Towing Advice?

[Pacific32MM]

Just purchased a 2020 Newmar Ventana - it's in the delivery stage. I have a bead on a 2012 Jeep Wrangler as the tow vehicle. We live in San Diego, CA btw. Here are my questions - Is it best to have the dealer install the entire tow package, I guess my thinking is - the one stop shop for problems might be a good strategy. Or are there other trusted resources? The dealer has quoted a price of $6k for baseplate, brakes and all associated wiring - is that silly overpricing? And finally is there an opinion on the best tow equipment out there. My limited research suggests Blue Ox?

[tom chelbana]

Don't go to Camp World for tow set up. We have a 18 London Aire and we tow a 18 Durango. Really like Road Master for tow set up and then Air Force One for tow braking. The price sounds a little high but getting the right set up is important. Remember on Newmar diesels the brake lights come on when you use your Jake Break so you don't want a tow brake set that uses your brake lights to activate your tow brakes.
Newmar Man

[01blueox]

I'd say over inflated, go to etrailer.com baseplate $415, then look at ready brake for tow bar and braking system. My brother had Pick'em Up truck store installed the base plate for under $300.

[arcaguy]

Originally Posted by 01blueox

I'd say over inflated, go to etrailer.com baseplate $415, then look at ready brake for tow bar and braking system. My brother had Pick'em Up truck store installed the base plate for under $300.

I'm looking at pretty much the same system for something less than $2,000 installed by yours truly.

[ByeTheWay]

I use&like Blue Ox and Air Force 1 If you do any off roading base plates interfere with clearance. A better choice is a after market bumper with brackets to fit your BlueOx. I use "Tomken".

6K seems high. Shop around. I'm not a fan of dealers. Check 4x4 shops in your area.

[2Newsomes]

You'll save yourself a lot of money if you can do the work yourself. I went with the Maximus 3 tow loops on the Jeep, they also make lug adapters for the Blue Ox tow bar. The wiring kits plug in at your tail lights, route to a plug at the front bumper.

[TUCSONRAIL]

Look at the Rockhard bumper. No need for a base plate, and easy to install.

[sgwyble]

Look into independent RV repair shops. I got Blue Ox base plate, tow bar and light kit. Installed for a total around $2,000

[lass]

I did my own installation on a JL Unlimited and saved a lot of money on the labor.

Estimating prices.

Figure about $400?? for the baseplate and 2 hours labor.

Depending on which tow bar you chose, up to a $1000 and zero labor.

I have the AF1 braking system at about $1200 and 3 hours labor. Double the labor to include the coach side.

CoolTech brake, lighting cost about $160 and another 3 hours labor.

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by sgwyble

Look into independent RV repair shops. I got Blue Ox base plate, tow bar and light kit. Installed for a total around $2,000

This is the way to go or 4x4 shops. $6000 is waaaay too much.

[Pacific32MM]

Awesome thank you for the info...

[JMH]

A little far, but I hade mine done at Hitchcock trailers in Arroyo Grande Ca. These guys are real pro’s. If you don’t mind driving give them a call. Bet they can save you some money plus you get a vacation to the central coast.

[FNV]

Go to San Diego Traer Supply. They did my 2016 Dutchstar and Jeep Wrangler, using the Air Force braking system. As inrecall, it was +- 2K.
Very happy w their work.

[Echo-3]

Yeah, $6k is too much. I have a wrangler and Brakemaster Sterling. Installed by a local Brakemaster auth dealer. (Todds RV it you are near Portland Or. ) if i recall it was $3500 all in. They did a great job and warrant everything they install.