Towing setup - need advice on cost

Thanks for all the comments. Well, I looked over the on-line instructions and looked at my Jeep (1995 Cherokee). Everything looks pretty easy. Actually, my Jeep has an aftermarket tube bumper and I can see the bolts that need to be replaced. The base plate install shouldn't take very long at all.

So I made the decision and ordered all the parts. I'll pick up the Blue Ox base plate, wiring kit, clevis' and rv to Jeep electrical cord today. The ReadyBrute Elite tow bar will be here next Wednesday. I was hoping to have it all done for our camping trip next weekend, but I doubt it will. Plus, I don't want to rush anything.

Anyways, thanks for all the suggestions and I'm looking forward to the install as well as saving the $600 installation costs.

Medico wrote:
You did not mention in your original post about an auxiliary brake system with break away protection.

The ReadyBrute Elite tow bar the OP is going with comes with a very good auxiliary brake system, Readybrake. I got the impression the installation he was talking about included installing the Readybrake cable. Soo, the OP does have an auxiliary braking system included (a very good one at that).

It is true, though, he did not mention a break-away system. As I alluded to in my previous post, though, Readybrake does have their Readystop break-away product that provides a good break-away system that works well with their braking system (or any other for that matter). Like I said before, it would be a good idea to go ahead and get such and install it at the same time.

Most states and provinces require this aux. brake system, plus your insurance company would probably require it to insure your rig.

OK, now we're getting into some 'urban myths' that really needs to stop getting propagated.

No, most states do NOT require such, that is a myth that auxiliary brake companies have been very successful in spreading. When you look closer at the specific laws for the various states and how they define things, truth is most states do NOT require auxiliary braking on a towed vehicle.

Many states require such for trailers, but also indicate that a towed motor vehicle doesn't classify as a trailer. Auxiliary braking companies always conveniently leave that last piece out, when quoting 'state laws' on their web pages. Some states go by a performance law, meaning as long as you can stop from a given speed in a given distance, you're legal regardless what equipment you have or don't have. There's only a handful of states IIRC, that specifically spell out that a towed motor vehicle requires a supplemental braking system.

Neither is any insurance company going to refuse coverage if you don't have such a device. It just doesn't work that way.

Please don't get me wrong - Auxiliary braking system as well as a break-away device is a great idea, usually will make your rig safer, and something everyone should seriously consider. However, don't be misled into thinking state laws or insurance necessarily requires such, 'cause it definitely isn't true with insurance, and not true about state laws in most cases, either.

You did not mention in your original post about an auxiliary brake system with break away protection. Most states and provinces require this aux. brake system, plus your insurance company would probably require it to insure your rig.

What could possibly go wrong? :)

When I put the base plates on my Jeep Liberty my local RV dealer wanted a fortune for labor. I don't recall the exact numbers now but I went to my local Jeep dealer (that also had a body shop) and asked how much for them to install them. The cost was half of what the RV shop wanted. And even though the guy had never installed them before, it was an actual body and fender guy that put them on. I gave him the instructions and I think it took about an hour. On my Dodge Dakota, I put them on myself. They installed in existing holes and it was a fairly easy job.

..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.

Thor, if you feel comfortable and capable, than do it. If not than let the dealer do it. This is what your original post was about. If we, who can, had to worry about the "liability police", than we would never do our own brake jobs, change our shocks, do our own maintaince, or do any modifications to our rv's or cars.
Grumpy

If ya go to camp world, buy from them (a little more than from net dealers) they will install for $39 if you are a good sam member. That is what we did, new car, new baseplate from roadmaster, had the tow bar already, they installed the whole thing for around $700 with parts including the lighting kit ($100) and $39 to install. Lifetime guarantee on workmanship. Since I provided the brake system they did not install, but they will do theirs for $39 if you purchase from them.

It is a nice option but like I said the price of the parts (will include shipping) was less than $100 than what I could get off the net and then either do myself or pay $75-100/hr to have installed. I took the CW route.

I agree. I would like to save the money and $600 buys alot of stuff for the MH. I am also more than capable of doing this as I do all of my own work on the MH. I guess I was just questioning if $600 was worth the peace of mind in having someone else liable if something goes wrong.

Remember, that $600 installation fee includes a warranty and liability coverage.
If anything goes wrong with the installation, the DEALER is at fault, not you.
How much is THAT "peace of mind" worth to you?
Personally, I don't worry about it, but it is something to consider.
Also keep in mind that in many shops these days, $600 buys less than 6 hours labor!

How much is $600 in liability to you?