Tow bar, base plate, brake system suggestions

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by FrankenHome

I just purchased the complete tow package to flat tow my 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. I went through etrailer for everything. Blue Ox tow bar, baseplate, wiring kit, separate brake light diode kit and the Roadmaster Invisibrake system. Make sure you check your receiver hitch rating. I had to get a new hitch too. My hitch was only rated for 3500 lbs. My Wrangler is approximately 4300 lbs.

Good luck!

John

Are you sure the rig can be upgraded with just a hitch change? Did you check with the RV manufacturer to see if it's even possible? Lots of times it's not just the hitch but the frame, brakes or transmission on the RV which leaves it out of reason due to the costs and then requiring re-certification by the manufacturer.

[mhbell]

Everything Blue OX for Me.

[FrankenHome]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Are you sure the rig can be upgraded with just a hitch change? Did you check with the RV manufacturer to see if it's even possible? Lots of times it's not just the hitch but the frame, brakes or transmission on the RV which leaves it out of reason due to the costs and then requiring re-certification by the manufacturer.

Thanks for the concern and I certainly would not recommend this unless it can be validated with the original Ford F53 chassis ratings. For example, the GVWR is 15,200 lbs with all the tires at 80 psi. With full tanks, fully loaded for a road trip and all hands and the dog on board, I tip the scales at 14,200 lbs. This is well under the GVWR. The F53 chassis also has a GCWR rating of 25,000 lbs. from the original Ford Motorhome Chassis Service Guide for my RV. Even if I max out at the GVWR, I still have 9500 lbs of head room before I get to the maximum GCWR. My Jeep weighs approximately 4300 lbs. and I'm adding an estimated 100 lbs for the tow bar, baseplate and brake system. The originally installed hitch by Winnebago was only rated for 3500 lbs. Now I can only assume that this limitation was in consideration of the maximum tongue weight of 350 lbs. being added to the rear axle, suspension and tires. I personally wouldn't add another 350 lbs on to the tail of my 1996 coach either and that's with my Firestone Ride-rite air bag helper springs installed. But flat towing my Jeep, with the supplemental braking system is well within the operational limitations set by Ford. And anytime I have the Jeep in tow I'll be hanging in the right lane going at a much easier pace.

John

[MSHappyCampers]

I highly recommend the NSA ReadyBrute Elite towbars with built-in ReadyBrake! It is rated at 8000 lbs, simple to install, effective operation, and the lowest cost system out there!

I use the Roadmaster baseplate!

[hohokam]

I have gained a great respect for hitchsource. Very knowledgeable reps.

[hoosierrun]

I've used e-trailer.com and had good luck with them. At least they are knowledgeable people who answer the phone, courteous, and make every effort to help you. They also have some decent installation videos on their site.

Base plates are not usually in stock because there are so many configurations. Generally they are drop shipped from the manufacturer and may take longer to get than tow bars, braking systems or other related towing items. It probably depends on the popularity of the tow vehicle as to whether or not they stock it.

I've also used Hitch Source since they had a good price on my lube pump. Check several sites to get the best price.

[DD788Snipe]

BlueOx Aventa 10,000lb tow bar, Air Force One braking system in my toad. Awesome system and works fantastic. Easy to install.

[426smartin]

Originally Posted by toddb

Check out the Currie tow bar mounting plate for the Jeep. Nicely done and provides front skid plate protection as well. It's a clean, neat install.
I use the Currie, with Roadmaster Sterling tow bar and Brakemaster (air) brake in the Jeep (2015 Wrangler Rubicon).

I have the same set up but have not installed it yet--Did you do any modifications to the tow bar to work?

[fatguy57]

I have Blue OX system, but I would suggest looking into the Roadmaster All Terrain tow bar systems with their Freedom Latch system. You can unhook at any angle where as with the Blue Ox you need to be fairly straight and lined up. Kind of pricey but the tow bar system should be a one time buy. I've had mine since 2009. I also installed the base plate myself on my '12 Jeep Wrangler. Not very difficult at all. I would also recommend looking on You Tube for the RV GEEKS they review the Roadmaster All Terrian towbar system.

[arboldt]

We were given a Roadmaster Stowmaster tow bar (!) so I went with their stuff. I ordered everything through Amazon.

1) The base plate for my 2007 Honda CRV went on smoothly; it was a slight pain to take off the grille, front bumper, etc, but the instructions had excellent step-by-step photos.
2) I like that the Stowmaster connects via a ball hitch; (a) it makes it much easier to connect / disconnect. (b) all it requires is that I get close enough to the hitch and allows some adjustment in/out and side-to-side to connect.
3) When I measured height from ground to baseplate connection and ground to hitch receiver connection, I determined I needed a ballmount with a 10" drop. I don't think this would be possible with a straight-in tow bar. So when I tow, the tow bar is level with the ground. I think that gives a much better tow and safety.
4) The toad light hookup was one area I wish I'd been able to hire done separately. I screwed up the toad wiring trying to fish the lighting wires through the firewall, then had to pay a repair bill at the Honda dealer
5) I really like the Brake Buddy braking system for the toad. (See comment above for fishing wires through the firewall). But I connect it to the brake pedal and a 12V outlet and we're good to go. It's proportional, so toad brakes can be applied lightly or very hard just like the MH.
6) However, I wasted $75 or so with a Fusemaster. Honda's user manual recommends pulling an all-but-inaccessible fuse, so I got the fusemaster. So far, so good. However, the Brake Buddy needs to use that 12V outlet, and it's on the same circuit as the radio -- the fuse Honda recommends pulling.

We've been full-timing for over 6 weeks and 3,500 miles now, and the tow system has been smooth, easy, and unnoticeable like it should be. If I ever have to replace to toad and/or MH, I'd go with the same system.

[trimacon]

I trusted blue ox aventa , And got this shock

:

[trimacon]

First road trip, braked in traffic, snapped clean...

[trimacon]

here's other end...


So Blue Ox immediately send replacement towbar & baseplate (tabs bent & compromised). but...... still no official word on my claim for damages to Jeep (>$5,000 on a Jeep w/less than 5,000 miles)

[WD5DBV ROY]

Im have a 2015 Wrangler and use blue ox towbar-base plate- and air force 1 braking system. 10K miles towing and never a minute problems.