Cost to set up Toad

I've towed both ways... prefer a dolly, but 4WD not supposed to be dollied.

We bought a 2014 CRV to use as a toad. It cost about $3800 to set it and our gas rv up for towing. This included all new equipment, labor and taxes. The items installed were:
Blue Ox baseplate
Blue Ox Avail tow bar
Wiring harness
SMI braking system
Brake notification light run to the RV drivers console
Fusemaster disconnect switch for the CRV

The CRV is only about 3300 lbs and with the latest Blue Ox tow bar it tows well. It is also very easy to hook up and unhook. We went to a Blue Ox recommended installer who set up both the CRV and the motorhome in one day.

We had a thread awhile ago where the OP had a about a 10-YOA CRV set up as toad that he was thinking of taking all the gear OFF of to sell. Several here suggested he list it as towing-ready. Such vehicles are out there. Some of the forums have "for sale" and "wanted" sections. Could be very worthwhile to surf around.

Bumpyroad wrote:
I thought the new CRVs/Hondas couldn't be towed 4 down without serious modifications.
bumpy

True but there are some like new 2014s out there. I bought a 2011 Element a few years ago with 4000 miles on it.

I thought the new CRVs/Hondas couldn't be towed 4 down without serious modifications.
bumpy

vic46 wrote:
You should perhaps look at using a tow dolly. The cost is likely to be substantially less and the dolly may be used for a different toad without any additional cost. The number of vehicles that may be towed on a dolly is substantially larger than the number that can be towed down!

X2 and having towed both ways I find it no more difficult than towing 4 down. We've whittled out tow set up time down to 10-15 minutes. Loving our dolly and the boatload of money I saved setting up our tow arrangement.

You should perhaps look at using a tow dolly. The cost is likely to be substantially less and the dolly may be used for a different toad without any additional cost. The number of vehicles that may be towed on a dolly is substantially larger than the number that can be towed down!

I have done two Elements and one CRV. Ready Brute aluminum tow bar with retractable arms and built in surge brakes about $750-$800.

Demco baseplate about $400 from PPL. PPL discounts about %20.

Magnetic light kit from Harbor Freight $10. You can wire this in permanently.

I do the install myself but it should be about 3-4 hours labor if you pay.

I don't trust most RV shops to do this.

I am trying to locate a Toad and its tough. Would prefer an automatic, and that makes it even harder. Anyone have a WAG on the cost to equip something like a CRV or a liberty to be a Toad? I have a third hand braking system that may or may not work.

New, installed all the parts and labor including safety chains hitch and tow bar locks etc. Price runs around average is $2,500. Mine was a bit higher because of retrofitting the baseplate. And on 'some' of the newer cars the bumper has to be removed so there might be more labor in that situation.

I'd check HERE first:
You can check here about your specific car, IF it can be towed/base plate.
Do a search by make and model.
http://blueox.com/recreational-commercial-flat-towing/baseplates/sorting/

This link has everything you wanted to know about parts, wiring, fuses, baseplates, installation guide etc for a specific model toad.

And 'then' after you are familiar with what is involved with your toad, I'd go down to your local RV dealership an get a free quote so you know where your at with your specific toad.

The owners manual of the car you decide on is the bible if it can be towed four down. Listed under 'recreational towing' in the car's manual.

good luck hope you find the perfect toad to RV with.

Gereatly depends on if you 'need' all new stuff or want to buy used. Most new will cost in excess of $1000 same stuff used will run probably less than $500. Check craigs list, ebay and do a search for used rv tow parts. Just had a guy give me a set of baseplates for my ranger, another $50 and I got all the rest to hook it up.