I have a 38 foot Thor Challenger, gas, motorhome. I just got a vehicle that I can tow. I have been researching different tow bars and they all seem to have their good points. Any suggestions? Also once I get one who installs them? I have a Cummins dealer that I use to do some repairs and winterizing and dewinterizing but their hourly rate has really become pretty high. At least for me. Are other shops, local truck and car repair, able to install the tow bar and set up my 2014 Honda CR-V? Or is this something my automotive handy nephew could do? Last thing, should I get brake assist on the vehicle? Thanks.

Auxiliary brake system for your size rig is a must. You will be maxing out capacity of rig's brakes.Once you decide on a tow bar, download the installation directions. Many people can install a basic installation without much problem.Smaller independent shops will do many installs along with wiring. Can get pricy!I would recommend a MH mounted tow bar for your configuration. More of the weight is on MH and less on the front of the toad.

Ready Brute from NSA is my choice. It stays mounted to your coach, if desired, and incorporates a braking system built into the tow bar. Changing out the clevis allows it to be used with almost any base plate.....DennisReady BruteThat "kit" includes EVERYTHING you need, including the base plate and the break away line.

The installation instructions with most base plate kits is usually well done. Your nephew should be able to do the install. The tail/stop/turn wiring should probably be left to the professionals. It requires running the wires the full length of the car and adding diodes. The aux brake will also require some wiring.On your C-RV there is a fuse that needs to be removed every time you toe the car. That will get old very quick. There are kits that replace the fuse with a fuse and switch, so all you have to do is flip the switch when you get ready to tow.Are you aware of the transmission procedure you must do every morning? Start car and run for 3 minutes, put transmission in drive for 5 seconds, put transmission in neutral, turn off engine and tow. DO NOT put transmission in neutral from any other position before towing.Richard2013 CRV

I have had 5 towable vehicles in 17 years, all Jeeps. I had a shop install the first tow plate, and I installed all the rest, including moving the original tow plate to the newest vehicle by myself. There are videos on youtube to show you how if you are interested. Removing and replacing the bumper is probably the most difficult part of the project.I have always used Blue Ox and have found their products and support to be top notch. I've used two tow bars and have had them serviced by Blue Ox occasionally for minimal charge. Gives me peach of mind. One step to consider is the electrical wiring for the tail lights on the toad. Depending on your available electrical experience, this can be difficult or easy. A simple and cheap way around wiring is to go to Harbor Freight and purchase their 12v magnetic mount trailer LED lighting kit for $32. Put the lights on the roof and run the included wiring through the hood area and out the grill to the plug on the RV. 10 minutes tops. I have one for use on one jeep without the wiring and it works fine. Google lighting kits and you can find them cheaper. As mentioned above, it would be a good idea to install an auxiliary brake system to take some of the load off your RV. Many kinds are available so be prepared to spend some time researching. You will get a lot of emotional responses here on the forum, so be prepared. I would also check for a used tow plate on ebay, and other sites. People who may have owned a CRV before and got rid of it, may have the tow plate leaning against the wall in the garage.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sterling-Roadmaster-Tow-Bar-011895-Max-Capacity-6-000-lbs-Motor-Home-Travel/254904018781?hash=item3b5976a75d:g:06sAAOSwaRhgT7josave your bucks, use used.

Tow Bar Suggestions | Good Sam Community

casadedi49
Explorer
Mar 22, 2021
Thanks everyone for your comments. It has helped a lot. I am a 71 year old single lady who is not 'automotively' inclined. I will have my nephew read your comments. I have had him do work on the moho in the past. He went to school to be a mechanic but only does that on the side now. Thanks again!
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Mar 22, 2021
I went with Blue Ox and no regrets. In fact though I no longer use it I still have it (It has suffered damage and thus will go to a recycler)

However There are basically 3 or 4 major tow bars
Blue-ox stows on RV
Roadmaster different models some stow on RV some on Towed. I do not like those

The brand I would get if I was buying today is Ready brute WITH Ready Brake.

Why. as someone said you need the aux brake system for the towed. this is an all in one package.
ONE CAUTION.
The ready brake uses a cable, not unlike the parkign brake cable, to apply the towed's service brakes (Primary brakes) this cable can corrode and bind. you need to either keep it well lubed or exercise it often Follow owner's manual instructions
Ro_n_Joe
Explorer II
Mar 29, 2021
4X on the Ready Brute Elite. Since the CRV was a very popular toad, I'd be surprised if there wasn't a YouTube video showing the installation of the base plate. The tow bar and self installation make for a low cost setup vs other options. Also recommend the Road Master brake light kit with diodes and there's likely a video on that too. Took me 3 days to do mine but I wasn't in a rush either.
DSDP_Don
Explorer
Mar 31, 2021
For a small car like the CRV, I like the Ready Brute tow bar. It's a good choice for a car that doesn't need a more powerful brake system.
cwit
Explorer
Apr 02, 2021
Ready brute elite is my choice. Great towbar. Easy to use and set up.
Tinstar
Explorer
Apr 02, 2021
It's taken me about 4 hours, from start to finish to install a base plate. Simple shade tree mechanic can do it.
way2roll
Navigator II
Apr 02, 2021
OP - Since we sold our MH and bought a FW we no longer use/need our ready brute Elite bars. We used them to tow our CRV. I'd be willing to sell at a discount. I tried to PM you but your profile does not accept PM's.

To the MOD, I am not trying to actively sell these on the forum, just trying to help a fellow member out and can't send a PM. You can delete the post if it still violates the rules.
Ro_n_Joe
Explorer II
Apr 11, 2021
4 or 5X on the Ready Brute Elite 2 (latest model last I knew). Not that difficult to set up yourself. There were videos showing how to install the baseplate, the towbar and the roadmaster diode lights on our Jeep GC. If you have a popular toad you might find some videos too.

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