Forum Discussion

msd5052001's avatar
msd5052001
Explorer
Mar 23, 2016

Help! New Dinghy Set Up Confusion...

Hello all, I am new to the forum and have purchased a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. We bought the Jeep with the specific purpose of towing it behind our class C rv. The problem is I am getting blown away with all of the information that goes into this! After 3 months of research I believe I found the components or at least narrowed down what I "think" I want but now can't find anyone that will install it as they only want to install their own products. I am not mechanically inclined enough to take on a project like this let alone have the tools to do the job. Any suggestions on how to get this accomplished in the Marietta, GA area or any warnings about the choices or additions to the "forgotten" items I have not considered yet would be very much appreciated.

The list of what I "think" I want:

Blue Ox or Currie baseplate, like the looks of the Currie more but have seen some issues with installation and cutting.

Mopar or Cooltech wiring harness. Seems that Cooltech has some issues with the turn signals not working properly on a lot of reviews, so that is a concern.

Readybrute Elite tow bar with surge brake system.

Oh and FYI, just in case it helps, our new camper is not here yet but it is a 2017 Forest River Forester 3051.
  • tropical_ron's avatar
    tropical_ron
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2016
    Anytime we have purchased a motorhome, the selling dealer has always done to car setup, as we required. Talk to the dealer about this. It should be a no brainer if they want the motorhome sale.
  • Tripalot's avatar
    Tripalot
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2016
    The 2X we have had vehicles set up for towing, we have had our dealer do the installation. We felt it was worth paying someone who is experienced in different set ups to do the work and that way if there were any issues, we had someone to go back to.
  • msd5052001's avatar
    msd5052001
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2016
    Honestly I didn't really want to go that route because they are about 200 miles from us so if there was a warranty issue that needed to be resolved then it's a long drive over there and back. But if there isn't any other viable options I will try that route. We have about three weeks before the RV will be in, so at least it gives some time to research other options.
    The local dealer here that said they would do warranty work doesn't do tow bars anymore...
  • RedJeep's avatar
    RedJeep
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2016
    Ready Brute elite with surge brakes is what we have. The install of the conduit cable from Jeep (Land Rover in our case) front bumper to brake pedal is an easy one hour project. We used a Road Master base plate. Had it professionaly installed. Also has to get a Blue Ox clevis to connect tow bar to base plate.

    We're not using any integrated wiring harness with the toad. For lights we have a simple magnetic tow light. Very easy and no mucking about with the toads wiring.


    Good luck!
  • John_Wayne's avatar
    John_Wayne
    Explorer II
    Mar 23, 2016
    Do you have a mobil RV tech. in the area he may be able to help or any independent garage the items you want to install all come with instructions. So they should be able to do it.
  • msd5052001's avatar
    msd5052001
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2016
    RedJeep wrote:
    Ready Brute elite with surge brakes is what we have. The install of the conduit cable from Jeep (Land Rover in our case) front bumper to brake pedal is an easy one hour project. We used a Road Master base plate. Had it professionaly installed. Also has to get a Blue Ox clevis to connect tow bar to base plate.

    We're not using any integrated wiring harness with the toad. For lights we have a simple magnetic tow light. Very easy and no mucking about with the toads wiring.


    Good luck!

    Hmmm, didn't think about the magnetic lights and skipping the wiring... Off to research. Thanks! Do you like your Ready Brute Elite? Do you think a novice could handle the brake cable project? I am very capable with following instructions, just makes me nervous to drill on the Jeep!
  • msd5052001's avatar
    msd5052001
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2016
    John Wayne wrote:
    Do you have a mobil RV tech. in the area he may be able to help or any independent garage the items you want to install all come with instructions. So they should be able to do it.

    I haven't had luck on finding a garage that would want to do it but didn't think at all about a mobile RV tech. Will add that to my list of research items.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Mar 23, 2016
    I did both of our Blue Ox base plate installs in the driveway at our vacation cottage. Any reasonably competent shade tree mechanic that's able to follow the included directions should be able to do it. We also have the ReadyBrute Elite tow bar, and installing the cable for that was as said, about a one hour project. I prefer having all of the toad lights functioning normally while in tow, including the high center brake light, so I tied in a diode set to the rear lighting wiring behind the driver's side kick panel rather than running everything all the way to the rear.
  • Golden_HVAC's avatar
    Golden_HVAC
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2016
    Check with Blue Ox and see if they have a local installer.

    I have a Roadmaster hitch on my motorhome (with arms that fold down to attach to my towed car). I installed the Roadmaster baseplate on a 1999 Honda CRV and on my Ford Edge.

    For braking, I used a cruise control motor from a junkyard car, and ran a vacuum line from my gas engine motorhome to run it. So I have power brakes, and when the RV brake light comes on, the CC motor gets vacuum and pull's it's cable, so the brake pedal is pulled toward the floor. The cruise control motor is about 3" diameter, so it can pull with about 25 pounds of force, just about right to pull the brake pedal arm toward the floor. Total cost was only about $35. But it takes a huge page to write about how to install the system, and the required vacuum check valves so that it all works right.

    Enjoy your new motorhome and happy camping!

    Fred.
  • msd5052001's avatar
    msd5052001
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2016
    Golden_HVAC wrote:
    Check with Blue Ox and see if they have a local installer.

    I have a Roadmaster hitch on my motorhome (with arms that fold down to attach to my towed car). I installed the Roadmaster baseplate on a 1999 Honda CRV and on my Ford Edge.

    For braking, I used a cruise control motor from a junkyard car, and ran a vacuum line from my gas engine motorhome to run it. So I have power brakes, and when the RV brake light comes on, the CC motor gets vacuum and pull's it's cable, so the brake pedal is pulled toward the floor. The cruise control motor is about 3" diameter, so it can pull with about 25 pounds of force, just about right to pull the brake pedal arm toward the floor. Total cost was only about $35. But it takes a huge page to write about how to install the system, and the required vacuum check valves so that it all works right.

    Enjoy your new motorhome and happy camping!

    Fred.

    There are three local dealers, which will do the base plate for me but won't do the work required on the Ready Brute Elite because they don't sell it. Thank you, we are currently in a travel trailer so we are anxiously awaiting the upgrade RV to arrive!

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,102 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 18, 2025