Four wheel towing accessories

[Cfgrove99]

I'm looking into four wheel towing, what all is needed?? I know the tow bar, base plate what about breaking system for the vehicle your towing? Any advise on best brand's??

[dsouthw524]

Another standard braking system is the Brake Buddy. This system uses a less expensive tow bar obtained from whomever you choose and is a independent braking system.

I have used one for over 15 years with no trouble and been very glad to have it as we have needed to stop quickly many times as we have traveled the country and needed as much braking as possible to avoid some idiot created situations!

I like this solution as I can/have transferred it from one vehicle to another very easily.

[mowermech]

"Since California is one of our frequent destinations we also need the brake system."

Keep in mind that California is one of the many states that is a "Braking performance law" state.
IF you can stop within a set distance from 20 MPH on a level, hard, clean, surface, you are legal. IIRC in CA it is 45 feet. Here in Montana it is 40 feet. (MCA 61-9-312 (4))
Also, keep in mind that the many "lists of towing laws" found on the internet are notorious for being wrong about the legal requirement for towed vehicle braking. Usually, such lists refer to TRAILER laws, and the legal definition of a "trailer" often does not match a towed motor vehicle. For instance, in Montana MCA 61-1-101 (82)(a) states; "(82) (a) "Trailer" means a vehicle, with or without motive power, other than a pole trailer, designed for carrying property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and constructed so that no part of its weight rests upon the towing vehicle." Note that a "trailer" is "...designed for carrying property and being drawn by a motor vehicle...". A car is designed for carrying people, and is MODIFIED to be drawn by a motor vehicle. That does not seem to meet the definition of a "trailer"!
YES such braking systems are a good idea, there is no doubt about it, but they are required by law in very few states, and there is NO testing done by any independent laboratory to verify their effectiveness.

[JohnnyT]

Moved from class A forum

[dayakster]

Thank you Dale & jerseyjim! I'll bow out of the thread now and let the OP have it back. I've got your info saved. This will be my project for next winter/spring 😉

[jerseyjim]

The prices for the baseplates, diode kit and tow bar seem to be in the ballpark. I have everything from "BlueOX"...one of the major brands and have not been disapointed. Mine is the model with removable "tabs".

The brake....is a another subject. Some RVers don't have(use) them, and there are about 2 or three brands of supplimental braking systems that do cost around $1000 to $1200, and, IMO VERY inconvienient to use. Big boxes to be moved in and out every time. Y'got a bad back?

I like the "ReadyBrake" tow bar. Google it. around 800 bucks. Just make sure you get the right "ends" for it...to match your baseplate. If I ever need a new tow bar, the "ReadyBrake" would be my first choice. Totally mechanical and no electrical drain on any battery.

BTW....I tow a 2007 HHR automatic...leave the key in the igntion (to keep the steering free)remove one 2 AMP fuse (owners manual tells you which one) and off y'go. Got over 20,000 towing miles 4 down and all's well.

[Dale_Traveling]

dayakster wrote:
I don't know where or how to begin to comparison shop for this??? I've got a dealer with good reviews 15 minutes away and the next closest would probably be Camping World in Madison.

Base plate and lights installation is pretty simple. The various manufactures supply detailed instructions with lots of pics plus there might be a few You-Tube videos. For lights there are complete kits made specifically for the end application that really simplifies the install.

For about $1300 you can get a Ready Brake tow bar has a braking system built in. Amazon carries Blue Ox base plates that will fit your HHR for a touch over $350.

For the Original Poster - What do you have in the driveway that you would like to possibily pull around behind your coach?

[dayakster]

mowermech wrote:
For the BRAKING system, I always recommend the ReadyBrute integrated tow bar/braking system; or, if you already have a tow bar, the ReadyBrake braking system from NSA. The system is simple, relatively inexpensive, purely mechanical, and has VERY good reliability!
And yes, the FIRST thing that is required is a vehicle that can be towed four down. The vehicle Owners Manual is the primary source for Recreational Towing instructions.

Our Chevy dealer doesn't work on motorhomes but I wonder if I could get a baseplate installed there and then order the towbar and brake system online?

PS. I have no problem paying professional labor to get the job done I just don't like only having ONE estimate.

[dayakster]

Sorry for horning in on this thread but I have a 97 Allegro Bus and a 2010 HHR that I'm needing a tow package for. Since California is one of our frequent destinations we also need the brake system. This is a quote from our only local dealer...

baseplate $450
wiring kit $60
towbar $725 (Alpno?)can't make out his writing
labor 6 hr. $540
-----------------
$1,775.00 + tax
plus
2012 Patriot (?) brake $1,195
Labor $90
----------------------
Grand Total $3,060 and some tax

I don't know where or how to begin to comparison shop for this??? I've got a dealer with good reviews 15 minutes away and the next closest would probably be Camping World in Madison.

[mowermech]

For the BRAKING system, I always recommend the ReadyBrute integrated tow bar/braking system; or, if you already have a tow bar, the ReadyBrake braking system from NSA. The system is simple, relatively inexpensive, purely mechanical, and has VERY good reliability!
And yes, the FIRST thing that is required is a vehicle that can be towed four down. The vehicle Owners Manual is the primary source for Recreational Towing instructions.

[Heisenberg]

The first thing needed is a vehicle which can be towed 4down.