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ThorResidencyNe's avatar
ThorResidencyNe
Explorer
Mar 12, 2014

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 said that includes: ReadyBrute Elite tow bar, safety cables, umbilical cord from MH to jeep, Blue Ox base plate, lighting kit for the Jeep and all labor. The parts come to about $1,800 with tax. That means that there is about $600 in labor. This seems like a lot to me. The RV place said that would include instructions on setting everything up, leveling the hitch to Jeep and setting up and adjusting the ReadyBrute Elite cable. Does this sound right or is it way to expensive?

I've looked at the installation videos and it looks relatively simple. I'm just concerned with doing this since an error could be very costly.

Thanks.
  • Grumpy374's avatar
    Grumpy374
    Explorer
    Mar 12, 2014
    If your machanically adept, and have the tools, $600 bucks is $600 bucks too much. Base plate install is just nuts n bolts, possibly drilling a hole or two depending on vehicle. Wireing is simple, if you have a base knowledge on running wire's.
    Blue ox's directions are good, and instructions that will come with the tow bars are also good. Follow them and you won't have any problems.
    Installed a Blue Ox base plate on my Subaru Crosstrek, took about two hours---took that long as I had to remove the front facia and I took my time.
    $600.00 will buy a lot of gas or xtra's for the MH.
    Grumpy
  • WyoTraveler's avatar
    WyoTraveler
    Explorer
    Mar 12, 2014
    I did mine myself. Cost about $2200 which included a Blue Ox rock guard. I have sit in Blue Ox Patriot brake. Some vehicles like the Jeep are easy but time consuming. Some vehicles more difficult to set up. Only problem I ran into was the wire color code was wrong on my MH hitch. So the factory wired the connector wrong.

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