Community Forums

cae2583 · 06-25-2011, 10:17 AM

I have a 98 Coachmen 37' Diesel. Looking to set up my '06 Colorado 4WD crew cab for tow. I have the hitch installed on the coach.

RickO · 06-25-2011, 10:37 AM

If you're asking for recommendations on brand... I've been very happy with my Blue Ox Aventa.

Rick

cae2583 · 06-25-2011, 10:55 AM

Yeah looking for brands and experience. Camping world wants to sell me a system for about $3K installed. They suggested a braking system that taps into my coaches air supply to activate the trucks brakes. I was told yesterday about a system that "feels" when I am braking and applies a brake system. I know I have seen these boxes that sit on the floor of the towable to apply the brake.

Thank you for the feedback.
Scott

Elkhartjim · 06-25-2011, 01:40 PM

I'm just finishing up this process. I concluded the major tow bar manufacturers all make a good product (please lets not start a "but mine is better cause" war). I was able to purchase a Blue Ox Aladdin off Craigs List. It is so new the bar code printed on the paper tag is still legible. Tow bar, safety cables and cover for $375. New would have been around $900. I could have bought a used base plate less all the nuts, bolts, etc for $275 plus shipping. I chose to buy new from Amazon.com. The base plate, Blue Ox 6 wire coiled cable, diodes tail light wiring kit and shipping (free) for $509. I'm still debating but will probably go with the M&G Engineering toad braking system that uses air from the mh to operate. Quote from M&G is $900 installed complete. Total: $1784.00 for parts. A friend has a lift and we will install the base plate. I'll give him $100 for the use of his lift and his help. My total will be less than $1900.

So, by this time next week I'll be posting an ad in the iRV2 classified for a slightly used tow dolly. I hope this is of some help Scott.

wa8yxm · 06-25-2011, 02:10 PM

I will second the "Happy with my Blue Ox" as I am too. I do note however many folks are happy with Roadmaster Tow bars as well.

One thing I insist on saying: Make sure you have a braking system...

Some good ones:

US_Gear Unified Brake Decelerator (Once installed it'sinvisible to driver, few seconds to plug in cord (Umbilical) is all and hook up safety cable) No drain on towed battery (Has towed charge line) no need to bleed brake vacuum)

M&G (This may not fit your towed) if you have air brakes

SMI Air Force One.. I put this right behind the M&G since you SHOULD bleed the booster vacuum and there is additional hook upwork

READY BRAKE.. This system personifies the KISS theory, NOTE if you decide on this you should consider THE REady Brut tow bar ssystem...(Ready brake isincluded) again no need to bleed,itwill adjust as the vacuum bleeds off making it the most sofisicated system even though it is also the most simple.

What I do not like is Brake Buddy, Even brake and the other "BOX"systems.. Too easy on a short tow to say "Too much bother"

offthewall · 06-25-2011, 02:22 PM

We've got a BlueOX Aladdin tow bar. I liked the light weight aluminum construction. It has performed flawlessly for four years. We also went with a BlueOx base plate for our 4 door Wrangler. The baseplate is where the different manufactures vary greatly. The way they install and look on your vehicle will be your deciding factor. I highly recommend a built in brake system. We went with an SMI Duo since we used to have a gas Class C. It still works great with our new DP but I might have gone for the SMI Air Force had I owned the DP at the time.

falconbro · 06-27-2011, 06:12 PM

I bought my base plate on ebay. It was a Demco so I went ahead and bought the tow bar and safety cables from Demco. Everything works very well. I have dragged my CRV for about fifteen thousand miles with that setup. No worries and no issues.