Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Thor Forums > Thor Tech Forums > Towing | Hitches and Toads
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 06-03-2017, 08:48 PM   #161
Member
 
w6lmj's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Citation 24SR
State: Florida
Posts: 46
THOR #7515
Hi,
We just bought a 2012 Fiat 500C manual transmission to tow behind the Thor Citation 24SR. We are looking at installing the base plate ourself. Any comments on self-install, or advantage of Blue Ox vs Roadmaster would be appreciated.

__________________
w6lmj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2017, 08:51 PM   #162
Member
 
w6lmj's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Citation 24SR
State: Florida
Posts: 46
THOR #7515
What tow bar are you using and base plate? I just bought a 2012 Fiat 500C with manual transmission and so am ready to purchase the tow kit. How dod you handle the brakes?
__________________
w6lmj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2017, 09:21 PM   #163
Senior Member
 
Brand: Keystone
Model: Cougar 30 RLS 5th wheel
State: Colorado
Posts: 288
THOR #2204
Blue Ox and Road master are both good products. Road master is sold
by Camping World and Blue Ox by other shops.

I priced both and even with my Camping World Good Sam discount it
was Blue Ox $3100 and Road Master $5200 installed . I went with a
Blue Ox product.

Brave man planning on installing your own base plate, you usually have
to remove the front valance to gain access on most vehicles.
__________________
Phil Saran
2019 Cougar 30 RLS 2012 Ram 3500 4x4
Colorado
I like to wander and I'm not lost!
Phil Saran is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2017, 09:33 PM   #164
Member
 
Brand: Still Looking
State: Florida
Posts: 34
THOR #5392
I like...
__________________
GracieBoxer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2017, 09:33 PM   #165
Member
 
Felices30.2's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 30.2
State: Texas
Posts: 75
THOR #6917
I agree that installing the baseplates are a big chore and things never seem to go back the same way. I opted to pay the 150 for the install at a shop. Everything is warranted to be back as it should and if I ever have a baseplate issue that causes an accident, I will not be the one on trial.......

I know, over reacting but I tend to stay on the side that protects me from liability.
__________________
Felices30.2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2017, 09:51 PM   #166
gmc
Senior Member
 
gmc's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 32A
State: Florida
Posts: 1,873
THOR #2829
Quote:
Originally Posted by w6lmj View Post
Hi,
We just bought a 2012 Fiat 500C manual transmission to tow behind the Thor Citation 24SR. We are looking at installing the base plate ourself. Any comments on self-install, or advantage of Blue Ox vs Roadmaster would be appreciated.
Both brands are very good products... Don't think you can go wrong with either. Some differences in looks - and price... When I did mine 3 years ago - the Roadmaster thru CW was more than $1000 LESS than I could find on Blue Ox at General RV and others (part was a significant install discount using Good Sams)...
Phil found the other way around from what he just posted...

I would price both and see the difference.
__________________
Greg
Not yet retired...
Florida (Michigan transplant)
2014 Hurricane 32A
2000 Infinity (previous)
gmc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2017, 10:09 PM   #167
Senior Member
 
rmblaster's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 31S
State: California
Posts: 159
THOR #3788
[QUOTE=
Brave man planning on installing your own base plate, you usually have
to remove the front valance to gain access on most vehicles.[/QUOTE]


Removing the front is no big deal it held on mostly with plastic push pins
__________________
Richard M / Carol B
2020 Entegra Accolade 37K
2021 F150 Platinum
FMCA #F432587
rmblaster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2017, 01:05 AM   #168
Member
 
w6lmj's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Citation 24SR
State: Florida
Posts: 46
THOR #7515
Quote:
Originally Posted by rmblaster View Post
Removing the front is no big deal it held on mostly with plastic push pins
That is what I am hoping, no big deal. I plan to go slow and take my time. Who knew RVing would be such an adventure before one even left home?
__________________
w6lmj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2017, 01:30 AM   #169
Senior Member
 
