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BLAdventurer · 12-29-2013, 04:25 PM

I have made the decision to tow our '13 CR-V. It will be our daily and our toad. Never toad before but do have experience with TT and Suburban. My question has to do with mixing brands of baseplate and tow bar. I like the Blue Ox Aventa LX tow bar and I like the Demco baseplate. Am I asking for additional problems mixing the brands? I have already decided on the SMI Stay n Play Duo for a braking system. Ready to do this!

rream · 12-29-2013, 05:36 PM

No problems I can see I am running Demco baseplate, Blue Ox towbar and brake buddy breaking system

UFO Pilot · 12-29-2013, 05:47 PM

I have the Adventa LX but I used the Blue-Ox base plate. Very happy with the tow bar so far. Started out with the EvenBrake but when it failed I went to the Stay-in-Play, wish I had installed the SMI unit first.

Pusherman · 12-29-2013, 06:15 PM

I'm a believer in sticking with the same manufacturer of baseplate and towbar, as they have (theoretically) engineered and tested the system together. I doubt they engineer and test Demco baseplates with Blue Ox tow bars.

For me, it would have to be a really significant reason to cross brands between baseplates and tow bars.

rream · 12-29-2013, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pusherman

I'm a believer in sticking with the same manufacturer of baseplate and towbar, as they have (theoretically) engineered and tested the system together. I doubt they engineer and test Demco baseplates with Blue Ox tow bars.

For me, it would have to be a really significant reason to cross brands between baseplates and tow bars.

I happen to know just of opposite, as I was in the the Demco Fit program and they installed and enginnered my base plate on my new car.

They absoutely are inter changable per Demco

PyrateSilly · 12-30-2013, 09:03 AM

First check to see if they make one to fit your car. We bought the Blue Ox base plate for our 2013 Fiat Abarth because they were (maybe still are) the only ones to make them fit the car. Got the Blue Ox tow bar at a real good deal that was too good to pass up. Now we will get the SMI breaking system, that's the one Thom likes best so that is what we will get.

EDALLSAILS · 12-30-2013, 09:11 AM

I tow a 2012 CRV behind our MH. We have a Blue Ox aluminum tow bar, and Blue Ox base plate on the CRV. Was using a Brake buddy system but hate it. Now, having a NASA Ready brake installed because it is such a simple system. Their Surge Brake (ready brake) has been proven in virtually millions of miles on TT and Boat trailers over many years. We had a Blue ox tow bar on our Honda element with a Demco base place because the dealer had one in stock. frankly couldn't tell the difference in the 2 base plates. focus on having the installation done properly, that is what is really important. safe travels... ed

mel s · 12-30-2013, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLAdventurer

I like the Blue Ox Aventa LX tow bar and I like the Demco baseplate. Am I asking for additional problems mixing the brands?

BLAdventurer
Most, (all?), tow bar and baseplate makers offer/sell the appropriate hardware to make their product compatable with other makes/brands.

IMO, if the hardware is available, there's no reason not to use a Blue Ox Aventa LX bar with a Demco baseplate.

Mel
'96 Safari

UFO Pilot · 12-30-2013, 10:26 AM

I am curious why you want the Demco base plate, is it built better than the Blue-Ox?

BLAdventurer · 12-30-2013, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot

I am curious why you want the Demco base plate, is it built better than the Blue-Ox?

What I like about the Demco baseplate, is the crossbar member goes through the side support pieces that mounts to the frame. The others seem to be butt welded.
I have studied the installation manuals for the 3 main manufacturer. Hope their diagrams are correct!