Hi folks,
We found a good vehicle for our first toad and need some pointers on the tow setup. We got a 1999 Chevy Blazer LT 4WD with a transfer case neutral (so it can be flat towed). Now we just need to find a good workable tow setup so that we can get rid of our two wheel dolly.
I know I want the towbar mounted to the RV, not the toad. Given that, I am trying to determine what tow bar, baseplate, lighting, retention and brake setup to install. I would love for this to be capable of being a single person setup with ease of hookup and release second only to safety. The electrical hookup I have now to our 2007 Nimbus runs lights and electric brakes to the dolly. I'm assuming I can't use that setup (minus the brakes) for the new hitch and am wondering if these less expensive "surge" type braking systems would be ok for the Blazer. Curb weight of the Blazer is about 3,500 lbs.
I've heard lots of people use the Blue Ox system and I am trying to dig through the many options they provide. I naively thought there would only be one or two! Any other brands out there to consider?
What have I forgotten? Anyone have any familiarity with towing these smaller Blazers? Obviously open to any recommendations, cautions, etc.
As always, many thanks!
Don
We tow a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (approx. 4,100 lbs.) behind our Nimbus using a Blue-Ox Aventa tow bar. Braking is with an M&G Engineering air system. The brake was installed at their HQ in Athens, TX.
We've used the Blue-Ox for several years with no problems. Easy to hook up and unhook. The bar stays on the coach. The base plate on the Jeep has two connectors which can be removed when not towing.
We've used the M&G for about 2 years and find it excellent. Very confident everything's gonna stop. In the past we used a Brake Buddy and then a Blue-Ox Patriot. The M&G system is light years better that the other two.
We'd buy both the Blue-Ox and M&G if we had to do it again.
Good luck.
Glad you mentioned this, because I forgot to ask. How do these brake systems work with our transmission retarders? Do the retarders activate the dinghy brake system just as if the brake pedal is depressed?
Don
Don it only works with application of the service brakes on the coach. The M&G works off of air pressure from tee in one of the rear air brake lines. We had one on the 2006 Wrangler and now one the 2012, never a problem.
M&G and Blue Ox is the way to go.
Something to think about..
I've put a nice aluminum trailer under my A8 (Audi) and after dragging it awhile discovered one thing.
It's cheaper and easier to rent if I need something a bicycle/scooter won't handle unless I'm doing a whole Summer someplace. FWIW, pc
Thanks for the info, folks. That certainly helped clarify and narrow down the focus.
I may have to change my driving a bit. I don't use the brakes a lot with the transmission retarder. Only apply them as I am coasting to a stop or if I need to make a more sudden stop. Sounds like the M&G would not engage under retarder use only. Not sure if relying primarily on the retarder would place the tranny under too much strain with the toad. The dolly brakes would apply when I activated the retarder--just adjusted them to supplement the coach braking.
I've looked at the Blue Ox hitches and keep going back to the Aventa. Really like the safety and ease of use. Might be overkill for this toad, but I would much rather have that. Besides, we never know what we might hook on in the future.
Pocketchange, loved the idea of the rental but am finding we use a dinghy virtually everywhere we go. Rarely just stay for one night and go the next day. Rental sure is a lot simpler, though.
These suggestions are really helpful!!
Many thanks,
Don
"Ready Brute" is a Surge braking system that uses the toad's inertia to apply the brakes. It is available as a brake system alone or a complete tow bar and brake system. It worked flawlessly for me on the back of my class c SOB. It would certainly work with the retarder. How well it will remains to be seen. I have not used it yet. We have only owned our FT since August.
YMMV
Regards
Ed
Sent from my IPhone
Here is our recommendations:
Brake that is small to store and easy to install:
RVibrake2 Auxiliary Braking System RVi2 (http://www.rvibrake.com/RVibrake2-Auxiliary-Braking-System-RVi2-p/abs-12011.htm)
Base plate that quickly and simply disappears when not towing:
http://blueox.com/bx-r-baseplates.aspx (http://blueox.com/bx-r-baseplates.aspx)
Towbar that has lots of reserve strength for emergencies:
http://blueox.com/p-1505-bx7445-aventa-lx-tow-bar.aspx (http://blueox.com/p-1505-bx7445-aventa-lx-tow-bar.aspx)
Wiring kit (bought TowDaddy?) (for some towcars does not require any wire cutting):
Dinghy Towing Harnesses (http://www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com/products/dinghy-towing-harnesses/?p=al) l
Keep tow car battery charged while towing so it never runs down even on multi-day tows: TOAD-CHARGE Dinghy Vehicle Battery Charger/Maintainer (http://www.lslproducts.net/ToadChargePage.html)
Most can be self-installed if desired.
Enjoy