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04-25-2019, 03:40 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 439
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Install our tow hardware ourself? also is supplemental brake necessary?
We have purchased all our hardware to tow our 2018 Ford Explorer 3.5L Eco boost (yes, it is def flat towable, that's the reason we bought this gas guzzler!). We got the Roadmaster Blackhawk 2 All Terrain tow bar with the Roadmaster base plate. DH was going to install himself but after watching a video, its a lot of steps and we are moving toward having someone install it for us. However, I got one estimate of $1000+ just for the labor. Is that reasonable? Also, we are being told we need a brake system as well and are wondering if its really necessary.
Anyone know of a place in Los Angeles, preferably north of the 101 freeway, that you would recommend to install for us?
Thanks for the help!
__________________
Kevin and Linda Knight
2018 Isata 5 30FW 4x4
dog-mobile for Sophie, Roxy, and Kai
Windsurf-mobile for us
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04-25-2019, 04:59 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Posts: 1,135
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To be legal in most places you will need a supplemental braking system. If you have an accident without one you are in legal jeopardy. Don't know about installation in the Valley as we keep our rig at Lake Havasu. Lake Havasu has many places. It is probably a 4 hour job. That says about $500-$600 plus the braking system.
__________________
2018 DX3 37TS Sunset
2019 Rubicon JLU
2022 RZR Pro 4 Ultimate
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04-25-2019, 05:05 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,645
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rskeans
To be legal in most places you will need a supplemental braking system. If you have an accident without one you are in legal jeopardy. Don't know about installation in the Valley as we keep our rig at Lake Havasu. Lake Havasu has many places. It is probably a 4 hour job. That says about $500-$600 plus the braking system.
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There it is again. Another legal beagle. Please post your references for these statements your making.
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04-25-2019, 05:23 PM
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#4
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 82
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bubbles
There it is again. Another legal beagle. Please post your references for these statements your making.
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Not my post to defend, but AAA's website lists trailer braking requirements by state. A quick overview shows that most every state requires trailers (tows) over 3000 pounds (or so) to have a supplemental or independent braking system. Even if your state doesn't, if you are going to travel much, you will likely go into a state that does.
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04-25-2019, 05:38 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: ALASKA (World's Biggest Campground)
Posts: 6,631
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As the OP lives in CA, that appears to be Law in CA.
__________________
'07 K3500 Silverado LT Crew Duramax (LBZ)
2016 Salem 27RKSS
1984 CHEV SCOTTSDALE K20 2GCGK24J0E1XXXXXX (Chevrolet Legends-Class of 2019)
"...exhaust fluid? We don't need no stinkin' exhaust fluid"
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04-25-2019, 05:46 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 4,043
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bubbles
There it is again. Another legal beagle. Please post your references for these statements your making.
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It's getting to be common place for braking on toads anymore .
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04-25-2019, 06:40 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 132
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LandKKnight
We have purchased all our hardware to tow our 2018 Ford Explorer 3.5L Eco boost (yes, it is def flat towable, that's the reason we bought this gas guzzler!). We got the Roadmaster Blackhawk 2 All Terrain tow bar with the Roadmaster base plate. DH was going to install himself but after watching a video, its a lot of steps and we are moving toward having someone install it for us. However, I got one estimate of $1000+ just for the labor. Is that reasonable? Also, we are being told we need a brake system as well and are wondering if its really necessary.
Anyone know of a place in Los Angeles, preferably north of the 101 freeway, that you would recommend to install for us?
Thanks for the help!
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Benchmark in Sun Valley used to have a great rep but looks like it has gone down hill. If i still had my shop in LA I would have done it for you. A friend had a great shop in Reseda but retired 10 years ago
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04-25-2019, 06:46 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,114
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LandKKnight
We have purchased all our hardware to tow our 2018 Ford Explorer 3.5L Eco boost (yes, it is def flat towable, that's the reason we bought this gas guzzler!). We got the Roadmaster Blackhawk 2 All Terrain tow bar with the Roadmaster base plate. DH was going to install himself but after watching a video, its a lot of steps and we are moving toward having someone install it for us. However, I got one estimate of $1000+ just for the labor. Is that reasonable? Also, we are being told we need a brake system as well and are wondering if its really necessary.
Anyone know of a place in Los Angeles, preferably north of the 101 freeway, that you would recommend to install for us?
Thanks for the help!
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You might call Tom at Benlo in Irwindale, great people and appear to do good work. I've not used their services but do buy a lot of parts there.
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04-25-2019, 06:47 PM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 6
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Our Dynamax Dealer in Thousand Oaks referred me to Conejo Vacation Trailer to figure out Flat Tow situation. Our coach should be arriving in about a week so I'm just about to give them a call.
