Who installs tow bar/base plate

BobinMN · 08-31-2011, 11:35 AM

Howdy folks,

We're trading our 2005 Dodge Dakota quad cab for a similar year/mileage Jeep Wrangler to be used as our toad behind our "Yet to be determined" class A . I'll need to have a base plate, wiring ect done on the Jeep, so where do I get this done? Body shop, mechanic garage. Don't say do it yourself as I can't even pound a nail straight

Thanks

Bob

UFO Pilot · 08-31-2011, 11:38 AM

Try a shop that makes and installs custom hitches. Camping World is another choice.

**Gary RVRoamer** · 08-31-2011, 03:06 PM

There will likely be pro hitch shop(s) in your town that would do it. But any shop that can bend a wrench can do it.

U-Haul places too.

1ciderdog · 08-31-2011, 03:40 PM

Many muffler shops will sell and install baseplates, etc. as does (I think) U-haul.
Safe Travels
Bob

Dadeaux · 08-31-2011, 03:57 PM

Truck equipment dealers will usually be well versed in this task.

Elkhartjim · 08-31-2011, 04:33 PM

I'll be in the minority here...take it to a body shop. If it were a car rather than a Jeep I would positively recommend a body shop as 90% of the work involves removing body panels. Its a little (actually a lot) more work than bolting on a trailer hitch.

buck454 · 08-31-2011, 04:33 PM

Be sure that the installer does proper tail light wiring. I did not realize until recently that some MH wiring systems required the installing of additional bulb and socket in the toad's tail light assembly for correct lighting. You might research Blue Ox BX8869 Installation Instructions, suspect same instructions could be used no matter what tow-bar system you use.

b

phays · 08-31-2011, 04:47 PM

I had a body shop do my Jeep Liberty. Since body parts had to come off for the install, I wanted to make sure they went back on correctly. Also, the labor rate at the body shop was lower than the local rv dealer.

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 08-31-2011, 04:58 PM

Order a harness from Cool Tech, cooltech.com. and have it installed by who ever installs your base plate. If you have a receiver on aft end of jeep get the harness that keeps your rear connector hot. I have this on my current Jeep and had it on my 99 Wrangler. No diodes, no extra bulbs, no drilling IMHO the only way to go.

Triker56 · 08-31-2011, 05:16 PM

Camping World installed mine and used diodes for the lights.
Parts are a little higher there but they have a set price to install no matter how long it takes them.

They may have a package price for the base plate & wiring if you ask the parts manager.

Mr_D · 09-01-2011, 10:21 PM

On our '97 Jeep GC I did it all. On our '05 Honda Ody I had RoadMaster do the brackets (after all it was free so why not). I did the wiring (using RoadMaster diodes) and breakaway system (air brake setup). Then I found out that Honda had changed their minds and no longer allowed 4 down on the '05 and newer Ody's.

Mr_D · 09-01-2011, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buck454

Be sure that the installer does proper tail light wiring. I did not realize until recently that some MH wiring systems required the installing of additional bulb and socket in the toad's tail light assembly for correct lighting. You might research Blue Ox BX8869 Installation Instructions, suspect same instructions could be used no matter what tow-bar system you use.

b

RoadMaster sells a converter unit so you don't have to add the bulbs to your back lights. Some owners have reported low light levels using the bulbs as they aren't located correctly in the reflector.