Community Forums

Maddawg46 · 07-06-2016, 05:46 PM

Going tomorrow to pick up our first motorhome. Like mega excited. Today a friend of mine came by to pick something up from me. While walking to his car he says he's thinking of selling it. I ask to see his owners manual to see if it can be towed 4 wheels down. Yep. So I take a drive and its great. 2004 Pontiac Vibe GT. Thing is pretty cherry with 130K miles. Books at $3200. I said id give him $2700. Sold!
So new motorhome to drive home from LA, and a new car to tow. SWEET!

lakebuster · 07-06-2016, 06:13 PM

Happy Trails!

rgvtexan · 07-06-2016, 06:53 PM

If it is not already equipped to tow, or you don't DIY it will cost you almost that a gain!

Travel SAFE. Welcome to iRV2.

**TonyDi** · 07-06-2016, 08:59 PM

Glad to have you here with us in the forum.

Good luck with the trip home.

Happy Trails!!!

Maddawg46 · 07-06-2016, 10:58 PM

Yea, it's going to be about $2200 to set up to tow. That's ok.

bwaller · 07-07-2016, 04:03 AM

We had a 2005 Vibe that we towed. It was a great car - fully loaded and a five speed manual. Used it for several years. I

edgray · 07-07-2016, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maddawg46

Yea, it's going to be about $2200 to set up to tow. That's ok.

The base plate should cost less than $500.00 and a tow bar for the coach should cost about $800.00. That price you've been quoted must include some pricey labor.

Maddawg46 · 07-07-2016, 09:14 AM

That was retail. He ball parked everything high. That price also includes the harness. I wanted him to guess high. Once I get back from picking up the motorhome I'll go see him. The tow bracket for the car was under $500. It's a Blue Ox. The only one available still for that car.

buddy110 · 07-07-2016, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgvtexan

If it is not already equipped to tow, or you don't DIY it will cost you almost that a gain!

Travel SAFE. Welcome to iRV2.

Can you elaborate? What needs to be done?

rgvtexan · 07-07-2016, 10:05 PM

Base plate, Tow Bar, wiring harness, TOAD Brake, and labor.

See post #5

Dutch Star Don · 07-07-2016, 10:48 PM

Congrats on your new coach and new to you toad. Don't be afraid to go on Craigslist and look for a good used tow bar. Most any tow bar brand can be adapted to any brand of baseplates.

If you're at all handy, installing the baseplates is really a simple procedure, just time consuming. I've done it on 6 different vehicles of my own and for others and it can usually be done in 3-4 hours. Many of the base plates have an associated YouTube video that walks you through, step by step.

Wiring is also made simple with many preassembled systems that come with everything you need.

Good Luck

HavingABlast · 07-08-2016, 12:01 AM

Congratulations on your new rig (coach and toad). There are lots of happy memories, yet to be made, in your future.

SurfsideGolfer · 07-08-2016, 05:04 AM

I searched eBay and Craigslist for my toad hookup and a Brake Buddy. Saved tons, Brake Buddy did not work just right so I sent it back to manufacturer and repair was $48, that eBay seller paid!

Falcon tow bar, safety cables, coil cable for lights, and Brake Buddy all for under $600. Do your diligence, these items are never worn out. Only thing I had to buy retail was baseplate for toad and light kit.

dutchstr3884 · 07-14-2016, 12:06 AM

Congratulations on the new setup.
With the Blue Ox tow bar when unhooking, if the release levers are in a bind don't force them. Just start the toad and turn the steering wheel full left and then full right a couple of times each and the binding will be gone. Works most everytime. If it doesn't do it again. Works for me.