Forum Discussion

phxchica's avatar
phxchica
Explorer
Sep 07, 2016

Okay, ready to consider a toad

After a summer of travel I think I am ready to consider a toad. I was put off by the cost at first, but in researching further it seems I may be able to get a tow bar with auto braking. Does anyone have experience with the blue ox alpha towbar with auto stop braking? Does this replace the need to have a braking box inside the vehicle? I have a Honda Pilot that yes, is old enough to be towable per Honda. It seems I could get the tow bar and tow plate for around $1500 plus cost to install instead of the $4400 price I was quoted at the RV dealership, directly from Blue Ox.
Also can you share your advice and experience with toad. I will need to hook up and unhook by myself so any advice as far as ease for the various systems would be appreciated.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Jan 17, 2017
    Both my wife and I have no problems hooking up our toad unaided. Having a second person help does save a minute or so, but that's about all.
  • phxchica's avatar
    phxchica
    Explorer
    Jan 17, 2017
    Thanks for your posts! I still have not gotten down to researching less costly options, but increasingly want to find them. Any comments on systems easiest for one person?
  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Jan 17, 2017
    The $4400 you were quoted would turn us off, too!!! It's waaaay out of line. We used Blue Ox for 8 of our full-timing years and towing constantly with no issues but at that time they didn't have a braking method combined. We used a separate brake control (BrakeBuddy) which worked well and was no problem installing each time. It just took a couple minutes.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Jan 17, 2017
    I'll add my vote for the NSA ReadyBrute Elite combined 8,000 lb all terrain tow bar and braking system. Works great and it's literally a "snap" to hook up the braking system when getting underway.
  • atperci's avatar
    atperci
    Explorer
    Jan 17, 2017
    phxchica wrote:
    After a summer of travel I think I am ready to consider a toad. I was put off by the cost at first, but in researching further it seems I may be able to get a tow bar with auto braking. Does anyone have experience with the blue ox alpha towbar with auto stop braking? Does this replace the need to have a braking box inside the vehicle? I have a Honda Pilot that yes, is old enough to be towable per Honda. It seems I could get the tow bar and tow plate for around $1500 plus cost to install instead of the $4400 price I was quoted at the RV dealership, directly from Blue Ox.
    Also can you share your advice and experience with toad. I will need to hook up and unhook by myself so any advice as far as ease for the various systems would be appreciated.


    Hi!
    We currently tow a Honda Pilot as well. We need to replace our tow bar and wanted to find out what you ended up going with and what you think about it. Thanks in advance!
  • greenskeeper's avatar
    greenskeeper
    Explorer
    Sep 19, 2016
    We have used the Night Shift surge system for the last 4 years I have found it to be a very good system, very easy to unhook and hookup. I tow a dodge dakota quad cab pickup. Has worked very well for us, mine is the Ready Brute Elite system,
  • tatest's avatar
    tatest
    Explorer II
    Sep 07, 2016
    Blue Ox Alpha is currently their least expensive "leave it on the motorhome" solution but that tow bar does not include a braking solution. Blue Ox's Patriot braking box costs about $1000. The Auto Stop surge brake is a $400 add on.

    Surge braking can also be added using the ReadyBrake system from Night Shift Auto with the Alpha, factory cost $500 (plus $110 for ReadyStop emergency break-away), or you can get the braking built into the towbar with NSA's ReadyBrute Elite for about $1200 dollars.

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