Flat Towable Vehicle Options

[spartan1984]

We tow a 2019 Chevy Colorado. Our first coach was Newmar gasser (Canyon Star) with the 5K limit. We had no issues with Colorado as toad for that rig. When we went to the Cornerstone, we just carried on. Since gasser didn't have air brakes we went with Invisbrake system and that works fine. Kept it when we moved to the diesel. With this truck, we also needed the negative battery isolation. Went with Roadmaster solenoid, it works well.
Do be aware, if you shop installs cost is significant ($5K ish) for all parts and pieces installed. You can save money if you can do some of the work.

I went to the local RV shop just to inquire about pricing and like you mentioned, he said it would cost between $6K - $7K for everything installed. Luckily, we know folks in the industry who can install for way lower.

 

[Tnedator]

@ Gizmo & Tnedator, Who installed the Rock Hard 4x4 bumper?

On my JL, I had the Jeep dealer to it. On my JK, I did it myself. Especially if you go with the Aluminum, it's VERY easy. I did it with no help. If you had someone giving a hand, even easier. I will say the lowered winch version that I got on the JK, make it much easier to reach the inside bolts. I accidentally ordered a normal height for the JLU, it's more of a bear to reach behind without a lift.

Now, that's for the bumper. Doing electric and braking system is whole different story, and I'm not comfortable to do that part. I had an RV dealer do that on both the JK and JL's.

 

[Tnedator]

 

[spartan1984]

So the more that I investigate, the more it looks like the Jeep Wrangler or Chevy/GMC Colorado/Canyon may be our best options (staying under the 5K weight limit).

 

[spartan1984]

Well, I know that it's been a while but we ended up trading in two of our vehicles (Mustang and Escape) for a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport. So now we just have to figure out how to set up the Jeep to tow (I'll read the manual) with the proper equipment (connectors, tow bar, etc.). Question, does this vehicle require a braking system (like the Patriot Braking System)?

 

[Gizmo]

Well, I know that it's been a while but we ended up trading in two of our vehicles (Mustang and Escape) for a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport. So now we just have to figure out how to set up the Jeep to tow (I'll read the manual) with the proper equipment (connectors, tow bar, etc.). Question, does this vehicle require a braking system (like the Patriot Braking System)?

You need to call the bumper manufacturer to see if the bumper is certified to use as towing points, most are not certified by the bumper manufacturer. We have a Rock Hard bumper that IS certified and have been towing for years with it without a problem. Rock hard ties into the frame of the Jeep for it's tow points. You will need a lighting kit to activate the jeeps taillights. Also, you will need a braking system for the jeep and I use a Blue Ox but there are better ones out there. I would install Airforce One if didn't already have a Blue Ox. You probably going to need a drop reiser hitch to get your towbar level.

 

[spartan1984]

Reached out to one of the local dealers to inquire about tow set up...price ranged from $6800 - $7500. Is that about right?

 

[Gizmo]

Reached out to one of the local dealers to inquire about tow set up...price ranged from $6800 - $7500. Is that about right?

That seems a little excessive.
On Etrailer Roadmaster baseplate is 412.00
RoadMaster Lighting Kit is 173.00
RoadMaster Tow Bar runs between 725.00 and 1200.00
RoadMaster Braking system 1300.00 and 1500.00
Brake away switch 25.00

The rest of the quotes are labor....

PS. I won't use BlueOx since I had the towbar develop a crack and BlueOx claimed I back up with it and I caused the crack Well I never did!
I would look at the RoadMaster Night Hawk for the cable management that is unique to the NightHawk.

 

[spartan1984]

I was doing a quick review of the Roadmaster and it looked awesome. Appreciate the breakdown of parts. I figured that they'd charge an arm and a leg (and then some) for getting the rig and Jeep ready for towing.

