Community Forums

ja63 · 02-01-2011, 04:30 PM

Being new to a class A, we wonder what others feel is the best tow hitch for a 35,000lb MH towing a 4,600lb. tow vehicle, also is an additional brake system necessary? We have been looking at Blue Ox, as well as others. Thank you. Jerry and Phyllis

denochs · 02-01-2011, 04:37 PM

ja63,

Recommend a 10K Reese hitch and 10K Blue Ox tow bar. You are too close to the 5K ratings of the less expensive model tow bars.

We tow a 3700 lb pickup, usually has a load in the bed of 500 lb or more. Our MH has a two stage jake brake and we have no problems stopping w/o a brake assist. However, we also have an extra set of brakes on the tag. That may make a difference if you don't have the tag.

Dave

Pusherman · 02-01-2011, 05:09 PM

Blue Ox has just increased the weight ratings of the Aladdin tow bars manufactured after 1/1/2011 to 7500 lbs (with a price increase to go with the new ratings). This is a great tow bar, and you would be very happy with it.
Here: Blue Ox Tow Bars

You definitely need some sort of auxiliary braking system for your toad. If you get into a panic stop situation, you may not be able to stop in time, and if a good lawyer gets ahold of you, he'll have a field day with the liability suit which may follow.

Most states require some sort of toad braking systems for anything over 1-2K pounds toad weight, depending on state. Google towing brake requirements and you will find lots of sites which list state requirements.

Most of the time your toad brakes don't need to actuate as your coach has enough energy to slow the combo down; but in a panic stop situation, you'll be glad you have toad brakes.

hondo122 · 02-01-2011, 05:37 PM

I use a Roadmaster sterling 6K rating towng a Jeep GC 4800#, M&G braking system which is a great system. I'm sure that there are others just as good, but this setup has served me well.

mikron · 02-01-2011, 05:52 PM

NC you need toad breaks 1,000 lbs or more. most states 3,000 lbs you must have toad breaks. States don't care what your rig will stop or not. You double plus the toad weight with and emergency stop.

ja63 · 02-02-2011, 11:24 AM

Thank you for the information, really appreciate everyone's help, can't wait to get set up and get going. Jerry/Phyllis

Whitofok · 02-02-2011, 11:35 AM

I use the 10K blue Ox and a Blue Ox supplemental braking system. I got the supplemental braking system because I had a Liberty Jeep come loose at the frame from the motorhome. I decided the brake away feature was necessary. I was lucky that I was barely moving in a constuction zone andthe only damage was to the front of the jeep. I think about the possible liability I might have had if I was going 70 MPH.

GaryKD · 02-02-2011, 11:53 AM

Hi ja63,
The recommendations to go with a 10K tow bar are good recommendations. As to the toad auxiliary breaking system, go to http://www.irv2.com/forums/f85/the-p...ing-19087.html and read post 1. It is written by the professionals at SMI. The bottom line is for everyone's safety you need the auxiliary braking system for the toad.

ja63 · 02-03-2011, 01:39 PM

Again, thank you to everyone. Has anyone had experience with ReadyBrake supplemental brake systems? I have been considering that one as well as others. Thank you.

Floridafran · 02-03-2011, 02:03 PM

There are several threads on here about the ready brake system. I know because when we bought our first RV in September, I did just what you're doing. Tried to learn everything I could. If you search, you'll find lots of info. There's also a current thread about this in this forum.

We decided to go with the ready break ready brute system which is the tow bar and brake. We also got the breakaway set-up from them. We've been very happy with it so far. My husband, son, and I installed it in a day on our Jeep Wrangler. Easy to install, easy to use, and invisible inside my Jeep unless you know where to look. There is a hook-up "loop" that sticks out through my front bumper, but it's not bad. Since my Jeep's a Wrangler my attitude is "Hey, it's a Jeep." and it doesn't bother me.

JohnFreyja · 02-03-2011, 02:55 PM

Also check out the Demco brand tow bars.
Dominator Tow Bar

John
05 Country Coach Inspire
10 Ford Escape w/ M&G Brake Sys.

ja63 · 02-03-2011, 04:00 PM

Thank you, this is a lot of information to absorb, so I am taking my time and investigating all I can. Thank you. Jerry

ImagineIF · 02-03-2011, 04:14 PM

I just ordered a Roadmaster Sterling, rated for 6K. I'll be pulling a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I selected Roadmaster over Blue Ox due to what appears to be a more effective installation of the base plate. I bought them from HitchSource.com given they had the best prices I could find. I'll be buying SMI's Air Force One braking system.

I considered the 10K towbars, but assumed the manufacturers' rating were concervative and should be more than enough up to thier ratings. So, a 6K towbar should be just fine. BTW, the Sterling comes with safety cables and electrical cable, others may as well. The point being, when evaluating value don't overlook these items.

Gil