Community Forums

PAPA J · 03-12-2014, 09:50 AM

I am ready to purchase a tow bar and toad brake system. I have a 2004 Monaco Dynasty Chancellor and will be towing a 2010 Ford Fusion. I do not want anything to put in or take out of the car when hooking up or unhooking. I have estimates from Camping World for a Falcon 2 tow bar #520 and Roadmaster InvisiBrake #8700. The estimate also includes a lub pump for the toad which may not be needed.

On a separate estimate, they figured a Blue-Ox tow bar with the Air Force One system. This estimate also includes the lub pump that may not be needed.

The installed price of these systems are a little over $5,000.00 with the lub pump consuming around $2,000.00 for the Falcon / InvisiBrake. The Blue-Ox / Air Force One was a little over $6,000.00.

I try to buy quality products and would like some input on a good working system and would like to find something for less money. I am not familiar with the different systems to be comfortably with buying used equipment with out some guidance.

I have traveled all over the US pulling a trailer behind motor homes. With the larger coach, I think a tow bar will work better for me.

Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated. Any Suggestions for other installers etc. I would like to have one reliable facility to handle everything as a turn key operation.

PAPA "J"
2004 Dynasty Chancellor
1965 Corvair Sport Sedan Toad (on trailer)
Hoping for a 2010 Fusion on tow bar

MSHappyCampers · 03-12-2014, 11:08 AM

I highly recommend the ReadyBrute Elite tow bars with built-in ReadyBrake. It is rated to pull 8000 lbs, the ReadyBrake is simple and effective. I think you will find this complete setup to be hundreds of dollars less than anything else out there that would be comparable.

PyrateSilly · 03-12-2014, 11:14 AM

You may want to check out this section of the forum.
Toads and Motorhome Related Towing - iRV2 Forums

Drifter · 03-12-2014, 11:30 AM

I think the Ford Fusion Hybrid can be towed w/o a pump. See owners Manual.

gfs1943 · 03-12-2014, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drifter

I think the Ford Fusion Hybrid can be towed w/o a pump. See owners Manual.

I don't know which engine is in the Fusion the OP is looking at. Looks like the 4-cylinder and 3.0l V-6 can be towed without a lube pump, per the Owner's Manual, page 195.

99Monaco · 03-13-2014, 11:43 AM

As for buying used towing equipment, Tow bar with Roadmaster be sure its a "AT" Falcon or Black hawk. These are able to disconnect under a bind if you buy a 5250 falcon (less money) you will live to regret it. I've seen lots of tow bars on Craigslist. Nickel shopper, etc. I wouldn't buy the bracket kit used too many thinks to go wrong. I'm sure Blue Ox also has a bar you can release under load (that's very important).

ingram4868 · 06-28-2014, 12:14 AM

FWIW, I received a phone quote today from the corporate offices of Camping World for a complete setup for my class C and a new Cadillac SRX. Roadmaster InvisiBrake and Falcon bars with all the associated equipment and labor from Rocklin, CA. The price $3995.00 That sounded very reasonable to me so I gave them the CC number to proceed with ordering the parts.

acerv47 · 07-01-2014, 12:24 PM

Ditto on the Readybrute Elite. Don't even know when I'm towing! I tow a 2013 ford focus 4 down with a blue ox base plate. The focus was a real pita to set up but once it was done- super toad!

walt2137 · 07-03-2014, 06:12 AM

On the 2010 ford fusion Ford has a TSB that states to lower the fluid level if towed, but if i was going to tow the Fusion i would opt to also let it idle when towing lots cheaper than the Remco and the fuel usage would be almost nothing. Check with a good transmission mechanic about this procedure.
I agree with joe on the tow bar and toad brake sys but would use the Roadmaster brackets.