Forum Discussion

rvgrammady's avatar
rvgrammady
Explorer
Jun 19, 2013

Need braking system & tow bar

I am considering a very reliable 98 Saturn Wagon. It has a blue ox baseplate.

I have never had a toad before and want to start out small & cheap as I am not sure if towing is going to work for me or IF I will continue to do so. I'm a single gramma and will be doing this all by myself. I think I'm missing out on lots of stuff.. I usually rent at Enterprise as they pick me up.. but on last trip.. several places I had no rental and missed seeing lots.

OK I've looked/read everything on this forum and now I am totally confused.

The seller of the Saturn used a Blue Ox Alpha. I am going to find out if he used a braking system and if so what?

But for now... suggestions, pros/cons..

I know... sorry in advance this is gonna start one of those mouse wars. i need some advise...

Thanks for your help. Just in case it doesn't appear below..
'96 Allegro Bay 35' chevy gasser.. OK you Ford die-hards stop laughing..
  • John_Joey's avatar
    John_Joey
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2013
    rvgrammady wrote:
    I am considering a very reliable 98 Saturn Wagon. It has a blue ox baseplate.


    A very good choice given your concerns.

    rvgrammady wrote:
    I have never had a toad before and want to start out small & cheap as I am not sure if towing is going to work for me or IF I will continue to do so. I'm a single gramma and will be doing this all by myself. I think I'm missing out on lots of stuff.. I usually rent at Enterprise as they pick me up.. but on last trip.. several places I had no rental and missed seeing lots.


    Having a toad makes a world of a difference.

    rvgrammady wrote:
    OK I've looked/read everything on this forum and now I am totally confused.


    Due to the many experts. Confusion is normal when you're trying something for the first time and using the forum.


    rvgrammady wrote:
    The seller of the Saturn used a Blue Ox Alpha. I am going to find out if he used a braking system and if so what?


    Highly recommend one. In some states it is required. Gas engine MH don't seem to have enough braking power when pulling a car behind IMO.

    rvgrammady wrote:
    But for now... suggestions, pros/cons..


    Don't get all tied up with the flavor of the month on tow bars. For now if the car fits your needs find a tow bar that will hook up to the baseplates. Pull the car around and see what you think. If coming down a slight hill and hitting the brakes doesn't feel good, then get a mechanical brake system. Keep your eye on E-bay or Craigslist. I've seen used ones going for as low as $250. When you're done with it all, you can always resell easily.
  • beany's avatar
    beany
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2013
    Small is good when it comes to a tow car. But do get one. Even with a good tow bar setup it will probably be a hassle at times but SO worth it, in more ways than I can mention
  • Alfred622's avatar
    Alfred622
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2013
    X3 on Readybrake. We've had thousands of miles with it in all sorts of different terrain towing our CRV. Works great. Built in braking system is easy to hook up and is very functional.
  • cjoseph's avatar
    cjoseph
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2013
    X2 Readybrake Elite. It's brake and tow bar in one and you can get it with Blue Ox connectors to use on your current baseplate.

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