Hardware costs for flat-towing (brackets/wiring/tow bar)....

larry cad wrote:

CA Traveler wrote:
All Terain is so much easier/quicker. Blue Ox is liked by many - I don't have one but the prior factory demo? Really? Push the car back to lock one bar? Turn the steering wheel to lock the other? Can't tell when it's unlocked so use a 2x4? REALLY? Hook up the Roadmaster, pull the MH slowely and one will lock and a little side to side steering to lock the other. When stopped - release the locks. Did I miss something in the Blue Ox factory video???

I've used my Blue Ox for 17 years now and never once have I done ANYTHING like that! I pull forward slowly and they both click in and I am ready to go. 17 years and 140000 miles.

That's the way it does work for me, most of the time now. :C

When I first started using a toad I thought both bars had to be locked before I moved the MH. I was pushing the car backwards to physically hear and see the bars 'click'. I didn't realize it only had to be one bar, then the other would click in as I pulled forward.



I think my wheels were turned slightly the wrong way because my bars would fold inward on one side as I pulled forward. I had to unhitch it a few times to get it right .

The video shows the mechanics of it and helped me understand the system. If beginners have the same issue as I did, then the video might help them understand how to resolve an issue or how not to break something.



It was driving me nuts until the video taught me to simply turn the steering a 1/4 turn towards the unlocked bar. Then, as soon as I pull the MH forward a few inches both bars ALWAYS both lock in place.
My DW stays outside and watches the bars lock and it gives her peace of mind that she wont see our toad passing us while en route .:B
It's not a big deal for me to turn my wheel 1/4 turn ,im still able to do that. :) Its second nature now, its something I expect to do I guess. It keeps peace on the Homefront. :B

I just realized that was part 2 of the install video. I didn't see part 1. That probably shows the initial setup and part 2 would be the mechanics of it. I apologize for any confusion and not seeing that.

wanderingaimlessly wrote:
Reading this has made me wonder something, I've not tried it, but may, would a 4 wire trailer plug and harness, with the same plug at both ends, be able to back feed your tail lights on the towed vehicle without needing to add other harnesses? Likewise would the same thing with 7 wire plugs on both ends maintain the towed battery?
Or do the electronics and diode setups in newer vehicles make that impractical?
Basically I'm asking about tying the trailer plugs on both a motorhome and towed together.

worked great.

CA Traveler wrote:
All Terain is so much easier/quicker. Blue Ox is liked by many - I don't have one but the prior factory demo? Really? Push the car back to lock one bar? Turn the steering wheel to lock the other? Can't tell when it's unlocked so use a 2x4? REALLY? Hook up the Roadmaster, pull the MH slowely and one will lock and a little side to side steering to lock the other. When stopped - release the locks. Did I miss something in the Blue Ox factory video???

I've used my Blue Ox for 17 years now and never once have I done ANYTHING like that! I pull forward slowly and they both click in and I am ready to go. 17 years and 140000 miles.

Bobndot, thanks

Wanderingaimlessly,
I found this that might address your back-feed question.

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f85/mh-7-pin-plug-to-toad-7-pin-plug-for-toad-lights-249848.html

All Terain is so much easier/quicker. Blue Ox is liked by many - I don't have one but the prior factory demo? Really? Push the car back to lock one bar? Turn the steering wheel to lock the other? Can't tell when it's unlocked so use a 2x4? REALLY? Hook up the Roadmaster, pull the MH slowely and one will lock and a little side to side steering to lock the other. When stopped - release the locks. Did I miss something in the Blue Ox factory video???

My last setup for my toad was around 1800.00, complete. I got a used BlueOx tow bar, used BrakeBuddy and the RV dealership did all the installation and wiring. My setup before that was about 3600.00.

Reading this has made me wonder something, I've not tried it, but may, would a 4 wire trailer plug and harness, with the same plug at both ends, be able to back feed your tail lights on the towed vehicle without needing to add other harnesses? Likewise would the same thing with 7 wire plugs on both ends maintain the towed battery?
Or do the electronics and diode setups in newer vehicles make that impractical?
Basically I'm asking about tying the trailer plugs on both a motorhome and towed together.

This my setup from 2018. There might be better but this is what I was able to get at the time. It works fine. As you practice setting it up it becomes easier. Like anything else, the more you do it....

Blue-ox combo , tow bar and baseplate

https://www.blueoxtowbars.com/products/BX2163-20?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6s2_8tjp9QIV5waICR1VGA8yEAYYCSABEgJAefD_BwE

Brake Buddy 3

https://www.etrailer.com/Tow-Bar-Braking-Systems/Brake-Buddy/HM39494.html?feed=npn&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20%7C%20Shop%20-%20Low%20Volume%20-%201700&adgroupid=122586051540&campaignid=10268224789&creative=519192913436&device=c&devicemodel=&feeditemid=&keyword=&loc_interest_ms=&loc_physical_ms=9004553&matchtype=&network=g&placement=&position=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxv_e_dnp9QIV5QiICR3c4AiXEAQYAiABEgI2IfD_BwE

A blue ox wiring kit for the car from etrailer is $115
or just drill holes in the taillight housing and install a socket with matching bulb for rear lights .
If I feel the need for extra side marker lighting on the toad, I just turn on its parking lights. Run a charge wire to the toad battery . Group those wires to your harness from toad to rv.

My labor was not that much. My total was $3000 in N.H.
a Mechanic and helper took about 3 hrs.

I spent about $2300 for my setup, but that included a new front bumper instead of a baseplate. Install took me a couple of days taking it slow. Quote I had would have added about another $2,000 in labor so I did it myself.