Toad my Jeep Wrangler

[rongoade]

Thinking about the Brute Elite Tow Bar for my SD 35, Ford F 550. Any experience, good or bad. Also trying to figure out the best way to attach to my Jeep for towing.

Appreciate your help! Newbie.

[Pete'sMH]

Jeep is a great choice. There are many towing options but I chose a Blue Ox baseplate and a Blue Ox Ascent tow bar for my Wrangler. I also chose a Demco StayInPlay brake system. Many folks prefer portable brake systems but I wanted the convenience of just flipping a switch to be ready to go. Also it’s one of the few truly proportional brake systems available. I used a plug in light adapter from Hopkins that will handle the toad’s lights without splicing or any hassle. There’s other ways to do it but I’m very happy with my set up. I did all of my own installation and still spent almost $3,000. But most of that is a one time cost as it can be used in future RVs as might be needed.
Good luck.

[Down South]

Your setup would work but I went with something similar to Pete. I went with a Roadmaster Nighthawk tow bar and a Roadmaster base plate. I did use a Roadmaster wiring harness with the diodes.
I used the Demco StayInPlay brake system.
I just don't care for surge brake systems. Lots of folks use them though.
I've got $3,000 in my setup with me doing the work.

I don't know if the tow bar that you listed is non-binding or not? If it's not, I'd recommend a non-binding tow bar.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Self installed here also...
Blue Ox Alpha bar (Craigslist new in box) $300
Blue Ox baseplate $410
Roadmaster Invisibrake $840
Roadmaster diode kit $130
Brake light relay $33
Assorted odds & ends, like extra wire and a toggle switch brake system disconnect on the Jeep firewall, brought grand total for materials to just over $1,800
Thor Chateau / 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport
Lots of busted knuckles, but I KNOW it's done correctly AND it's SAFE.

[halfprice]

Ready brute elite for me, roadmaster base plate. Self installed on my jeep wrangler

It works great

Jerry

[MichFigs]

Ready Brute Elite system tied to an aftermarket Rock Hard front bumper mounted on our '97 Wrangler TJ. The bumper eliminates the need for a baseplate, ordered with the correct hardware that pins directly to the arms. After over 15,000 miles towing we are very satisfied with the self installed all mechanical system!

[Judge]

2018 Wrangler Sahara JL with the Magnitude SV34. I self-installed...


- Roadmaster Direct Connect Base Plate
- Roadmaster Taillight Wiring Kit w/ Diodes
- Homemade Battery Charging Kit
- Roadmaster NightHawk Tow Bar
- RVi Brake 3 (powered by full-time 12V Accessory Plug in cargo area using extension cord)


Setup works great!

[DonkeyFluffer]

I have a Ready Brute Elite running to the stock metal bumper with Maximus 3 tow loops. No extra cost for a separate braking system. I came in under $1600 fully setup for flat towing (self install).

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by DonkeyFluffer

I have a Ready Brute Elite running to the stock metal bumper with Maximus 3 tow loops. No extra cost for a separate braking system. I came in under $1600 fully setup for flat towing (self install).Attachment 28380Attachment 28381

Does that mean you don’t have brakes on the Jeep when towing?

[DonkeyFluffer]

Originally Posted by Pete'sMH

Does that mean you don’t have brakes on the Jeep when towing?

Absolutely not. The Ready Brute Elite II towbar has a built in surge brake. It works wonderfully.

https://www.readybrake.com/store/p28..._Elite_II.html


In the attached photo, you can see the surge brake cable just to the right of the winch fairlead (driver's side of hook). Attachment 28391

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by Pete'sMH

Does that mean you don’t have brakes on the Jeep when towing?

Ah yes. A very clean installation.

[DonkeyFluffer]

Surge brake cable for Ready Brute Elite II

[reminckv]

I self installed the Ready Brute Elite II on my 08 Wragler and connect directly to the d-ring mounts on an aftermarket bumper. I can’t compare to other systems but I like the simplicity and it works well for me.

[Ifish]

I used the ready brute elite II just as halfprice did. Very satisfied. Very easy to connect/disconnect and Tod is very responsive if you have questions.
This is on a jeep wrangler unlimited.

[Helga]

Originally Posted by rongoade

Thinking about the Brute Elite Tow Bar for my SD 35, Ford F 550. Any experience, good or bad. Also trying to figure out the best way to attach to my Jeep for towing.

Appreciate your help! Newbie.

we gave Brute Elite love it super easy
using on our jeep wrangler last 3 years bought it o Amazon back then it was cheaper
we hook up n set to manual in about 5 to 10 min time

[VetPartTimer]

Originally Posted by halfprice

Ready brute elite for me, roadmaster base plate. Self installed on my jeep wrangler

It works great

Jerry

Same for me, love it!

[Cmoss3171]

Originally Posted by DonkeyFluffer

I have a Ready Brute Elite running to the stock metal bumper with Maximus 3 tow loops. No extra cost for a separate braking system. I came in under $1600 fully setup for flat towing (self install).Attachment 28380Attachment 28381

I've been looking at this system but probably can't install myself being single. What is the best way to say i want it to be installed for ease and simplicity as I'm not very strong. Can I hook it to the hooks on the front of the Jeep that are already there somehow. Or did that make it more difficult... etc

[DonkeyFluffer]

You can't hook it to the tow hooks.

To remove the bumper, it's a matter of unplugging the fog lights, then 8 bolts holding the bumper on. Even then the bumper won't fall, you have to lift it off. Same with putting it back on. The tow loops install rather easily also, much easier than the Blue Ox baseplate I put on my JK a few years ago.

I'm 5'8", 168lbs. I did it by myself.