ReadyBrake or Blue Ox AutoStop?

Does anyone know if the break away system is required for towing or just optional?

The Blue Ox Aladdin tow bar with the AutoStop is rated for 7,500 lbs. and can be found for under $900. The Blue Ox Alpha tow bar is rated for 6,500 lbs. which is more than enough for the Ford Fiesta. $655 would be an economical and serviceable solution.

I have the Blue Ox Aladdin tow bar with Blue Ox AutoStop surge braking, Blue Ox BrakeLock breakway and everything works well so far.

ezgoin wrote:

tropical36 wrote:

ezgoin wrote:
I'm in the process of shopping for a tow setup for my 2013 Ford Fiesta, looking at tow bars and brake systems. I've been looking at both the ReadyBrake and Blue Ox's AutoStop. Amazon lists the Blue Ox Alpha tow bar with AutoStop for $655 (but out of stock) (Amazon link) which sounds like a pretty good price for both tow bar and brake system.

I've read more about the ReadyBrake but not much about AutoStop, so I was looking for possible feedback on the AutoStop system.

Thanks everyone!

That's a lot more than what a READYBRAKE would cost.

Not really. I don't have a tow bar and the Blue Ox Alpha price above INCLUDES tow bar AND AutoStop. The ReadyBrute Elite that includes both runs $1,200.

OK and misinterpreted, thinking that it was for just the brake attachment. Haven't researched that particular Blue Ox fully, but the RB Elite are the only alum bars I know of that are rated for 8000lbs.

I too have wondered if anyone out there is using Blue Ox's version of ReadyBrake, the AutoStop. Have not seen much discussion about it.

$665 for both a Blue ox Tow bar AND Auto Stop is an absolute steal, IMO. The Readybrake unit that includes both (ReadyBrute Elite) costs almost twice that much (although I believe the Readybrute tow bar is probably a bit more stout than a Blue Ox Alpha).

I do recall when looking closely at the Autostop unit, I liked the way they routed the cable on the tow bar a bit better than Readybrake's design. However, on the flipside, it seemed the Autostop had a lot more moving parts internally that pulled the cable, that could possibly be a bit more failure prone in the long run. Impossible to say, though, without some specific owner experience.

I do know, as already said, that the Readybrake unit is great, simply works and works great. Have had it on two different vehicles now, and wouldn't want to own anything else.

tropical36 wrote:

ezgoin wrote:
I'm in the process of shopping for a tow setup for my 2013 Ford Fiesta, looking at tow bars and brake systems. I've been looking at both the ReadyBrake and Blue Ox's AutoStop. Amazon lists the Blue Ox Alpha tow bar with AutoStop for $655 (but out of stock) (Amazon link) which sounds like a pretty good price for both tow bar and brake system.

I've read more about the ReadyBrake but not much about AutoStop, so I was looking for possible feedback on the AutoStop system.

Thanks everyone!

That's a lot more than what a READYBRAKE would cost.

Not really. I don't have a tow bar and the Blue Ox Alpha price above INCLUDES tow bar AND AutoStop. The ReadyBrute Elite that includes both runs $1,200.

I used to have the BuddyBrake, but I found the box cumbersome and on long mountain trips a drain on the battery. I purchased the ReadyBrake which I use with my Demco towbar and I am very pleased with the assembly. Super easy to hookup, no big box, no drain on the battery, just attach the two cables (brake and break-away-brake) and go. The instillation is probably easy as it is just running cable, but I elected to have a trusted technician do the instillation. You need to drill through the fire-wall, and you need to have the flexibility to work under the car.

Installed Ready Brake, not much to say, it appears to work as advertised and is state of the art simple.

ezgoin wrote:
I'm in the process of shopping for a tow setup for my 2013 Ford Fiesta, looking at tow bars and brake systems. I've been looking at both the ReadyBrake and Blue Ox's AutoStop. Amazon lists the Blue Ox Alpha tow bar with AutoStop for $655 (but out of stock) (Amazon link) which sounds like a pretty good price for both tow bar and brake system.

I've read more about the ReadyBrake but not much about AutoStop, so I was looking for possible feedback on the AutoStop system.

Thanks everyone!

That's a lot more than what a READYBRAKE would cost. I also think that Blue Ox came up with something as close as they could without directly infringing on NSA's design and because of they're rising market share and competition. Blue Ox will sell well, though, because of their long standing name in the industry and just like Michelin Tires, whether being the best or even as good.

+1 for Ready Brute Elite. Brake worked fine on 3,000 mile trip to FL and back. Installed it was under $1200.

I would look at the RVi2 www.rvibrake.com. I just bought one and it is so light compared to the others.