Community Forums

Muddypaws · 07-25-2011, 06:20 PM

Our local RV shop gave us a 'loose' quote of $650 to install a Roadmaster tow plate and another $450 to install the wiring harness. This is LABOR ONLY as I already have the parts.

Seems a little, um, excessive to me.

I've read the instructions and it doesn't exactly look like rocket science.

If you has someone else install these for you how much was it?

Thanks,
Muddypaws
AKA Russ

srydve · 07-25-2011, 06:34 PM

Seems excessive to me too. I have a Ranger pickup and while I don't know the difference between it and your vehicle, as you say, it's not rocket science. I did mine myself it was a while ago but I'm thinking it was 2-3 hours for the plate and about the same for the wiring. I have tools and a decent place to work but I'm no mechanic. I'll be interested to hear what the others say.

SoIlBoy · 07-25-2011, 07:58 PM

My buddy and I did my '08 CRV in my garage is about 3.5 (including a donut break) hours for the Roadmaster baseplate and about 1.5 hours to mount the additional lights in the taillamp housings. Wasn't difficult, just follow the instructions.

Jupiter · 07-25-2011, 08:09 PM

Yes, I agree the estimate is excessive.

At $100/ hr for labor, that's 11 hours of work. I would estimate that a knowledgable professional mechanic can install the base plate and the wiring within 4 to 5 hours at most.

I did my 02' CR-V base plate in about 3 to 4 hours and the wiring in about 2 to 3 hours. But, I'm no mechanic and I'm admittedly slow when working on vehicles.

I would shop around for a better deal, even if you have to travel a bit. I would think that around $600 total is a more fair rate.
PS- don't rule out installation by a trustworthy local auto repair shop. They can do as good or better than an RV dealership. Just provide the instructions.

Joopy

Norm4015 · 07-25-2011, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoIlBoy

My buddy and I did my '08 CRV in my garage is about 3.5 (including a donut break) hours for the Roadmaster baseplate and about 1.5 hours to mount the additional lights in the taillamp housings. Wasn't difficult, just follow the instructions.

My buddy and I did my 2007 CR-V in about the same time except we installed a Blue Ox baseplate. A friend had a baseplate and separate bulbs installed in the tail lights and I think he paid $300 for the total installation.

njs42 · 07-25-2011, 09:16 PM

Very spendy prices. Sometimes it is a way of saying No. I would guess half the price quoted would be extremely fair. HAve you tried Roadmaster website for local install places---that is how I found the people who did my Blue Ox. It was a welding shop actually.

nalcon · 07-26-2011, 01:25 PM

A local auto detail shop installed our Blue Ox baseplate and wiring kit on a 2010 CRV for under $500. I think it took them 5 hours @ $85/hr labor. Plus taxes. They did an excellent job and was well worth it for me.

I would check places that install tow hitches and truck accessories.

Good luck