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Topic: Base plate install (Read 990 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Base plate install

Reply #25 –
I remember in 2021 Brad had the same problem when his truck broke away from the coach and ran the back of his coach.
I put my own base plate in using Roadmaster parts. Air Force One is my braking system and I also installed that myself as well. They're not really hard to install you just need to have the correct parts and tools. My Jeep Grand Cherokee did not have the tow hooks up front so I had to actually drill holes through pretty hefty steel. Which reminds me I really need to check those bolts make sure they're still tight. I never really thought about the base plate popping off, and yes that happens then those safety wires will not be any good but the car should have still braked with a working auxiliary braking system.
You're not that far from nacogdoches that's where I would go.
Either foretravel or extreme should be able to accommodate you. Definitely not something anybody wants to experience. Glad you both are okay.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Base plate install

Reply #26 –
Quote from: Dakota Slim –

I bought a Roadmaster-to-Blue Ox adapter for the base plate so that part is good. After reading this thread I can handle the emergence cables but I need help in getting the correct braking system for the CRV and getting the CRV lights to work. I'm pretty sure I hooked up my RV to car electric cable correctly but for some reason the tail lights, turn signal and brake lights on the CRV do not work.
Any thoughts?
Roadmaster sells a auxiliary lighting system that is powered by the coach not by the car. You run wires to the back drill some holes put some lights in and it works. You don't have to worry about your car battery being depleted. E-trailer sells it.
https://www.etrailer.com/Tow-Bar-Wiring/Roadmaster/RM-155.html
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Base plate install

Reply #27 –
Quote from: Journey, Roam, Explore –
I remember in 2021 Brad had the same problem when his truck broke away from the coach and ran the back of his coach.
His hitch was torn horizontally off his coach. Foretravel induced an inherent problem by welding around the receiver hitch were it attaches to the coach. He was towing a heavy truck loaded with a X3 Can am in the back. Extreme side loading induced his issues. Just the weight of the tow bar vertically. As a preventive measure inspired by Brad I installed a horizontal plate to web together the hitch to prevent any side load issues. I had recommended he upgrade to a 2 1/2" receiver from the 2" do to his towing needs. Extending the hitch into the receiver and additional 3-4" also will reduce towing stresses. Following link has pictures
2010 Phenix 45' Failed hitch
inspiration
Shocker hitch
 

Re: Base plate install

Reply #28 –
Quote from: GleamB –
Okay

Two years ago we hit a tope in Mexico, at speed. It pulled the baseplate off the frame. We thought we repaired it. Next year I pulled the car off the coach attempting cross a median. Long story. We were desperate to make a repair.No one would touch it. I convinced a trailer repair shop to weld it to the frame. The weld held. The frame gave out.
We also had a Brake Buddy, but it malfunctioned.

Glenn,

Thank you for sharing.  It's a good warning to anyone who hits an "unusually aggressive" bump, even if they don't suffer the involuntary separation of baseplate from towed, to inspect the baseplate after the event and make sure everything is still tight and nothing seems "off".

I think the tow equipment manufacturers recommend an annual inspection of the baseplate, etc.  I also know BlueOx recommends replacing the towbar after something like 7 years due to wear and tear of the arms, locking points, etc.  Yes, you can rebuilt most of a tow bar, but you can't remove seasons of shear and impact forces.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320