Any 'good automotive mechanic' can do this installation. It may sound complex and complicated but its bolt-on stuff and simple electric connections. I would buy your parts as listed below and find an rv mobile mechanic or ask around various car repair shops. You'll find someone a lot cheaper that 6K. A lot of mechanics own rvs and know what to do.
you have two options:
1. flat tow - all 4 wheels on ground .
only certain vehicles can do that, you'll need to verify your vehicle.
My new complete Blue Ox system cost me maybe $2500-$3000 for parts and took my auto mechanic 2-3 hours labor. Buying used will be less but you'll need to shop around on line.
2. dolly tow - you'll need to buy a tow dolly that hitches to the rv. Again cost of a new dolly and setup 'might be ?' a little less than flat towing and used will be less.
The cars front wheels drive onto the dolly while its rear wheels roll on the ground. You have a wider range of vehicles to tow , like most FWD cars with automatic transmissions can be dolly towed. The down side is parking a dolly and some maintenance, tires, brakes, bearings,lights.
if your choice is to flat tow , Supply us with year make model or google your vehicle to see if its flat towable or not.
if you want to flat tow , you'll need :
1.Baseplate You need to find an available baseplate to fit your car, this is most important part of this setup, due to availability.
This is the front hitch that gets bolted to the car. Its specific to your car. The rest is generic stuff with the exception of the electric lighting harness , if you choose to use one. You have an option or two with lights.
2. Tow bar ,
this is the metal adjustable 'all terrain type' set of V-shaped arms that connect to the the rv's 2"x2" hitch receiver and to the towed car. They have tow ratings to match the weight range of what vehicle you plan to tow.
3. the baseplate will usually have two ports to accept the tow bar arms allowing a solid connection to the rv.
4. safety chains,
these 2 chains or steel cables make a connection between the car and the rv hitch in case of an emergency breakdown of the tow bar. Its part of the breakaway safety system.
5. Breakaway switch.
This switch gets installed on the front of the car and gets wired into the cars brake system.
In case the towed car becomes separated from the rv, an attached cable will pull a pin on the breakaway switch causing the brakes to be applied on the towed vehicle.
6. Brake system.
Like a 'BRAKE BUDDY 2' its wireless, it simply sits on the toads floor and connects electronically plugs in thru the access port under the dash, then easily clamps onto the brake pedal.
the towed car will need something to apply its brakes when the rv brakes are applied. You add it and remove it when you need to tow. Its very simple and easy to do.
7. Lights on the 'toad', the towed car.
you will need to have lights on the toad as you would need lights on a trailer.
The car being towed needs a harness and electric cable to connect the toad to the rvs 7 way 12v connector.
You have 3 options, use a dedicated car harness, use magnetic lights
or drill holes in the taillight housing of the toad to accept bulbs dedicated for towing.
If you choose drilling holes and running some wire to the front of the car as i did, i turn on the cars running lights for added illumination at night or in rain. Otherwise you will only have tail lights, directions and brake lights which is fine for daytime towing.
A 12v charge line can be added to the harness of either setup to keep the cars battery charged while towing. A good idea for either setup !
You will need to unlock the steering wheel while towing the car. On my GM car, i need to turn the ignition one click to unlock the steering wheel to the AUX position. If you click it 2x, then you will be in the 'ON' position which will record your mileage on the towed car. There is no real need to do that. You don't need the entire dash to light up, you just need to unlock the steering.
If you need specif help as to what to buy or links that show you how to set up the towing system, let us know and we will send you any links you need.
Good place to start:
Etrailer.com , has all the towing parts you'll need and videos on installation of each part.
Youtube will also have how-to videos that show the set up the system of your choice.
Good luck, hope this info gives you a better idea of things ,
Bob
