Researching options for setting up Toad. Haven't decided on vehicle yet, but it'll be a small SUV with 3rd row (enclave, Traverse, Rav4 w/3rd row, or similar in these sizes).I need something I can easily hook up and disconnect by myself. I know nothing about these but one thing I read about them is that I'll want something that is forgiving when not being exactly lined up while hooking up.Could you please tell me some options you would consider as a must have while towing 4 down? Will I need a separate braking system?Need to get it done as affordable as possible so I don't need the glitz n glam only the useful gadgets.TIADriving a 2007 34' Georgetown. Class A/gaser.

Blue ox works great but be sure you check out the towing restrictions on the vehicles you mentioned.

I have a blue ox, very pleased with it. Fast to connect disconnect. I use the patriot brake system. Pulling a small ford fiesta. It is the law in most states. Stopped outside of tyler, tx just so he could check brake system and emergency switch then said enjoy. He was a dps in a pickup wearing coveralls and a badge. I guess big fine if you dont have it. Total cost for brake, baseplate, unit, cables, lighting, install about 4 grand. Love it.

What rfsod said bears repeating. Check the owner's manual of the vehicles you are interested in towing to insure they can be towed four down. And make sure they do not weigh too much for your coach. And you should absolutely have a braking system of some sort for your dingy.

I have a blue ox; probably 10 or more years old(don't know if they have changed). No complaints. There's quite a bit of adjustment if you aren't lined up perfectly. However, unhooking goes much better if you are on level ground; otherwise, may have to turn the toad vehicle one way or the other or put some pressure forward or back.

I have Blue ox tow bar and RVI2 Brake I do it all myself no problems

Roadmaster or Blue Ox? | Good Sam Community

gasser9
Explorer
May 16, 2015
Most all G M products are towable 4 down The Buick ENCLAVE is definitely towable according to the Owners Manual. Mine has about 40,000 miles behind my class A. I have SMI brake system & Blue Ox tow system. When the pins are pulled tho only thing you see is the 6-way receptacle for the umbilical cord. Really a clean installation for any App.Blue Ox is a really great company. They have a free, Beautiful RV Park on the edge of Pender, NE & will check & service your towbar & plates for free. I have been doing business with their "Automatic Farm Equipment" since the late 50's so it was only natural to stay with a GREAT CUSTOMER ORIENTED company with their towing products.
lanerd
Explorer II
May 16, 2015
I understand. The owner's manual should take precedence over all other information. But the difference between an Enclave and a Jeep is night and day. If you're satisfied with the Jeep, that's all that matters.

Posted By: bclan6 on 05/15/15 05:28pm

What are the general rules of knowing if a vehicle needs a lube pump? I know there is something I need to have installed if it's rear wheel drive. Is the lube pump for automatic vehicles?

Typically, all FWD vehicles that can NOT be towed 4-down will require a lube pump. All RWD vehicles that can NOT be towed 4-down will require a "driveshaft disconnect".

The best way to determine if a vehicle can be towed 4-down or what is required to modify it so that it can.... can be found by going to REMCO and plugging in the year, make, mode of the vehicle you are interest in.

Give it a shot and see how it works.

Ron
rfsod48
Explorer
May 16, 2015
I can only go by dealer advisement and their experience with transmission failures after vehicle towed this way. Nerd you may view things differently and certainly that is you prerogative. What ever floats your boat. I chose to not risk my Enclave and purchased a jeep that was made to be towed this way with no needed fuse removal or running of the vehicle to hopefully lubricate the transmission . the jeep also has no limitation regarding tow speed.
bclan6
Explorer
May 16, 2015
What are the general rules of knowing if a vehicle needs a lube pump? I know there is something I need to have installed if it's rear wheel drive. Is the lube pump for automatic vehicles?
lanerd
Explorer II
May 16, 2015
rfsod48 wrote:
The op mentioned Buick Enclave / Chevy Traverse. I have an Enclave and per manual and dealer this is needed. Not that I have anything against GM, I love my Enclave. The procedure to tow it 4 down is much more complicated.

Hummm... quoting from Motorhome's 2015 towing guide for the Chevy Traverse:

"Remove 15 amp ECM fuse, the 15 amp On Star fuse and 50 amp BATT1 fuse. Run vehicle at the beginning of each day and at each rv fuel stop for aboout 5 minutes."

It also states the same wording for the GMC Arcadia and Buick Enclave

No mention of a lube pump requirement.
rfsod48
Explorer
May 15, 2015
The op mentioned Buick Enclave / Chevy Traverse. I have an Enclave and per manual and dealer this is needed. Not that I have anything against GM, I love my Enclave. The procedure to tow it 4 down is much more complicated.
lanerd
Explorer II
May 15, 2015
rfsod48 wrote:
GM products will also need trans lubricating system.

Sorry, but with all due respect....this statement is just simply not true...in fact, it's the opposite. There are very few GM auto trans vehicles that require the trans lubricating system to tow 4-down.

Ron
Dutch_12078
Explorer II
May 15, 2015
A third choice to consider would be NSA's ReadyBrute Elite tow bar and integrated auxiliary brake system. The all-terrain aluminum tow bar is rated for 8,000 lbs, and can be ordered with arm ends to fit any of the popular base plates. The surge brake system is a very simple, yet effective, setup that only requires snapping a cable on a clip to hook up after the initial installation.
rfsod48
Explorer
May 15, 2015
Newer blue ox systems handle uneven ground and off center toad pull up easily. GM products will also need trans lubricating system. Best auto trans in new product is Jeep Cherokee with 4 wd Drive II system.
dubdub07
Explorer
May 15, 2015
Jayco-noslide wrote:
I have a blue ox; probably 10 or more years old(don't know if they have changed). No complaints. There's quite a bit of adjustment if you aren't lined up perfectly. However, unhooking goes much better if you are on level ground; otherwise, may have to turn the toad vehicle one way or the other or put some pressure forward or back.

I have Blue Ox on two Jeeps. Towing a Wrangler means lots of uneven ground. I have never had these issues. 5 minutes to hood/unhook. Not even a sweat on a hot day.

Blue Ox design with the tabs, unseen baseplate, and tow bar that stays on the MH is by far the best choice.

WW

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