Towing equipment pricing

[zeebuild]

Newbie full timers, looking for advice, we just purchased our tow car. We are thinking Roadmaster with invisi bake system. Our tow car is only 3500 lbs
But from camping world the pricing seems high. They are quoting over 3,800 and three weeks out. Wondering what what you all might think?

[vsheetz]

Welcome!

Suggest to check out the NSA ReadyBrute system. Tow bar and brake that is well commented here by many.

As for the labor to install, much depends on your vehicle and the level of difficulty and time needed to install the base plate. You can diy or any competent auto service shop can handle.

[Gary RVRoamer]

By the time you install a nice towbar, car base plates, toad brake/turn lighting, and a braking system, it adds up to a hefty total. CW isn't cheap, but probably not out of line with other RV dealers doing the same install. If you can't DIY or know someone who can, you are kind of stuck.

You can buy the tow bar yourself from an online discount source and probably save a hundred or so. There is nothing to "install" with the tow bar - just stick it in the receiver. Base plates, brake system and lighting are more complex.

The ReadyBrute Elite tow bar and brake is the least expensive total package, but it still isn''t cheap if you have CW or other dealer do the install.
RV Tow Bars

[Dale & Mark Bruss]

When we got the first toad, it was a Jeep Grand Cherokee at 5000 lbs, so we when with a 10K tow bar. Big difference in the bar and the tow cables of about $200 difference. Just enough capacity is a poor decision in safety.

We now tow a Chevy Equinox at 3600 lbs. After 10 years we decided to replace the tow bar. We chose a Blue Ox Aventa again for the 10K capacity. A 5K bar might have had some reserve capacity but we might change toads in the life of the bar.

So my recommendation is but a tow bar that has a usefulness that goes beyond your current toad. Do not be cheap on your investment in the tow bar, baseplate, and auxiliary brake system as a failure could cost you your toad, and even your motorhome.

We use Blue Ox because of the reputation and service. Blue Ox attends many large rallies and have very cost cost maintenance checks at those rallies. The baseplate is nearly invisible with the pins removed.

The baseplate installation depends on how much of the fascia of the toad has to be removed. Running the wiring for the toad's tailights can take a few hours depending on the access through your vehicle.

We have an Apollo brake unit that is slipped between the drivers seat and the brake pedal. The advantage is that that unit has been in three toads. The disadvantage is that we have to put it in and take it out.

At times we wished we had a built-in system like SMI. This is value call, brakes systems run about $900-$1000 and add some installation for installation of the built-in. Value that for how long you will have the toad.

[rgvtexan]

It seems a little high, I would look for anybody, except CW.

[F4Gary]

Originally Posted by rgvtexan

It seems a little high, I would look for anybody, except CW.

I agree.

I got my base plate through PPL. Pretty good price comparatively.

What kind of toad?

[JerryP]

I bought a used Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain tow bar. Used bars typically cost 1/2 as much as new ones. If you buy used, make sure the bars slide smoothly and they aren't bent. If you buy a Roadmaster, be sure to get the All-Terrain versions. These don't bind as much when un-hooking.

I am happy with my RviBrake2 braking system also. It's easy to install and un-install.

Jerry

[Gary RVRoamer]

What towbar are they proposing for that price? Tow bars can be anywhere from $100-$800

I would pay the extra price for a Roadmaster All-Terrain, Blue Ox Aventa, or Demco Excalbar, to get the extra strength and ease of use of those models.

[skypilot_1]

If its for a RV, you will be hard pressed to find any store higher $$ then CW..just sayn.

[CountryFit]

recommend roadmaster falcon all-terrain towbar and their baseplate. easy to install, hook/unhook, and worry free of breaking off due to fatigue.