Mr Sunshine's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2023 Jayco Precept 31UL
State: Florida
Posts: 2,914
THOR #1589
Suggest you check prices at etrailer.com
Look carefully at the differences in the way the tow bars attach to the baseplate. Personally, I prefer the Blue Ox, but my current towed car only has a RM baseplate available.
We stopped at the Blue Ox factory in Nebraska last summer, and they refurbished our 8 year old tow bars without a charge. We were offered free camping adjacent to the factory. Great company!
__________________
Life is better when you cry a little, laugh a lot, and are thankful for everything you've got!
Mr Sunshine is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2017, 02:42 AM   #170
Senior Member
 
rmblaster's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 31S
State: California
Posts: 159
THOR #3788
Quote:
Originally Posted by w6lmj View Post
That is what I am hoping, no big deal. I plan to go slow and take my time. Who knew RVing would be such an adventure before one even left home?
Check with e trailer they may have a video on installing baseplate also check out amazon for prices
__________________
Richard M / Carol B
2020 Entegra Accolade 37K
2021 F150 Platinum
FMCA #F432587
rmblaster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2017, 05:22 AM   #171
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 34E
State: California
Posts: 524
THOR #937
They're both good products. I personally like the small removable tabs featured by Blue Ox. The baseplate is virtually invisible when the tabs are not in place.

I installed the Blue Ox baseplate myself on a 2012 Jeep Liberty, with a little stabilizing help from my teenage son while I loosely inserted bolts. It was very easy using common tools.

The most annoying part was needing to purchase a plastic rivet tool on Amazon, (and waiting for it to arrive), in order to reattach the inside fender plastic to the bumper valence.
__________________
Beacher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2017, 11:44 AM   #172
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Miramar 35.2
State: Louisiana
Posts: 72
THOR #6291
I tow a 2005 Mini CooperClick image for larger version

Name:	IMG_0101.JPG
Views:	152
Size:	347.8 KB
ID:	5144.
__________________
italiavb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2017, 09:05 PM   #173
Senior Member
 
Nursx2's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2015 Hurricane 34 J
State: Ohio
Posts: 680
THOR #1295
I have installed 2 base plates so far

Road master on my 2012 Ford Fiesta and a Blue Ox on my 2013 Infiniti G37 coupe.

I spend one full day on both and the directions that come with the products are both excellent.

ONE THING!!!!! Buy many drill bites and get the most expensive you can buy! OMG! The metal in the front of cars is STRONG! Money well spent and have at least two or you will be driving mid install to the hardware store for more - always return what you do not use!

That is my only advise.


Sure you have to pull the entire front fashia off the car but like stated here prior - not that hard as it is plastic, light weight, and held on my simple screws.

GO FOR IT - Save a lot of money and know it is done RIGHT!

Darren
__________________
Darren
2015 Thor Hurricane 34 J
Custom paint 2019 (Pro Custom Inc., Elkhart, IN)
2019 Honda Accord 2.0T Sport 6 speed manual
(THOR)
Nursx2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2017, 10:13 PM   #174
Member
 
w6lmj's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Citation 24SR
State: Florida
Posts: 46
THOR #7515
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nursx2 View Post
I have installed 2 base plates so far

Road master on my 2012 Ford Fiesta and a Blue Ox on my 2013 Infiniti G37 coupe.

I spend one full day on both and the directions that come with the products are both excellent.

ONE THING!!!!! Buy many drill bites and get the most expensive you can buy! OMG! The metal in the front of cars is STRONG! Money well spent and have at least two or you will be driving mid install to the hardware store for more - always return what you do not use!

That is my only advise.


Sure you have to pull the entire front fashia off the car but like stated here prior - not that hard as it is plastic, light weight, and held on my simple screws.

GO FOR IT - Save a lot of money and know it is done RIGHT!

Darren
Darren, thank you for the sage advice. I am leaning towards the Blue OX, but it strikes me that both are good products. I have about two weeks before I hit the road, so I am running out of time. I still need to select an A-frame, most likely also the Blue OX model and lights and break-system.

Any advice on which is the easiest to install while being completely safe?
__________________
w6lmj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2017, 11:19 PM   #175
Member
 
churd9's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Ace 29.2
State: Georgia
Posts: 96
THOR #6481
Car in tow, what's yours?

