Fireslayer
West Coast
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Joined: 10/20/2009
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I just picked up a 2012 Wrangler that I want to tow with my 26 foot class C.
I don't even know where to begin. What kind of tow bar and base plates should I use? Or should I change the bumper and go with a built in system?
I have read that the base plates are difficult to install and need modification. Should I have an installer do it?
I have a 26 ft MH so I will need brake assist. Brake Buddy? Which model is best?
What am I missing?
Lots to think about and I don't want to leave anything out.
I would love to hear your thoughts
Thanks
Dave
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Warren&Karen
Austin, Texas
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Joined: 05/25/2004
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Not sure about the 2012, but we towed a 2004 for several years, and the install for the Roadmaster base plate was not hard. Do you have a receiver hitch installed?
I found the Roadmaster folks to be quite helpful. They have several tow bars to choose from, different weight ratings, well built as far as I can see.
Karen and Warren
"Counting the days 'til retirement, we are getting close"
Sophie and Sam, our two Yorkies.
Austin, Texas is home. Also, look for us
at our getaway in Rockport, on the Texas Coast.
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craig7h
Marion, Iowa
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I used to pull wrangler behind with a blue ox tow bar set up. I had the base plate and elect. done by a professional shop. The tow bar made hooking up very easy and trouble free. Just make sure you read the jeep manual as how to set the jeep for tow, and remember to leave the key in and steering wheel unlocked.
Can not help on the brake buddy
Craig
06 RAM 3500 diesel power
08 35' Cardinal
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I am still wayne_tw
everywhere
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Go to the Blue Ox website, and you will find very detailed instructions with pictures on installing the base plate. After you read through those instructions, you can decide if you want to do it, or pay someone else to do it. Blue Ox also make quality tow bars, vehicle lighting, and auxiliary brakes. You can also call them for very helpful information.
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Dog Trainer
Richmond Mi.
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Joined: 08/17/2006
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You can download the installation manual from the Blue Ox web site then you can study it and decide if you can tackle it or need some help.
I myself use Ready Brake at less than 1/2 the cost of the brake buddy many on this site use the Ready Brake and also the Brake Buddy I am sure you will get many responses.
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paulcardoza
Southeastern Massachusetts
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Joined: 01/15/2010
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It depends on how handy you are. Installation of the baseplate requires some minor drilling and cutting of the guarding. With a brand new Jeep, you probably want to do a really nice job. We had a pro install the BP on our 2011 and it looks perfect. Worth it for me, anyway. ;-)
Paul & Sandra
New Bedford, MA
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Midge&Me
Addison IL USA
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I pull a 04 Jeep, with my 26 ft Coachman, Chevy 6.0. I took it to Roadmaster. I purchased there Sterling Tow bar. They installed the base plate, and wiring for the lights. I went online, did a google on Ready Brake. There they have Vidio on every thing you need to know about the product. How it works, installation, etc. I ordered it online and had it in three days. I've pulled it to Quartzsite AZ for the last three winters. Up to MN, thru SD, CO,NM. Never even know its back there unless you have to stop quick, you'll feel the brake push the Jeep back to release the brake. I did have to install a back-up camera to keep an eye on it. Good Luck with yours
Midge & Me
2004 Coachman
Jeep Wrangler
Catch me on Channel 13 on the road
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txdutt
Parker CO
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Joined: 11/13/2005
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Roadmaster, Blue Ox or Demco all have products that will work. I went with the Blue Ox setup for our 09--very happy with it. Yes you will want an aux brake, most states will require it--again went with a BO Patriot system--have towed 6k miles with everything & have had no issues
2011 Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LT 4x4
2009 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited
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Deb and Ed M
SW MI, USA
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Joined: 06/07/2004
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We had a used Roadmaster Stowmaster tow bar that we picked up for $200 - worked great, but it was heavy!! And our mechanic friend installed the baseplates for our '06 Wrangler....
We used a Brake Buddy that we bought on ebay - worked perfectly after I built a platform for it to set on, on the floor. Without raising it about 1-1/2", it tended to push itself out of the "ideal" position.
I just kept a laminated list of all the steps to perform, to hook everything up; pressurize the Brake Buddy, etc; in the glove compartment. Have read enough "OOps!" stories about the results of forgetting to do ________ (fill in the blank). It's not hard to hook everything up, though.
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Fireslayer
West Coast
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Joined: 10/20/2009
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paulcardoza wrote:It depends on how handy you are. Installation of the baseplate requires some minor drilling and cutting of the guarding. With a brand new Jeep, you probably want to do a really nice job. We had a pro install the BP on our 2011 and it looks perfect. Worth it for me, anyway. ;-)
I am pretty handy BUT,,, I have never even seen one of these and I do want it to be perfect. I would rather have it done by someone that is familiar with the system and has installed them before.
I am new to SoCal and I am having trouble locating someone that can sell and install. I will keep looking and taking in all of the helpful comments.
Thank you all for your input
Dave
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