 

[spartan1984]

You need to call the bumper manufacturer to see if the bumper is certified to use as towing points, most are not certified by the bumper manufacturer. We have a Rock Hard bumper that IS certified and have been towing for years with it without a problem. Rock hard ties into the frame of the Jeep for it's tow points. You will need a lighting kit to activate the jeeps taillights. Also, you will need a braking system for the jeep and I use a Blue Ox but there are better ones out there. I would install Airforce One if didn't already have a Blue Ox. You probably going to need a drop reiser hitch to get your towbar level.

Validated that the bumper is certified, so that'll save lots of time, money and effort.

 

[yankeeman99]

I pull my 2017 Colorado behind my class c. I weighed at my local feed mill and it weighs 4800lbs. I use Blue Ox and have not had any problems.

 

[spartan1984]

So now that we've purchased the 2020 Jeep Wrangler, I've started to inquire about getting the vehicle "tow ready." I've reached out to a couple dealers in the area to find out the costs to do this, and the going rate is anywhere between $7000 - $7500 (parts and labor). I mentioned to another dealer that the Jeep already has a towable bumper installed, so his price is $3800 (parts) + $2800 (labor); $6600 total. Are these prices realistic? Has does anybody know a "guy" that does these installs on the side?

 

[Old Bubblehead]

4 years ago when we set up our Colorado with Roadmaster gear, invisibrake set up, it ran about $5k installed. Just to give you ballpark.

I just didn't have the time, tools, nor inclination to do it myself.

 

[Rich W.]

So now that we've purchased the 2020 Jeep Wrangler, I've started to inquire about getting the vehicle "tow ready." I've reached out to a couple dealers in the area to find out the costs to do this, and the going rate is anywhere between $7000 - $7500 (parts and labor). I mentioned to another dealer that the Jeep already has a towable bumper installed, so his price is $3800 (parts) + $2800 (labor); $6600 total. Are these prices realistic? Has does anybody know a "guy" that does these installs on the side?

I researched the various products on the market and talked to others about what works and what is preferred, and did my own work. Under $2000 for everything. At a minimum I suggest you source and purchase your own parts and equipment. Maybe you can do and some of it yourself, and some you’ll need to have done, but at least you will get the equipment you want rather than having it chosen by someone else, and you wont pay a marked up price.

The price you were quoted might be accurate for an SUV or other vehicle that requires complete dissassembly of the front bodywork to install a base plate, but on a jeep its just a bolt on affair. And most braking systems are fairly user-friendly. So spend some time researching and post a question in a new thread asking specifically what works for others on a 2020 Wrangler. There is no reason to pay that much for this job. Usually a high bid means the bidder doesn’t want the job.

As an example here is the Blue Ox base plate - you can see that it just bolts on to the frame from underneath. At worst the bumper has to come off: BX1139 Jeep Wrangler/Wrangler Unlimited (JL)(All Models w/Standard Bumper)(Includes ACC)(Includes 392 & 4XE) Baseplate - Blue Ox | Towing Accessories
Since you have a “tow ready” bumper you could install these: BX88230 Universal Blue Ox Bolt-On Adapter Tabs, 5,000 lb. Rated - Blue Ox Or if you want to go super heavy-duty these: BX88266 Universal Blue Ox Bolt-On Adapter Tabs, 20K - Blue Ox Still cheaper than a base plate and easy to install. You might need one of these to keep things level if towing from your bumper: https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Blue-Ox/BX88129.html

With either of these options, what’s left is just matter of lights and a braking system. Here’s a search on etrailer for braking systems for your vehicle: 2020 Jeep Wrangler Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System Hydraulic Brakes | etrailer.com

I’m sure there is a shop in your area that will give you a hand with the stuff you can’t do - jeep/off-road shop or independent auto repair. It’s just not a $7000 job for a jeep.

 

[OldSkool]

LoD Offroad | LoD Offroad JK Frame Tie-In Brackets

JK Frame Tie-In Brackets reinforce the connection between the welded face plate of your Jeep frame and the frame itself, and coupled with our Tow Bar Adapters and our Front Bumpers create a super strong and reliable connection to your RV!

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