Used tow equipment

[ddndoug]

For those of you that have purchased used tow bars and supplemental brake systems, where did you find them? I've tried Craigslist, eBay, and other local internet based sites. My concern with dealing someone not local is all of the horror stories you hear with people not getting what they thought they were getting.

Doug

[ddndoug]

Snowwing wrote:
Here's a good source for used hitches & stuff

Hitch Trader


Good Luck!

Great find! Thanks, Snowwing.

Doug

[Snowwing]

Here's a good source for used hitches & stuff

Hitch Trader


Good Luck!

[FIRE_UP]

I too have purchased used tow bars off ebay and Craigslist. One thing that ebay has that C/L doesn't is seller ratings. Ebay is a bit pinache about bad seller ratings on their program. So, if you're going to sell on ebay, you better be honest about your ad. If there's a problem with the product your trying to sell, you better LIST THAT PROBLEM so that it's out in the open and, any potential buyers KNOW WAY IN ADVANCE that your product is not perfect.

So, if your product IS perfect and there are no defects, than if you see it listed that way, it more than likely is perfect. All you have to do for ebay that is, is check the sellers ratings and scores. Our last purchase, a Blue Ox Alladin, was way less than 1/2 price of a new one and, had way gear with it than you'd get when purchasing new, all for one ultra low price.

It's been a great tow bar with no issues what so ever.
Scott

[jarviswin]

Doug,
I have used a ready brake on my wrangler(s). Found a used roadmaster tow bar for half the price of a new one. If you are handy, the ready brake is not hard to install yourself.
With that being said, I just purchased an RVI brake system off craigslist. Tested it out today on my Tacoma. Works as advertised. Paid 1/2 price for it. I will be taking my Unified brake system off the Tacoma.
Good luck with your search. Craigslist in a good source, so is IRV2.com as they sometimes have this kind of stuff posted in their classified.
Bob

[ddndoug]

dodge guy - I saw your post a few days ago or so, and it gave me hope to keep up my search.

jarviswin - I was hoping to find something like the ready brute elite of the BlueOx BX 7370, something that uses a mechanical application of brakes while allowing the tow bar to hopefully be detached from the Jeep quickly and easily.

I had been towing a car on a dolly, but we bought a Wrangler for the ease of towing with a tow bar. I know it's a lot to ask for when searching used, but I keep reading stories like "dodge guy" finding great finds, so I keep looking.

Doug

[LadyRVer]

I bought a used Blue Ox Aventa tow bar and a used Brake Buddy from a small RV dealer. Worked out great. They installed new baseplate and wiring. Was about 1/2 the price of a new set up. About 3 years later, I had the tow bar reconditioned at the cost of $65.00. The BB didn't last quite as long, but it was OK for about a year.

Also, I see several listed in the FMCA magazine in the ad section.

[michealwhelan]

I have bought, sold and rented from Craigslist and Ebay. You need to spend some time digging and then when you find a possible gem use your instincts and good judgment before you buy. I just picked up a complete Blue OX Aventa system and base plate for $300. Used yes, well maintained yes and ready to go yes. I had the advantage with this purchase of meeting the seller at the halfway point so I could meet them and inspect the goods. (Not that I knew what I was inspecting_) But character judgment goes a long way with me.

[jarviswin]

I have sold and bought on Craigslist. You just kinda have faith in some of the people. Are you looking for anything specific?

Bob

[dodge_guy]

I found a Roadmaster Stow Master 5000 tow bar with cables and a complete VIP >< Tow Brake system with manuals for $300. I didn't even try and talk the guy down. He only used the system (both) one time, and it shows! Everything is like brand new. I'm still looking for a MH so I can use it! Deals are out there, you just have to be in the right place at the right time.

Here is a link to my Tow bar deal thread.

[enblethen]

These people had some a year or so ago. Tow bars that is!
Colaw RV Salvage
Craig's List normally have some but hard to search nation wide versus just cities.

[Community Alumni]

I sold all my stuff on Craigslist. I had several pictures with my ads so buyers could see the condition of the items I was selling. Good luck with your search!