Community Forums

RVdus · 08-19-2014, 02:03 PM

Anyone have any advice on a towing system that would work best for someone travelling solo? I'm worried about trying to hook the vehicle (Jeep Wrangler probably) up by myself. Are there some solutions that are better for this than others?

UFO Pilot · 08-19-2014, 02:10 PM

I use Blue Ox tow bar and SMI Stay-in-Play for braking. I can hook up by myself in under 5 minutes.

rream · 08-19-2014, 03:00 PM

Many of us hook it by ourselves even though a spouse might be with us. Not a big deal, I have had several different brands, I like my present brake system that plugs in and is ready to go. But that does not mean that the old brake buddy I did not put in by myself

Steve N Sal · 08-19-2014, 03:08 PM

Get yourself the Ready Brute tow bar and braking system. It's all combined in one unit and plenty of people have and like it. Wish I did but don't maybe next time. Good Luck and Be Safe.

osok · 08-19-2014, 06:38 PM

Jeep Wrangler is one of the easiest vehicles to hookup and go. I use the Blue Ox base plate and ReadyBrute Elite tow bar. The ReadyBrute Elite includes the braking system that installs without too much labor on the Jeep. That is a one time install like the base plate is. I hook up my Jeep by myself within 5 min. If I was solo I would still use this system.

Full disclosure I will be changing to M&G air braking system next month. I have had zero problems with the ReadyBrute Elite braking. Just want to make the change since I now have capability to use air brake activation. I will continue to use the ReadyBrute tow bar.

Peterrrr · 08-20-2014, 06:33 AM

I also use the Ready Brute Elite solution with my Wrangler, and travel alone sometimes. Even when my better half is with me, I do the hooks ups and unhooks myself. As stated earlier, by others it is pretty straight forward and easy to do.
I used to tow a Chevy Cobalt manual trans which my better half did not wish to drive. Had to do everything myself with it, and we are still together. So no worries you will be fine.

RVdus · 08-20-2014, 08:41 AM

Thanks everyone for the great advice! I'll stop worrying and get on with buying something.....

JFNM · 08-20-2014, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peterrrr

I also use the Ready Brute Elite solution with my Wrangler...

Me too and I only travel alone/solo. I'll add for the OP that hookup is very, very easy with this type of tow bar. You simply pull up behind your rig, turn a lever on each arm (of the tow bar), slide it into position, and insert the pin. In other words, the tow bar arms have fore/aft movement in them so you do not need to be in one 'perfect' position (or even level) to hook up. I suspect a "helper" would only slow me down and/or get in the way.

With my manual trans 2010 Wrangler, once hooked up, I simply pull the transfer case lever into neutral, put tranny gear select in a gear, release the emergency brake, and close the door. That whole process cannot possibly take more than thirty seconds.

Should add: My posts are here with the details of my setup (and base plate, electrical harness, etc... install).

Doc Hugh · 08-20-2014, 10:12 AM

We use a Blue Ox Aventa LX 10,000# tow bar, safety cables and Base Plate to tow a 2009 Jeep Liberty all four down behind our QSDP. The Blue Ox tow arms are adjustable to facilitate hookup and unhooking. The Receiver and Base Plate pins are lockable for safety and security reasons. The stand-alone Bulb and Socket wiring kit is independent from the Jeep electrical system.
We are using an integrated US Gear UTB-1000 Unified Tow Brake System, with breakaway cable, that just requires connecting a "trailer" cable between the MH and the Jeep. We have a charge line running from the coach to the toad via the connecting cable/umbilical cord.
I hookup and unhook the Jeep solo without difficulty, usually within 5 minutes on reasonably level ground. Uneven conditions may require a few extra minutes to manipulate the Base Plate pins for removal.
While travelling and during short-term storage between trips, we leave the tow bar assembly on the coach protected with a Blue Ox cover. We remove the tow bar for occasional travelling without the toad and during long-term storage, for greater protection and security.
After 5 years of seasonal service, we are pleased with ease of use and performance!
Good luck in your choice of systems available!

vsheetz · 08-20-2014, 01:52 PM

I hook up / disconnect our jeep solo often. No biggie. Have blue Ox setup I bought used for a good price. If buying new I would go with the Ready Brute with built in brake.

Healeyman · 08-20-2014, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVdus

Anyone have any advice on a towing system that would work best for someone travelling solo? I'm worried about trying to hook the vehicle (Jeep Wrangler probably) up by myself. Are there some solutions that are better for this than others?

Whatever you do, DO NOT buy one of the $50 - $100 tow bars with arms that do not telescope in and out.

We used one for 3 years and know that those tow bars are nearly impossible to hook up by yourself.

Tim