneak out to the side while you're cruising down the highway will ruin your day.

The equipment you have is as good as any on the market but it's the way it is installed and used that counts.

Gormleys · 12-28-2015, 04:08 PM

First off, welcome to the forum! Be sure to read through this blog and look for others with Jeep Wranglers. There are a number of other posts that will give you more ideas. Also, check out Motorhome Magazine's towing guide. Recent years are posted online and you can buy other years if needed. They do a great job explaining what you need and why you need it for flat towing.

Lastly, have someone else do this first install so that you will feel safe.

powercat_ras · 12-28-2015, 04:30 PM

If going with Blue Ox, I think you should look at the Blue Ox BX7445 Aventa LX tow bar, it is cheaper, has more towing capacity ( 10,000 lbs ) and has a 360 degree swivel feature that makes it easier to hook up if your hook up site is not level. Personally I have the BX 7365 Alpha 6,500 lb. tow bar and am satisfied with it.

I have an all Blue Ox towing setup and am satisfied with it. Just make sure you maintain the towbar and base plate per their guidelines, lubricating as they suggest. If you have any issues at all they are at all major RV rallies and will provide support after the sale even if your warranty is up.

Gdawgs · 12-28-2015, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billdunnells

I sure hope someone can help me, We just purchased our first RV (33ft. Class A), and we are looking at purchasing the Blue Ox Aladdin (BX4325) tow bar, the Blue Ox base plate (BX1119) and the Patriot braking system and a Magnetic Towing Light Kit to tow our 2003 Jeep Liberty.
My question is
1). Do I need to install a brake-lite relay ?
2). Is there anything else I will need ?
3). Is this the best set-up for a 2003 Jeep Liberty ?
4). Is this a good and safe hook-up ?
We won't be towing much, just Va. to Fl and park for the winter.

I have the exact same setup your talking about. I tow a 2011 Accord and installed the Blue Ox base plate, and Patriot braking system. and the Towmate LED lights that mount on the trunk lid along with the Blue Ox tow bar. The only thing I changed was adding a marine grade AGM battery for the brake system rather than using the car's battery to run the Patriot. It consumes a lot of power and will drain the car's battery. I also carry a battery charger and charge both the lights and battery at every camp site on my journey. You'll love the setup and it works great. Towmate uses a wireless connection to the light bar so very easy hookup and not relay required.