Towing setup - need advice on cost
I'm ready to finally get my tow vehicle set up. I've decided to go with a ReadyBrute Elite tow bar and Blue Ox base plate. The local RV repair shop quoted me $2,400 out the door for the setup. They...
Forum Discussion
..Base plate installation, installation of ReadyBrake cable, and installation of all taillight wiring for $600.
That actually sounds very reasonable. As already said, $600 buys less than 6 hours labor in most RV shops. Installing all of that will easily take 6 hours, possibly a good bit more than that depending on the vehicle. If you decide not to do it yourself, IMO you will be hard pressed to find a shop that'll do all that for less (many will want more, I bet). It cost me quite a bit more than that to have Readybrake cables and base plates installed on our Ford Fusion.
Excellent choice, BTW, on going with the ReadyBrute Elite tow bar and brake system package deal! You will be very happy with it. Thats what I have, also, and its great.
BTW, if you aren't already planning on it, you should seriously consider adding ReadyBrake's break-away device, 'ReadyStop' to your setup. Its not that much more $$, and is very easy to install at the same time that the main ReadyBrake cable is being installed. 'Tis much more (unnecessary) work to go back and put it (Readystop) in later.
Now, as to the question of whether or not its worth spending $600 to have them install it vs doing it yourself and taking on the liability for such: Thats a personal call that only you can make.
Before you decide, though, take a long, close look at the base plate installation instructions, as well as the installation instructions for Readybrake. Also, look around very closely under the hood, bumper, etc. of your vehicle. Readybrake installations can be a challenge on some vehicles, as can base plate installations. You may well not want to do either of those installations after looking closer at everything. Make sure you're very confident you can do the installations, before you begin down the DIY path. It can be very expensive if you start on the install and change your mind mid way through and need a professional to finish up the installation.
That actually sounds very reasonable. As already said, $600 buys less than 6 hours labor in most RV shops. Installing all of that will easily take 6 hours, possibly a good bit more than that depending on the vehicle. If you decide not to do it yourself, IMO you will be hard pressed to find a shop that'll do all that for less (many will want more, I bet). It cost me quite a bit more than that to have Readybrake cables and base plates installed on our Ford Fusion.
Excellent choice, BTW, on going with the ReadyBrute Elite tow bar and brake system package deal! You will be very happy with it. Thats what I have, also, and its great.
BTW, if you aren't already planning on it, you should seriously consider adding ReadyBrake's break-away device, 'ReadyStop' to your setup. Its not that much more $$, and is very easy to install at the same time that the main ReadyBrake cable is being installed. 'Tis much more (unnecessary) work to go back and put it (Readystop) in later.
Now, as to the question of whether or not its worth spending $600 to have them install it vs doing it yourself and taking on the liability for such: Thats a personal call that only you can make.
Before you decide, though, take a long, close look at the base plate installation instructions, as well as the installation instructions for Readybrake. Also, look around very closely under the hood, bumper, etc. of your vehicle. Readybrake installations can be a challenge on some vehicles, as can base plate installations. You may well not want to do either of those installations after looking closer at everything. Make sure you're very confident you can do the installations, before you begin down the DIY path. It can be very expensive if you start on the install and change your mind mid way through and need a professional to finish up the installation.
