Towing system recommendations for my 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad 4x4

[maclonchas]

Folks,
I have searched all the posts (to the best of my ability) and tried to gain as much knowledge on baseplates, tow bars, and supplementary braking systems. I have wrestled with the idea of having a separate toad and for our needs (5 dogs -- yes 5), having a separate toad just does not make sense when I have a Dodge Ram truck that I love driving and works well for our dogs (4 westies and 1 yellow lab (Marley and he lives up to his name).

So hear are my questions and I am looking for advice for this setup.

My MH is a 2010 Itasca Ellipse 40CD and has a 10,000 lb rated hitch
My toad to be is a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 that can be towed 4 down (based upon what I have read here and the owners manual)

I am fairly handy and will install the baseplate on the truck -- it will be Blue OX BX1986.

Now the rest of the components get a little uncertain after this because everyone on this board makes such persuasive arguments for their setup. What I would like is some advice for my particular rig setup (MH/toad) for tow bar, supplementary braking system, and emergency breakaway.

Whether I do a self install or get local shop (recommendations welcome -- Parker, Texas) to do the supplementary system is the question here.


Please give me some range that an install would cost for the setup if known.
Here are the combinations I am mulling over right now:

1. Blue Ox towbar -- SMI Air Force One
2. Blue Ox towbar -- Blue Ox Patriot
3. Blue Ox towbar -- US Gear
4. Ready Brute Tow Bar and ready Brake
5. Blue Ox tow bar -- brake buddy

Thanks for your help

[ImagineIF]

Your question borders on asking about religion or politics. I just ordered the Roadmaster Sterling towbar and will be ordering SMI's Air Force One for my 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

I selected Roadmaster base plates over Blue Ox solely because in reviewing both's installation manuals, I perceive Roadmaster's to be a more effective installation. It just looks stronger based on how it's attached. I selected Roadmaster's tow bar because I didn't want to mix and match and because it too apperas more effective. The cross bar at the vehicle would seem to take some side to side forces off the vehicle's frame rails.

I selected Air Force One based on a lot of recomemndations and because it's the only air system that will fit on the Grand Cherokee.

My only hesitation was on which Roadmaster tow bar to buy. I picked the Sterling as the best value when you consider it comes with the electrical cable and safety cables. My only hesitation was buying a tow bar rated for 6,000 pound towing a 5200 lb vehicle. My hope is that the tow bar ratings are absolute or conservative. My bet is that the tow bar ratings are very conservative.

Best of luck with your decision,

Gil

[maclonchas]

Gil,

Thanks for your insight. I did look at demco and roadmaster base plates and neither had the similar one piece bar that I had installed on a 2010 jeep before. All use the same location and expand holes to attach the base plates. The difference for me was that the Blue Ox went through the existing tow hook holes and that is why I chose those base plates.

Are you installing your SMI product?

Thanks again