Community Forums

Oldmso54 · 03-13-2019, 05:46 PM

Picking up a Jeep Patriot manual trans to tow and need a complete install - base plate, tow bar, brake assist and wiring.

I know there are several places around that advertise they can do it but wondering if anyone out there has any personal knowledge or experience with a shop or business?

TY

Ranger John · 03-13-2019, 06:21 PM

I live in Oviedo and considered Coastal RV in Cocoa for similar work several years ago. Instead, I decided to drive both vehicles (motorcoach and toad) to ETrailer at Wentzville MO and have them perform the work. They don’t charge for labor if you purchase from them. I was pleased with ETrailer work. But definitely not Orlando. Consider Coastal as an close alternative

lass · 03-13-2019, 06:53 PM

If you’re willing to go to Ocala, I recommend the Hitching Post. Best price quote and they carry the major brands. Had Blue Ox and AF1 installed there.

Oldmso54 · 03-14-2019, 01:08 PM

MO is a wee bit too far ... but Ocala is quite doable

TY and

theroc · 03-16-2019, 06:30 PM

As many know, I have kept a log that I've scribbled notes from our travels over the past decade and a half when I talk with other RVers about their experiences in different parts of the country.

With that said, I've personally never have used this place but I do see several who have used them for various services --I think they are primarily a utility trailer and hitch shop but do a lot of work on motorhomes-- with one having them install Roadmaster plates on his toad and purchased a new towbar from them --all were extremely pleased with their work.

I actually remember talking with the guy that had the base plates installed (log says it was back in 2016) as he had a similar toad and the same towbar as we did at the time.

They may be too far for you too as they are up near Sanford.

Five-R Truck & Trailer
680 Hickman Cir
Sanford, FL 32771

(407) 688-9484

They are an authorized Roadmaster dealer so if you're a Blue Ox person, then you may have to talk to them about that ...they may also be a Blue Ox dealer too, I don't know.

I can't seem to pull up a webpage for them but here is their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Five-R-Truc...6724941722461/

Gary RVRoamer · 03-17-2019, 09:38 AM

Another shout-out for Hitching Post of Ocala. They've done my cars and 5W hitches when we towed a trailer. Quality work and they stand behind it.

I suspect that $2300 from the RV dealer had more in it than just installing the base plates and wiring, but an RV dealer is still the MOST expensive place to get anything like that done.

SOmebody asked about a braking system for the toad. What are you doing about that?

Oldmso54 · 03-17-2019, 10:13 AM

@ theroc - gave them a call yesterday. Closed Sat & Sun. Hoping to hear back from them Monday. And Roadmaster is fine with me.

@ Gary RV Roamer - simplicity is a priority for me on the braking system and I've read that by passing the Jeeps electrical system for wiring may be a better way to go because of issues with computer programing when tying into the Jeeps sytem ?

doc · 03-17-2019, 11:00 AM

If you have an auto dealer you deal with, ask the shop manager if any of his guys do work on the side and tell him what you want. Chances are there is. Of course this is not a good idea at the Jeep dealer. BMW tech installed the base plated on my Wrangler - $100.

Oldmso54 · 03-29-2019, 08:03 PM

Well just to finish up this thread I ended up at Auto Hitch and Marine in Longood, FL and am very pleased with the installation and service received.

We have a 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk which had some particular requirements on the install and they (Karl) did a great job.

So if anyone in the Central FL area, Seminole County specifically, is looking for a complete tow install - these guys are definitely worth a look.