Flat tow setup

I just completed installing base plates on my 2006 Grand Vitara, it was about $500 for the base plates and the adapters for my tow bar. There was $50 in miscellaneous parts and another $500 in common tool sets needed(I already had the tools). It took 5 hours for the installation because of Mr. Murphy and mid-year design changes in the GV.

Here is my post about the install. One of the guys commented that now I know why the shop wanted to charge 8 hours for the job at $150 and hour.

The big savings is cool, I bought a new radio and it will pay for the aux brake system, the BIG savings is I know how it was done and how the base plates and BP's were put together. Correctly! There were lots of U clips and screws used to replace the plastic push pin body rivets that were broken during disassembly. The torque on the bolts is correct and was stressed and checked before being covered by the body. Absolutely none of the bolts can be re torqued without removing the front body assembly. Shops often don't pay attention to fine details like broken plastic push rivets.

Today another two hours putting the cable in for the brake and tail lights.

Two weeks to get the Aux Braking system ordered and installed.

The big reward is of course the sea trials afterwards. Going to see the DGD and her husband in OR where we dropped them off to start their new life in the slow lane.

Base plates average $400 a tow bar around $800. Brake system approx $1100. Wiring will be around $175. Labor will be around 6-8 hours. So around $3300.

I picked up a “used one time” tow bar and brake system for $300. $400 for a new base plate and $160 for the wiring with diodes. Did all the work myself. The base plate is a 2 hour job. The wiring is the killer, takes 4-5 hours to do it right.

Camp world has a deal for install anything for $55 or so. I bought my baseplates thru CW and had them install along with the light wiring setup. At the time was like $29 per item, but must buy from CW, Could have gotten baseplates cheaper off net but then would need to pay again at time $75-100/hr for install!

they guy that sold me the rv gave me his brake setup and I did the install myself. CW would not do it since it was USED. But was pretty simple it was the hard mount AF unit I think. No messing with putting something in or pulling out to drive much easier and no storage space issues.

If you're handy, consider installing a baseplate, toad wiring and a Ready Brute Elite tow bar yourself. Spent $1800 on setting up our Grand Cherokee. Would not be surprised if there are on-line videos showing how to install on a CR-V. I found the videos extremely helpful.

northshore wrote:
Iryrob,
Thanks for that heads up on the wireless tail lights, have you tried them?
Im getting ready to do a flat towing setup and those lights seem like the ticket.
Thanks again

Been using a set of TOW MATE wireless lights for 8 years. They work everytime, in any weather, and never scratch the paint. All you have to do is recharge them after a days towing.

Iryrob,
Thanks for that heads up on the wireless tail lights, have you tried them?
Im getting ready to do a flat towing setup and those lights seem like the ticket.
Thanks again

My son made exactly that change with same vehicle and he is very glad he did, No comment on the cost but I know it's darn expensive. Just the base plate for the Toyota many cost $500. Then labor at $100 or more/hr. for most of a day. Then the cost of the tow bar, all the wiring and the brake for the Crv. And more. The CRV is a little heavy for my 30 ft. Class C, several hundred pounds more than my 3000 lb. Ford Focus. I would prefer a 2500 lb. Honda Fit stick perhaps.

I've done three Grand Cherokee's myself over the years. The Blue OX base plate is about $450. Craigslist Blue OX Aventa tow bar $250. Magnetic LED towing lights $50. So there is a DIY approach...

Look Here... Ready

Yes, it seems like a high, very high price. It takes about an hour or so to remove and replace the plastic fascia on the front of the CRV.
By the way, for a 14 CRV, same as my 12 CRV, it depends on the driveline whether or not it can be towed on a dolly. Front wheel drive can be towed 4 down or on a dolly. If it is All Wheel Drive it must be towed 4 down or on a trailer.

Ken