Preparing to Tow

[monik7]

I'm seriously considering getting a car I can tow and was wondering where some of you who tow went to get your car fitted with everything required to tow it. Also would I have to have the tow bar and brake system before taking the car in? I'm wondering if how the car is fitted depends on which brand of tow bar I get. I'm thinking of getting a Blue Ox. As you can see I have no idea about the process, so any and all info on how to do this would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Sandi

[snowball]

you might touch basis with Sharon she tows and uses blue ox
sheila

[Liz]

I got it all done at Tri-Am RV in Ocala, FL where I have other RV work done. I discussed it with them first and made sure they knew what I wanted. They will have to order a base plate specific to the car you get. (Mine is a 2009 Honda Fit, but new Honda Fits cannot be towed 4-down, so make sure what you get can be) I have a Blue Ox hitch and specified that I wanted the SMI Stay-n-Play braking system, which turns on with just a flip of a switch....nothing to put in or take out each time you tow.

[Bethers]

When I bought my car I called the little RV shop I like in Alabama (where I was at the time) and they did it all for me. I know and trust them so was glad to be there at the time. If I was doing it now I'd get the same tow bar from blue ox but a different braking system.

[Birdie]

I have used Roadmaster All Terrain Tow Bars. They start at a minimum of 6,000 # of towing capacity. I used a Brake Buddy the first few years of towing for my braking system. Really got tired of having to find a storage spot for my unit and finally settled on the SMI Stay-in-Play braking system. As stated earlier, the base plates that are hard mounted to your car are specific for year and car model. I had my normal RV guys do the work for me on both of my RVs and cars, but I took the tow bar and drop downs from one unit to the new one. I did have my RV guys buy and install the base plates. I took the tow bar I purchased to them for hooking up and to make sure the base plates worked. They do the annual maintenance for me too.

[BirdbyBird]

Because I went with the Stay and Play I looked up Authorized dealers in the Cincinnati area and contacted the shop about 30 minutes from me. They are/were not an RV dealer but dealt with setting up trailers, etc. As already mentioned they ordered in the appropriate base plate, Blue Ox tow bar and did all the wiring needed in the car. I had them add a way to add a "trickle charge" to the car battery so that the I don't drain the car battery as long as everything is working correctly.