Community Forums

JerryKelly · 02-24-2007, 01:05 AM

I just installed new Roadmaster tow brackets on my '07 Suburban and opted for the MX bracket (instead of using my former Roadmaster crossbar attachement from my '03 Yukon Roadmaster brackets). I was initially told that the crossbar does not add any lateral stability and the sole purpose is to support an accessory tow shield. One of the Roadmaster reps is now telling me that the crossbar attachment will provide added stability. I ordered the MX bracket attachments since they are easier to remove and store and I will no longer need to concerned about another 8"'s of equipment in front of my bumper....Suburban is long enough. Any thoughts? I towed my former Yukon with the crossbar attachment over 40K miles with no stability issues. Anyone have any comments/experience?

JerryKelly · 02-24-2007, 01:05 AM

I just installed new Roadmaster tow brackets on my '07 Suburban and opted for the MX bracket (instead of using my former Roadmaster crossbar attachement from my '03 Yukon Roadmaster brackets). I was initially told that the crossbar does not add any lateral stability and the sole purpose is to support an accessory tow shield. One of the Roadmaster reps is now telling me that the crossbar attachment will provide added stability. I ordered the MX bracket attachments since they are easier to remove and store and I will no longer need to concerned about another 8"'s of equipment in front of my bumper....Suburban is long enough. Any thoughts? I towed my former Yukon with the crossbar attachment over 40K miles with no stability issues. Anyone have any comments/experience?

RV Wizard · 02-24-2007, 01:19 AM

I would suggest it be installed as per installation instuctions. A professional installer would; for the shear fact that your toad is a lot of weight being snatched around and the liability if something were to happen. Be sure to also check bolts to be sure they are not coming loose. Take care.

Gary RVRoamer · 02-24-2007, 06:31 AM

Some vehicles need the cross bar to provide lateral stiffness in the front end (towing puts stresses on the front of the frame that don't normally occur when driving). Unibody chassis in particular often need them because there is no frame to speak of out front.

But if Roadmaster makes an MX bracket for your Suburban, you can bet they have determined that it is safe. THEY are more liable as you are if it were not.

The Shadow · 02-27-2007, 03:22 PM

Jerry, were you able to put the baseplates on without cutting into the facsia at the top back of the tow hook openings? We simply could not get the BlueOx plates on without cutting since they forced the fascia upwards - even though their instructions said that was not necessary. When we called them they returned our call and said just pull out the plastic and it would fall over the edge of the baseplate. No way that would work either.

Don

JerryKelly · 02-28-2007, 02:33 AM

I had the base plates professionally installed. They managed to install them without removing the bumper cover and removing any plastic. The job was not easy. As far as the crossbar is concerned, according to Roadmaster, it is only needed if you use their rock shield. It does not provide any added lateral support. The MX brackets are an option for the Suburban.

The Shadow · 02-28-2007, 07:24 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by JerryKelly:
I had the base plates professionally installed. They managed to install them without removing the bumper cover and removing any plastic. The job was not easy. As far as the crossbar is concerned, according to Roadmaster, it is only needed if you use their rock shield. It does not provide any added lateral support. The MX brackets are an option for the Suburban. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks. I think the RM brackets were designed a bit better so that they dive down and then out the tow hook openings (like the tow hooks themselves did). BlueOx's are straight and put tremendous pressure on the fascia.

My son installed the plates (he is a BEng (manufacturing) and an MEng (mechanical) and works in Detroit. He has front end parts on the 07 Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado, etc and is very familiar with these products - and he felt pulling the fascia forward over the baseplates made no sense given the stress it would add.

BlueOx doesn't provide a crossbar as they say the Tahoe/Sub frame is strong enough and it is not needed. My Colorado had the crossbar.

Don