I still don't know why people spend so much money on tow bars adapters and braking systems tow dollies are not that expensive and tow just as easy .
__________________
churd9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2017, 12:08 AM   #176
Senior Member
 
rmblaster's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 31S
State: California
Posts: 159
THOR #3788
Quote:
Originally Posted by w6lmj View Post
Darren, thank you for the sage advice. I am leaning towards the Blue OX, but it strikes me that both are good products. I have about two weeks before I hit the road, so I am running out of time. I still need to select an A-frame, most likely also the Blue OX model and lights and break-system.

Any advice on which is the easiest to install while being completely safe?

I would suggest you look at RVI brake system works great and it can be moved to different vehicles
__________________
Richard M / Carol B
2020 Entegra Accolade 37K
2021 F150 Platinum
FMCA #F432587
rmblaster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2017, 12:58 AM   #177
Senior Member
 
TyCreek's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.2
State: Idaho
Posts: 533
THOR #1944
Quote:
Originally Posted by churd9 View Post
I still don't know why people spend so much money on tow bars adapters and braking systems tow dollies are not that expensive and tow just as easy .
We've used 2 different tow dollies and they worked ok to get from point A to B pounding pavement but they were always in the way otherwise. We hit forest service roads and disconnect the toad. With dolly we had to wheel it around by hand and either tow it with the toad or let it bounce more excessively behind the motorhome. Invariably when left attached to the motorhome it had to be disconnected in the most inconvenient situations ... such as one time when headed up a steep single track road we discovered was blocked by a big tree and there was no way I'd make it all the way back down that trail in reverse with the dolly attached that I couldn't even see clearly! Flat tow is vastly more simple in our experience and totally worth the extra cost for our excursions.
__________________
Axis 24.2 "was" tug'n a JK
TyCreek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2017, 12:07 PM   #178
Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
Quote:
Originally Posted by churd9
I still don't know why people spend so much money on tow bars adapters and braking systems tow dollies are not that expensive and tow just as easy .
Quote:
Originally Posted by TyCreek
We've used 2 different tow dollies and they worked ok to get from point A to B pounding pavement but they were always in the way otherwise. We hit forest service roads and disconnect the toad. With dolly we had to wheel it around by hand and either tow it with the toad or let it bounce more excessively behind the motorhome. Invariably when left attached to the motorhome it had to be disconnected in the most inconvenient situations ... such as one time when headed up a steep single track road we discovered was blocked by a big tree and there was no way I'd make it all the way back down that trail in reverse with the dolly attached that I couldn't even see clearly! Flat tow is vastly more simple in our experience and totally worth the extra cost for our excursions.
As the saying goes: "That's why there is Ford's and Chevy's"

Having seen TyCreek's posts I'm surprised you've tried a dolly at all!

We're square in the dolly camp as we don't "off-road" our camper like TyCreek does (although his pics have been amazing--I'd love to camp out in the middle of nowhere like that!) and I've been leasing vehicles recently so I don't want to modify them to be able to bring them along.
__________________
2022 Thor Axis 24.4
2021 Mach-E
blog - https://spareelectrons.wordpress.com/
JamieGeek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2017, 12:49 PM   #179
gmc
Senior Member
 
gmc's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 32A
State: Florida
Posts: 1,873
THOR #2829
A lot depends on the vehicle being towed.

In my case - the cost of dolly towing would have included a new car... Neither my 4WD Wrangler nor my AWD Acadia can be dolly towed... So the car you have/want to bring along can dictate the choice...

Other vehicles cannot be flat towed of course - requiring a dolly or trailer.

The car is the real cost... Towing (either way) is relatively cheap.
__________________
Greg
Not yet retired...
Florida (Michigan transplant)
2014 Hurricane 32A
2000 Infinity (previous)
gmc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2017, 12:53 PM   #180
Senior Member
 
TyCreek's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.2
State: Idaho
Posts: 533
THOR #1944
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamieGeek View Post
...
Having seen TyCreek's posts I'm surprised you've tried a dolly at all!
...
Major draw was cost (especially when purchased used) and flexibility to tag along different vehicles without modification.
__________________
Axis 24.2 "was" tug'n a JK
TyCreek is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
car, miata, skirt, tow

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.




All times are GMT. The time now is 10:08 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2