Need braking system & tow bar

[rvgrammady]

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]

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.

[Finally_Time]

I think the previous posters are refering to the Ready Brute Elite Tow Bar It's the owbar with the built in brake system. The brake system by itself is the Readybrake

[beany]

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

[427435]

X5

[images]

x4 Readybrake

[Alfred622]

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]

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.

[gbopp]

How about ReadyBrake?