Install of towing equipment

[Karakakes68]

Hi there we have a 2018 Thor Windsport 29m and just purchased a 2021 Jeep Cherokee with 4x4 and Active DriveII the Jeep dealership says they can do the install of the whole towing system, everything included for just under $5000 - that seems high to me - right? This is our first time doing this and this is our first RV so not sure who to go to to get the towing equipment installed. We live in Phoenix,AZ. Would appreciate any suggestions .... thank you!

[16ACE27]

High for a dealer? No.
High for a third party installer? Yes

Does that include a braking system?

[Pete'sMH]

If it includes a braking system it is on the high end of normal. I did it myself and still managed to spend close to $3,000. I think if you shop around you will be able to find a qualified installer around $3500-4000.

[DavidEM]

I assume that the $5,000 is not just installation, it includes all parts and equipment. Even so it seems high, but as noted maybe not for a dealership.

Look for a mobile RV mechanic in your area. They know how to do it and it will cost about half of that.

I helped a friend install the base plate on his mini, admittedly only part of the system. It took us 4-5 hours but I could do it again in maybe 2 hours.

Brakes and lights are the big unknown as there are lots of options. With the heavier Cherokee I would definitely do brakes.

David

[EA37TS]

Depends on the supplemental braking system. For portable way too high. For permanent installation the price is in the ballpark depending on the quality of the other equipment such as tow bar.

Dedicated charge line?
Battery disconnect?

[Karakakes68]

I’m gonna see if he will send me a more detailed quote- it was toward the end of my visit at the dealership and I was getting tired of being there and then I will update - thanks!

[DavidEM]

Originally Posted by Karakakes68

I’m gonna see if he will send me a more detailed quote- it was toward the end of my visit at the dealership and I was getting tired of being there and then I will update - thanks!

At least get a component breakdown so you can see what you are getting and research alternatives if necessary. I don't see much value in a labor breakdown to install each item though.

David

[Karakakes68]

Originally Posted by DavidEM

I assume that the $5,000 is not just installation, it includes all parts and equipment. Even so it seems high, but as noted maybe not for a dealership.

Look for a mobile RV mechanic in your area. They know how to do it and it will cost about half of that.

I helped a friend install the base plate on his mini, admittedly only part of the system. It took us 4-5 hours but I could do it again in maybe 2 hours.

Brakes and lights are the big unknown as there are lots of options. With the heavier Cherokee I would definitely do brakes.

David

Yes it includes all parts and equipment

[Bob Denman]

So it's high; but within spitting distance of "reasonable"...
Do you feel comfortable with the dealership's level of expertise?

[Karakakes68]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

So it's high; but within spitting distance of "reasonable"...

Do you feel comfortable with the dealership's level of expertise?

Lol good to know - I don’t know about their level of expertise honestly- this is my first dealing with them. So I see in the Blue Ox website that there are dealers so maybe should I try with one of them? It’s looking like mostly RV dealers

[Bob Denman]

Good luck, and happy hunting!

[Karakakes68]

Ok here is what they sent me of the pricing and what it includes

[raymundo]

You might try B @ M Bumpers and Hitches in Glendale. Lots of options and fair prices. We flat tow a Crosstrek with a Synergy using Blue Ox equipment. Very satisfied.

[jabrabu]

As a data point, here is what I spent to set up my CR-V for towing, including a battery maintainer and Protect-a-Tow rock guard.


Blue Ox BX2258 baseplate 360

Blue Ox BX7365 Alpha Tow Bar 543

Blue Ox BX8875 Tow Bar Cover 37

Blue Ox BX88206 7 to 6 pin cable 77

Blue Ox BRK2016 Patriot II Brake System 1091

Blue Ox BX8869 Bulb and Socket Tail Light Kit 53

Red Loctite 8

Trim clip tool 5

Hopkins 39332 Towed Vehicle Battery Maintainer 24

Protect-A-Tow rock guard 243



TOTAL $2441

[abjbrtd]

Originally Posted by Karakakes68

Ok here is what they sent me of the pricing and what it includes Attachment 27921

If you do any DIY, have basic hand tools, a dry warm place to work and a long day you could do it and save a thousand easy.

Blue Ox and Roadmaster include a very good pdf with their baseplates.
The wiring is pretty much plug and play, the breakaway will be the hardest, it goes thru a grommet in the firewall.

Watch the video in this link to etrailer.com to see if you want to attempt.
Then plug your part #'s to see how much you'll save.
Amazon also has everything you'll need except the support.

https://www.etrailer.com/Base-Plates...leID=202193179

[VetPartTimer]

There are other, cheaper options as well.

I and several others have used the Ready Break system (https://www.readybrake.com/store/p88...S_TOW_BAR.html) and are very happy with it.

I bought the Roadmaster base plate, the Hercules tow bar w/ brake system and then took it to a local shop to do the electrical. I think I was out the door for between $2-2.5k.

[CTRvs666]

Originally Posted by Karakakes68

Hi there we have a 2018 Thor Windsport 29m and just purchased a 2021 Jeep Cherokee with 4x4 and Active DriveII the Jeep dealership says they can do the install of the whole towing system, everything included for just under $5000 - that seems high to me - right? This is our first time doing this and this is our first RV so not sure who to go to to get the towing equipment installed. We live in Phoenix,AZ. Would appreciate any suggestions .... thank you!

Sounds high to me. The Flat tow kit for that on etrailer is $450.00. Wiring about $150. The brake buddy etc.. about $1200.00. A Flat Tow bar, Blue Ox, Roadmaster, about $1200. So if you got all of that ready to tow, you would be about the $4,000 price range if you paid about $1,000 for labor. But if it is only to setup flat tow on the Cherokee it is way too much. I am new to flat towing as of August 2020. This forum was very helpful other than giving me crap for asking why do I need a supplement brake. I had to ask.

Anyway, I started looking for all the bits and pieces on the used market and found an all terrain roadmaster tow bar, for $500.00. A brake Buddy for $500, and then bought and installed (self install) the flat tow kit for my Grand Cherokee $600. There are a lot of people that sell their MH and sell the two stuff. So look around and maybe only have to pay for the installation of the Cherokee side of the tow package.

Good Luck

[Elite Washington]

That seems expensive for a portable system to me. It’s been a couple of years but I think it was about 3500 bucks at camping world for all roadmaster hardware including the invisibrake on our Wrangler

[GVP-The Boxcar Children]

Originally Posted by VetPartTimer

There are other, cheaper options as well.

I and several others have used the Ready Break system (https://www.readybrake.com/store/p88...S_TOW_BAR.html) and are very happy with it.

I bought the Roadmaster base plate, the Hercules tow bar w/ brake system and then took it to a local shop to do the electrical. I think I was out the door for between $2-2.5k.

We run the Readi-Brake as well-I installed it myself in a couple of hours.

Gary
GVP