Community Forums

HamboneTHW · 11-11-2018, 07:27 PM

New to the TOAD life. We just leased a 2018 Jeep Wrangler (JL). I'm looking for good options for set up that are:

1. Least intrusive install (tow bar, braking system, etc.) that will be easy to remove at the end of the lease and hopefully not catch the eye of the dealer I end up turning the vehicle back into.
2. Simple: Ease of installation, set up, hooking up and unhooking.
3. Cost: Looking for affordability.
4. Quality: Obviously looking for something safe and dependable.

Any insight and advice is greatly appreciated!

Rkesselus · 11-11-2018, 07:41 PM

I would not even think of doing that without the owners approval. In my experience you are not going to find a base plate that will not require work that will be obvious when removed. Might want to get a trailer to haul it around.

HamboneTHW · 11-11-2018, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rkesselus

I would not even think of doing that without the owners approval. In my experience you are not going to find a base plate that will not require work that will be obvious when removed. Might want to get a trailer to haul it around.

Looking at Blue Ox's base plate, it seems there is one piece of plastic that requires trimming. From past experience, that piece that requires trimming would cost about $150-$200 for a new one to replace after removing the base plate prior to returning the vehicle.

Am I missing something?

Mr_D · 11-11-2018, 07:56 PM

Check the lease paperwork. You may be in violation of it since that's mileage that isn't recorded.

HamboneTHW · 11-11-2018, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Check the lease paperwork. You may be in violation of it since that's mileage that isn't recorded.

I thought flat towing did rack up mileage? I apologize, very new to TOAD conversations and trying to catch up on research.

HamboneTHW · 11-11-2018, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Check the lease paperwork. You may be in violation of it since that's mileage that isn't recorded.

And what they don't know won't hurt, right

Tetonchief · 11-11-2018, 08:31 PM

Check your contract--do not violate a lease contract unless you have deep, deep pockets!

THenman · 11-11-2018, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HamboneTHW

I thought flat towing did rack up mileage? I apologize, very new to TOAD conversations and trying to catch up on research.

At least on Jeeps it does not. My Jeep shows just over 6k miles but it also has about 12k miles towed.

I know it took a bit of work and modification for folks to get my Jeep set up with Roadmaster and AirForce One.

Like above I'd sure check you lease even if you plan to buy at the end of it.

Tom

HamboneTHW · 11-11-2018, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tetonchief

Check your contract--do not violate a lease contract unless you have deep, deep pockets!

So the terms are pretty short. They state:
"You promise that neither you nor anyone else will: (1) use the vehicle in any way which is illegal; (2) use the vehicle in any way that would cause cancellation or suspension of the required insurance, warranty or other protection; (3) use the vehicle as a public or private carrier; (4) remove the vehicle fore more than 30 days from the state where you reside or from the United States; (5) alter or remove equipment from the vehicle which would decrease its value; (6) us the vehicle in a livery service or conveying parcels or people for hire; (7) operate the vehicle without the required driving license or insurance coverage; (8) fail to pay any fine, toll, ticket or penalty associated with the vehicle."

I see number 5, but part of this question resides with that. I know they will go through with a fine tooth comb, but other than an additional drilled hole on a mounting bracket and a slight alteration to the bumper mounting bracket, the Blue Ox base plate (don't know if there is one that would be less intrusive) that would remain after removing the base plate and replacing the plastic roll pan that would show any sign of anything being there.

Anyone with any experience here? I'm worried that if I call and ask that they'll put a note on my contract. Any other ideas on how to figure out if I can or not?

Thanks in advance.

**Lt Dan** · 11-11-2018, 09:48 PM

That piece of plastic that the instructions says has to be trimmed is just an air dam below the bumper and can be removed and left off. However as others have posted, check your lease agreement to make sure you won't wind up with a penalty. As for braking systems, something like the RVI3 that lays in the floorboard will work. The breakaway switch can be routed in a way you don't have to drill holes. The other consideration is lighting. Unless you use magnetic tow lights, some kind of modification will be required to have the required lighting.

Arch Hoagland · 11-11-2018, 09:56 PM

What auxiliary braking system are you going to install on the Jeep?

lass · 11-12-2018, 05:34 AM

I’m in the process of setting up my JL and have priced the air damm that has to be modified. The plastic one is about $60 and the steel bumper option one is about $160.

I installed the Blue Ox baseplate and will add the AF1 brake system.