Community Forums

StevieG · 02-15-2014, 08:02 PM

I thought I had a great deal on a Ready Brute Elite @ $849, but looks like that ship has sailed without me.... I have on order a Demco baseplate for my Hummer because of the low cost ($120) and installation ease. Due to a price increase from NSA, the new price for The Ready Brute Elite is about $1,050. So I started looking at other options... In looking at the Demco tow bars, I can buy a Dominator or Excali-bar for about $550 shipped and the Readybrake surge brake for about $400. Total cost for that set up (without electric) is about $950. The Ready Brute has a towing capacity of 6500 lbs., the Dominator (aluminum) 7500 lbs., and the Excali-bar 10,500 lbs. the Demco has a couple of neat features like a step up or step down hitch, folding options, and high angle tolerance. Cost is pretty similar... so I'm wondering if anyone has thoughts based on my 3 choices, which is the best option and why?

Easyrider · 02-16-2014, 10:16 AM

The ReadyBrute Elite and just the ReadyBrute have 8000lbs. capacity. Using the ReadyBrake surge brake with a different tow bar is a viable alternative, but it will increase the overall length of your towing setup, and will protrude out more when not being used and just folded up but still in your hitch receiver. And you'll have an extra set of connection points that may cause more knocking and movement when starting and stopping. I know you're trying to find the best value for the lowest cost, but for the difference of any savings you may get I'd still go with the ReadyBrute Elite combo.

Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376 · 02-17-2014, 08:44 AM

Just do it right and buy the darn thing. It's worth it even though you need to spend a few more bucks.

jackfish · 02-17-2014, 09:27 AM

The Blue Ox Aladdin tow bar (7,500 lbs. capacity) is $600 right now at PPL. The AutoStop surge brake for the Aladdin that replaces the tow bar shank is $252 at RVupgrades. Together you have essentially an equivalent of the ReadyBrute Elite for $852. $65 for the Demco baseplate to Blue Ox towbar adapter.

AKJohn · 02-17-2014, 09:40 AM

Ditto Rick 2005. Your going to end up tripping over dollars trying to save nickels. A year from now it won't matter that you spent 5 or 10% more for a quality tow bar/brake system . But you'll be reminded every time you hook up your Toad if you end up with some kind of compromise system that doesn't work right. Besides, if your driving a Hummer, are you really somebody that sweats about saving a few dollars?

Get the Readybrute system, you won't be disappointed.

StevieG · 02-17-2014, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376

Just do it right and buy the darn thing. It's worth it even though you need to spend a few more bucks.

done! Ordered the Ready Brute Elite from Adventure RV today. At the same time I ordered the coiled harness that goes between the mh and toad and bulb/socket kit. Really glad I did it. This will be the right way now.

Thanks for the shove in the right direction guys!

StevieG · 02-17-2014, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKJohn

Ditto Rick 2005. Your going to end up tripping over dollars trying to save nickels. A year from now it won't matter...

Get the Readybrute system, you won't be disappointed.

You are so right! Sometimes I lose sight of thinking like this just to save a few bucks. Thanks!