Considering a used tow bar

I got a quote from a trailer hitch shop and was amazed at how expensive the Blue Ox and Roadmaster tow bars are. They also gave me a quote for installation. I next did my research and found the same tow bar much cheaper on Amazon. When I told them I would provide my own tow bar, they increased the estimate for installation by $200, so I wouldn't be saving any $.

Have you decided on a BRAND of Base Plate? Camping World often has specials on installation, but I think they only sell Roadmaster and I'm sure you'd pay retail for the part.

I've done base plates and helped others. You're out of my radius, though. Too bad; Feed me and I'll do pretty much anything.

Look up the baseplates from the popular manufacturers: Blue Ox, Demco, Roadmaster. Not sure about Demco, but the others let your download the install instructions. That can help you decide which brand you like, from how it looks when finishced, and how hard to install it. The directions sometimes make it seem harder to to than it actually turns out, but there's usually a "difficulty rating" and an "hours estimate." A body shop or mechanic shop may be a good choice. You might find a qualiifed employee willing to do it as a side job.

As Jd suggests CW is a fairly good option. Dont know what their current specials are but when we got our rv the guy gave everything to tow as he bought it all new and had no further use! All roadmaster, I looked over the net found some fair prices for the base plates and then CW had a special on install, but as noted had to be bought from them. Well I would save about $150 off the net but found install shops got $75-100/hr to install. I paid the etra for the parts and got the install for $39 I think it was, yes I could do but I need my time for other stuff plus dont really enjoy crawling around under vehicles as much fun as it used to be.

I got the base plates, with install, the wiring harness with install and something else for around $700 and a day and a half later I had the car back. So check em out, sometimes low prices have hidden costs! Tow bars and brake setup can be found on CL and other places for about 1/2 of new costs and the tow bar really has no install that you cant do yourself if you can lift 25-30lbs. The wiring thing is sketchy, you can run a flat 4 to the rear and install but mine is all tied in, only thing they didn't add was charge wire, so make sure one is installed if you go this route.

Does CL stand for Camper Land?

I've heard Ready Brute mentioned as a good choice. IS it difficult or time consuming to hook it up?

dodge guy wrote:
I bought a used Roadmaster 5000 off a guy on CL. It was used once and it shows! I paid $300 and it included a complete toad braking system.

:E I'm jealous!

CL = Craigs List

CW = Camping World

SG = StarGirl... How are you doing with your search?

If I knew then (about 15 years ago when Blue Ox bought out Duncan and sold their inventory off cheap) what I know now... Would not have gotten a toad-mounted tow bar. I have a Duncan that works like RM's 5000. Was sure I'd want to tow with some vehicle with a solid hitch not a receiver type. Never have, and having to put up with it on the toad while camping, or taking it off and finding a place for it, is simply a pain. In Duncan it's called StowMaster, beautifully made, great condition, and I have all the hardware. Planning to go with a used RM (RoadMaster) Falcon All Terrain (coach mounted) that I bought off CL.

stargirl96 wrote:
Does CL stand for Camper Land?

Yes. Or maybe Craigs List, depending on which century you come from.

I bought a Roadmaster StowMaster off CL. Personally, I like it because I can tow my toad with any of my other vehicles.

I take the MoHo and toad (Durango) to the lake and then take the Durango back home <25 miles and get the boat. After the weekend, take the boat home, go back with the Durango and drag it back home. If we ever move or need to take multiple vehicles elsewhere, I can take the MoHo and toad, then come back and take the Durango behind the 1 ton.