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TXTiger · 11-16-2019, 04:32 PM

As others have said using a tow dolly is more inconvenient to hitch and has to be stored when you get to your campground, sometimes for an xtra cost. This extra cost can add up over the years and go way beyond the cost to set up a 4 down tow.

Most base plates go for around $400. Most tow bars go for around $1,000. The wiring kit for the break lights is around $75. The auxiliary breaks can be anywhere from $500 to $1000 depending on what you get (portable vs installed). Labor should be about another $1000. That would be $3,500 to $4,000 tops.

2 cats · 11-17-2019, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2 cats

We were outfitting 2018 wrangler. Craigslist ad for complete setup taken from 2016 wrangler. Blue ox Aventa tow bar, baseplate, complete set of cables. Complete wiring setup. Patriot brake with bag.
You couldn't even find dirt on anyting. Baseplate install 150.00. Everything else myself. Shop around for that lucky strike.

Forgot to mention this was 9 miles from home and total price for parts everything was 750.00.
Wrangler is probably the easiest install there is.

petrel · 11-17-2019, 06:44 AM

There are lots of things on which to economize. IMHO properly installed toad gear is not one of them. Find a shop that does lots of them, has good ratings, and has been around for a few years. It will probably cost around $3,000.00 for a turn key setup.

It is hard to put a price on your safety, or the safety of your fellow motorists.

awol50 · 11-17-2019, 06:47 PM

$3500 is not out of line. Something to consider is skip the supplemental brakes. A fiesta is about 2500#. In my opinion not needed for lightweight vehicles and cause more problems than they solve.
I don't have one on my Chevy tracker at 2800# and won't ever. Complete failure of your hitch from the car happens next to never particularly on these very lightweight vehicles.

petrel · 11-17-2019, 07:33 PM

I too am unconcerned about my rig's ability to stop with the toad attached. However, in the very unlikely event that it should break away, am very concerned about the toad becoming a hazard to my fellow motorists. That alone was motivation enough for me to invest in a braking system with break away activation.

I had no idea that the installation of an appropriate braking system and break away brake activation was considered optional by some.