Getting My 2014 Fiat 500L Ready for 4 Down Tow

[rickymac]

I am tired of the Tow Dolly. I just purchased a standard shift 2014 Fiat 500L (only requirement is to place in neutral) . I have started purchasing equipment to flat tow. I have purchased all Blue Ox so far, but I am unsure on the braking equipment. I am looking at the Blue Ox BRK2012 Patriot. All the youtube videos show the install hooking up to the brake in an automatic vehicle.

Question: Does the unit work with a manual transmission?

Thanks,

[dcarlyle]

Yes it does. We have a Fiat Abarth with a five speed and thats what we use.
You will need constant 12 volt power so I rewired the Fiat 12 volt plug in the console to be hot all the time.

[rickymac]

Local Hitch and Trailer Shop will do install for $750.

I have received the following Blue Ox items:
Base plate w/ safety cables
Tow Bar
Light Wiring Kit
Patriot Brake 2012 w/break away

Waiting on Coiled blue electrical hook up cable and female plug-in.

Hope to have install appointment on Friday.

Can anyone think of anything I am missing...Thanks

[rickymac]

Tow Package install setup is scheduled for Monday. Total cost tow/brake parts/system and labor: $3000.

Tow Vehicle: $10,200.

I will end up selling Eze Tow Tow Dolly for $1000.

[penguin]

Originally Posted by rickymac

Tow Package install setup is scheduled for Monday. Total cost tow/brake parts/system and labor: $3000.

Tow Vehicle: $10,200.

I will end up selling Eze Tow Tow Dolly for $1000.

Did you not like the tow dolly?

[Sqwirli]

We have been towing Fiat 500L for about a year with Brakebuddy system and no problem whatsoever. And Fiat is fun to drive and surprising how much we can fit in the back cargo area with the seats folded in!

[rickymac]

I did like the Eze Tow Dolly. It is very well made and easy to move around. I just got tired of getting on my back to install the safety chains and the other things that I had to do.

Towing 4 down should be easier and less time consuming and I don't have to find a place for the tow dolly and move it around.

[rickymac]

Sqwirli,

You are correct, the Fiat is fun to drive and lots of leg room front and back.

Regarding the Fiat, do the miles add up while I am towing?

[Sqwirli]

Rickymac,

No. We have had our RV/Fiat a year, but only traveled about 4,000 miles and 2,500 miles on Fiat odometer and 5,500 on RV odometer.

[penguin]

Originally Posted by rickymac

I did like the Eze Tow Dolly. It is very well made and easy to move around. I just got tired of getting on my back to install the safety chains and the other things that I had to do.

Towing 4 down should be easier and less time consuming and I don't have to find a place for the tow dolly and move it around.

The reason why I asked was I am going to start dolly towing a Mini Cooper. Your reasons make a lot of sense. Unfortunately I cant flat tow the Mini its a auto trans.

[rickymac]

Sqwirli,

Thanks for the info.


Also, regarding the Mini Cooper: I test drove one before buying the Fiat and I loved it, that BMW engine is something else. But, then I realized the limitations on flat towing. Had to go with the Fiat.

[penguin]

Originally Posted by rickymac

Sqwirli,

Thanks for the info.


Also, regarding the Mini Cooper: I test drove one before buying the Fiat and I loved it, that BMW engine is something else. But, then I realized the limitations on flat towing. Had to go with the Fiat.

Yea, love the Mini. If I get to the point that I don't want to dolly the Mini I'll just buy an older Jeep and flat tow that.

[rickymac]

penguin

I did not want to buy another car is the reason I started using a tow dolly. My Honda Insight is paid for and gets 42 MPG.

We just got back from a trip last week. Something happened on this trip that was the straw that broke the camels back.

When I was backing off the tow dolly, something caught the low plastic trim on the Insight and pulled it loose. Clips holding the front plastic on the car went everywhere.

I have since had that repaired: $182.

Looking forward to flat towing.