Used Tow Bar and Brake Buddy

[CTRvs666]

I found a Roadmaster Sterling All Terrain non-binding two bar with ends for the tow plate, $500 and a Brake Buddy Classic 2 for 300, both in excellent condition. They were new in 2017. Both are flawless in condition and look new. This will be on my Magnitude XG32 F550 and JL Rubicon.

I still have to buy the tow plate, and wiring. The Brake Buddy is missing the battery charger.

I am going to buy a tow plate from etrailer. So what else will I need to be on the road with all four on the ground?

Any advice since I only know what I've read here and on etrailers youtube videos.

[pstandiford]

Definitely a break away switch, safety chains/cables. Some people run a charging cable from the coach to the toad to keep battery from discharging but we have never needed it. We also had a remote light installed in MH can that let’s us know when brake is activated. That way we know it is working when it should and not working when it shouldn’t.

[droregon]

Will you need a drop receiver to lower the tow bar to get level with the Jeep? The receiver on the Magnitude looks rather high.

[Judge]

Originally Posted by droregon

Will you need a drop receiver to lower the tow bar to get level with the Jeep? The receiver on the Magnitude looks rather high.

Just an FYI.....

I’m using an 8” drop receiver on my Magnitude for my 2018 Wrangler JLU. I am also using a Roadmaster Spare Tire Carrier off my hitch, which gives me another 2” of drop. You may need a 10” drop based on what I have done on my Magnitude.

[EA37TS]

Determine the drop first before getting cables. My drop added 10 inches of extension so I had to get longer cables or RoadMaster extension cables.

[droregon]

Thanks for the info. Confirmed my suspicions.
I’ve got a RB34 on order, and will pull a Wrangler Unlimited using Roadmaster tow bar. Yes, I’ll wait for the coach to come in, measure, before I order any new parts.

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by Judge

Just an FYI.....

I’m using an 8” drop receiver on my Magnitude for my 2018 Wrangler JLU. I am also using a Roadmaster Spare Tire Carrier off my hitch, which gives me another 2” of drop. You may need a 10” drop based on what I have done on my Magnitude.

FWIW Roadmaster and Blue Ox both are clear in recommending you not use more than two hitch connections in your set up. I have the Roadmaster tire carrier and I’d really like to carry a spare but have resisted using it for this reason. My setup needs a total of 4 inches of drop. Have you noticed any problems with the long connection or play in the rig?

[dwinslow]

I called Roadmaster about using a drop hitch off the RM spare tire carrier and thy said not to do it, to much strain on the system, they say only 2 total connection points.

[CTRvs666]

Originally Posted by droregon

Thanks for the info. Confirmed my suspicions.
I’ve got a RB34 on order, and will pull a Wrangler Unlimited using Roadmaster tow bar. Yes, I’ll wait for the coach to come in, measure, before I order any new parts.

If you haven't received your coach yet, watch for the tow bar and brake used. There were a ton of them when I started shopping. People trade in their coaches, and then don't need them. I got my all terrain roadmaster for $500 and the Brake Buddy for $300.00. I also got a whole lot of extra stuff for free. Extra break away cables, light cables, cover bags, and two break away switches. When I bought them (two different people) they said, here you should take this too. It was great. I was looking at over $2500 on etrailer.

I had to pay full price for the flat tow kit on my Wrangler Rubicon. I did all the work myself so that was about $500 total.

[Pete'sMH]

I agree to check for used items. This stuff is surprisingly expensive new. But do give thought to the tow bar. As stout as they are they easily are damaged in an accident. Less than scrupulous folks might try to sell a damaged one. I’ve read several reports of tow bar failures on the road and they’ll curl your hair.....