Community Forums

mmccormick · 09-26-2017, 07:02 PM

For those of you who have had a tow bar installed, what did it cost you? I have everything needed except the base plates for a Chevy Equinox. I think the estimate I got is too much...more than I paid for the toe bar itself. Can you help me out?

adamfolger · 09-26-2017, 07:41 PM

Average install for base plates is 5-8 hrs labor. $500-$800. It all depends on the amount of front end disassembly required. It took me three days to install plates on my Smart car because of extremely difficult bolt locations. Small highly skilled hands required. I have the skilled fingers but not the small hands. I installed plates on my 2007 Suzuki Vitara in about 6 hrs. Hydraulic lift would have shortened the time considerably in both cases. If you have more money than time, pay the man....

adamfolger · 09-26-2017, 07:50 PM

Base plates are usually about $200-300. The cross bar about $125. A good tow bar can easily cost $1000.

MSHappyCampers · 09-27-2017, 11:00 AM

I had a local truck accessories shop install my baseplate, ReadyBrake cables, breakaway kit, and wiring kit. They charged me $550 for the total package.

gatorcq · 09-27-2017, 11:50 AM

I am amaze, if you believe it is too high, based on your AREA you are in (Supply and demand).
Then I would first down-load the installation instruction. See if I could do it myself (done 3 cars so far). If that was not possible I would be calling around, to different places that do hitches. Another option, with instructions in hand, go talk to some of the hitch installers.

But asking, online is good, but, the answer you get, may not be based on your Area where you live. Nor does it account for the labor per hour. This could range from $80 to $135.

Sometimes CW, has a special, installation for $35, as long as you buy the parts from them.

Cover Dog · 09-27-2017, 11:59 AM

Check with a small body shop. They R/R front end clips all the time. Had mine installed for $75.00 at a friends shop. Told me he would have charged $150.00.

Took about 1.5 hrs.

lakewoodpaul · 09-27-2017, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamfolger

Base plates are usually about $200-300. The cross bar about $125. A good tow bar can easily cost $1000.

You need to shop around you can get an excellent tow bar for a LOT less than $1000.00.

empty_nest · 09-27-2017, 12:22 PM

Just getting ready to do all that stuff..........

Bought the base plate (new) for $365. Different prices for different vehicles.
Spoke with my local mechanic and he said he'd install it on our Jeep for $80. I could do it myself, but he has the lift, etc and for $80 it's not worth me crawling around on the ground and busting my knuckles.

I won the bid on a good used tow bar on ebay for a fraction of the new price. If you're not in a hurry, there are some for bid almost every day.

I still have other things to purchase i.e. braking system, wiring and brake away, but I have time. Don't really need it all set up 'till next summer. Good luck!

Cooperhawk · 09-27-2017, 12:35 PM

We just finished installing a Blue Ox base plate on my Ford Explorer. It too quite a while at that. The mechanic had to remove the entire front fascia down to the radiator and frame. Then had to remove the steel bumper that is hidden behind it. That steel was so hard that we could not drill out the spot welds and had to cut them out.

I expect that it will be more than $500.00. Other vehicles are probably easier to install one on.

walt2137 · 09-27-2017, 07:20 PM

I would think 3 hrs at most $150 to $200 , where in Alabama are you located?
I have installed around 15 Roadmaster Base plates including a 2010 Equinox its just not that hard to do.

adamfolger · 09-28-2017, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakewoodpaul

You need to shop around you can get an excellent tow bar for a LOT less than $1000.00.

Sterling All-Terrain Tow Bar: 6-Wire - Roadmaster 576 - Tow Bars - Camping World $965.00 plus tax. On the other hand I am sure you could buy a tow bar at Harbor freight for $100. You get what you pay for

mmccormick · 09-28-2017, 03:11 PM

I am in Wedowee...just south of interstate 20...about 35 miles from Anniston.

walt2137 · 09-28-2017, 04:18 PM

Here is a look,at the 10 to 15 Equinox installation of a Roadmaster Brackets

http://www.roadmasterinc.com/pdfinst/523160-5.pdf

Gary RVRoamer · 09-29-2017, 10:04 AM

I've done a couple base plate installs myself, but on modern vehicles there is a lot of disassembly & reassembly. Not real difficult work, but time consuming, often 4-6 hours. My last one was about 4 hours. If you pay shop labor rates in the $75-$100 per hour range, the bill is going to be fairly steep.

The install instructions should have a time estimate (I think both Blue Ox and Road Master include that), so download and check.

** Just checked the Roadmaster site and they estimate 2.5 hours for a late model Equinox. That's base plate alone - wiring for toad lights and a brake system would be additional.