2015-18 Grand Cherokee Owners - best base plate

[jrs]

I have a 2018 Grand Cherokee with the V6 and plan on getting the Readybrute Elite RV Tow Bar. Thus, not tied down to any baseplate manufacturer. Plan on installing myself. Been leaning towards Demco but not sure since this will be our 1st setup.
Have you been happy with yours (what brand)? Which is the better beefier baseplate? Which company offers the best "do it yourself" instructions?
Asking this question do to problems a poster is having with his Cherokee and one the baseplate he owns. Thanks in advance.

[mhudson]

I have a 2016 Grand Cherokee with the Roadmaster baseplates. I'm happy with them but not familiar with other brands,. They were a little tough on installing but most of the time was cutting the fascia. I believe this is only required on the Summit model. Instructions were easy to follow.

[jrs]

Originally Posted by mhudson

I have a 2016 Grand Cherokee with the Roadmaster baseplates. I'm happy with them but not familiar with other brands,. They were a little tough on installing but most of the time was cutting the fascia. I believe this is only required on the Summit model. Instructions were easy to follow.

Appreciate the response and good to know instructions worked and easy to follow. That's key.

[britcon]

I installed a Blue Ox on our 2015 GC, and prior to that, another Blue Ox on our 2010 Wrangler. Wrangler install was super easy. Grand Cherokee install should have been simple as well - couple of tubular brackets bolt up to existing tow hook holes in GC frame - however, holes in Blue Ox were drilled just a little off dimension of GC frames. Made install a real pain !. Also, have paint peeling off the Blue Ox in places ( after 2 years ). Fabrication in general was poor - never removed welding slag before painting. Quality of workmanship downhill bigtime !

[Hmf23]

Originally Posted by jrs

I have a 2018 Grand Cherokee with the V6 and plan on getting the Readybrute Elite RV Tow Bar. Thus, not tied down to any baseplate manufacturer. Plan on installing myself. Been leaning towards Demco but not sure since this will be our 1st setup.
Have you been happy with yours (what brand)? Which is the better beefier baseplate? Which company offers the best "do it yourself" instructions?
Asking this question do to problems a poster is having with his Cherokee and one the baseplate he owns. Thanks in advance.

2018 GC Summit - Roadmaster baseplate for us.

[bd041556]

I have a 2017 GC Summit, and went with the Demco, and have had no problems with it. I installed it myself, but next time I'd pay someone else to do it.

Here's some pictures:

https://ontheopenroad.net/2017/01/13/hello-world/

We also went with the Demco Excalibur towbar for our 2017 Dutch Star, no complaints with that either.

Barry Bentley

[jrs]

Originally Posted by bd041556

I have a 2017 GC Summit, and went with the Demco, and have had no problems with it. I installed it myself, but next time I'd pay someone else to do it.

Here's some pictures:

https://ontheopenroad.net/2017/01/13/hello-world/

We also went with the Demco Excalibur towbar for our 2017 Dutch Star, no complaints with that either.

Barry Bentley

Thanks Barry and nice job! How difficult was it to follow the Demco directions? Is it a beefy baseplate? Our 1st choice at this point is a Dutch Star too a DS 4369.

[bd041556]

Seems pretty heavy duty to me, but I haven't seen any of the competitors to know how it compares. So far we've towed about 9500 miles, so I don't think that's enough to judge for sure.

The instructions are pretty good. There's a few electrical connections not mentioned that need to be disconnected. Ripping the fascia off the snap-type connectors requires a leap of faith that it will go back on.

As I mentioned before, I'll pay someone else to do the next one if I ever change toads. A body shop used to working with modern plastic body attachments would be a good choice. They also probably have a lift, which would be much more efficient than crawling around under the vehicle. They could probably do it in half a day.

YMMV!
Barry

[jrs]

Originally Posted by bd041556

Seems pretty heavy duty to me, but I haven't seen any of the competitors to know how it compares. So far we've towed about 9500 miles, so I don't think that's enough to judge for sure.

The instructions are pretty good. There's a few electrical connections not mentioned that need to be disconnected. Ripping the fascia off the snap-type connectors requires a leap of faith that it will go back on.

As I mentioned before, I'll pay someone else to do the next one if I ever change toads. A body shop used to working with modern plastic body attachments would be a good choice. They also probably have a lift, which would be much more efficient than crawling around under the vehicle. They could probably do it in half a day.

YMMV!
Barry

Thanks for the response Barry. I'm too cheap to have someone else do it when I can. Called NSA/Ready Brute Towbar company for input, looked at the installation instructions and youtube videos yesterday. I now plan to go with the Demco baseplate on the Grand Cherokee. Will install the Ready Brute Elite cable while the front facia is off (both at same time). Will use jack stands to help get underneath too.

[curtismb]

Just bought 2018 GC Summit to replace 2012 Liberty.
Will go with Blue Ox BX1128 for base plate & BX8869 wiring kit. Concerned about available space in rear taillight assembly to accommodate flat 1" hole for adding socket & bulb - any issues?

I prior did the baseplate install and it looks as if Summit install will be measurably more difficult. Any suggestions about DIY appreciated.

thanks!

[Mule Skinner]

Originally Posted by curtismb

Just bought 2018 GC Summit to replace 2012 Liberty.
Will go with Blue Ox BX1128 for base plate & BX8869 wiring kit. Concerned about available space in rear taillight assembly to accommodate flat 1" hole for adding socket & bulb - any issues?

I prior did the baseplate install and it looks as if Summit install will be measurably more difficult. Any suggestions about DIY appreciated.

thanks!

I ordered the same parts today, we will see how this goes.

[D Moffitt]

Hope it works for you. I've had the Blue Ox baseplates on both my 2014 and 2016 Grand Cherokees (I didn't install them myself). No problems and no "death wobble" on my 2016 after 20K miles of towing. I also like the appearance.

[doublechevy]

for running the wiring from the front to back of the truck Used an electricians wire snake. Snaked the wiring thru the box frame front to back went pretty easy. 2017 RAM 1500

[Mule Skinner]

I can not find a part number for a wire harness fix for the 2018 or any other Grand Cherokee?
Is there one?