We will also be going with the Rvi3 brake system with all the gadgets.
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04-25-2019, 07:20 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 202
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FuelandFire
Our Dynamax Dealer in Thousand Oaks referred me to Conejo Vacation Trailer to figure out Flat Tow situation. Our coach should be arriving in about a week so I'm just about to give them a call.
We will also be going with the Rvi3 brake system with all the gadgets.
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+1 for conejo vacation trailer. Mike is a stand-up guy.
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04-25-2019, 09:27 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Posts: 1,135
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bubbles
There it is again. Another legal beagle. Please post your references for these statements your making.
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Well you totally mis-understood my point. The point was not to be a 'legal beagle' but to prevent being used as 'Cannon Fodder' for lawyers.
__________________
2018 DX3 37TS Sunset
2019 Rubicon JLU
2022 RZR Pro 4 Ultimate
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04-25-2019, 09:57 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,645
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rskeans
Well you totally mis-understood my point. The point was not to be a 'legal beagle' but to prevent being used as 'Cannon Fodder' for lawyers.
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So, it appears you have no references then. That's ok.
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04-25-2019, 10:21 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Posts: 1,135
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There are many references available, some were provided by others in this thread. But I have no intention to dig them up for you.
__________________
2018 DX3 37TS Sunset
2019 Rubicon JLU
2022 RZR Pro 4 Ultimate
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04-25-2019, 10:35 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 826
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LandKKnight
We have purchased all our hardware to tow our 2018 Ford Explorer 3.5L Eco boost (yes, it is def flat towable, that's the reason we bought this gas guzzler!). We got the Roadmaster Blackhawk 2 All Terrain tow bar with the Roadmaster base plate. DH was going to install himself but after watching a video, its a lot of steps and we are moving toward having someone install it for us. However, I got one estimate of $1000+ just for the labor. Is that reasonable? Also, we are being told we need a brake system as well and are wondering if its really necessary.
Anyone know of a place in Los Angeles, preferably north of the 101 freeway, that you would recommend to install for us?
Thanks for the help!
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If you have basic mechanical skills and tools you can install the base plate. I did it on my jeep with no problems. Just follow the steps. I don't know about Roadmaster but the Blue Ox I have has very good detailed instructions.
I use RVI3 brake system. As others point out using a brake system is required by some states and it makes sense. You will have 5,000 + pushing on the tow bar when stopping. In normal controlled stops usually not an issue. But in an emergency braking situation it is needed. In the unlikely event the tow bar or hitched fails the brake system will activate. This prevents the tow vehicle from passing you. [emoji6]
We have a lot of $$ in the motorhome and tow vehicle. I don't understand why folks debate not using a brake system which improves safety for the user and others on the road.
Happy RVing.
__________________
Pat
2017 Isata 5
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04-26-2019, 05:20 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 223
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I did my own install on a Jeep GC. I would call it a moderate job. There were two 1/2” holes to drill and that was the biggest challenge. The support videos were a life saver.
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04-26-2019, 07:52 AM
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#16
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Commercial Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bristol, IN
Posts: 18,905
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rskeans
There are many references available, some were provided by others in this thread. But I have no intention to dig them up for you.
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I will, cause this guy is acting like Kanye West... Or a "Know it all Nancy" if we like alliteration/rhyming.
"Intellectual Ineffectual"
California Trailer Code
26302 Every trailer over 1500 lbs must be equipped with brakes on at least 2 wheels.
State and Province Towing Laws
Here are the California Towing Laws You Need To Know Before You Tow
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04-26-2019, 09:07 AM
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#17
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DW's 401(k) Plan
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Western MD
Posts: 2,372
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bclemens
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Love it! [emoji106]
__________________
"Sunny" the 2017 Sunseeker 3010DS
2006 Jeep Liberty Toad
.... and lovin' life........MOST of the time.
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04-26-2019, 09:11 AM
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#18
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DW's 401(k) Plan
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Western MD
Posts: 2,372
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My 20-something son installed our baseplate on the Liberty. I think he said he had to drill 2 holes. Proper tools, place to work and time and you will save the money to spend on your braking system.
__________________
"Sunny" the 2017 Sunseeker 3010DS
2006 Jeep Liberty Toad
.... and lovin' life........MOST of the time.
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04-26-2019, 12:51 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Clarksville Va.
Posts: 10,422
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bclemens
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Read this, it states trailers I called DMV they said if under 3000 # and can come to a control stop in 40' not required on a towed car. The key word they said is trailer as stated in the law, but suggest it's better to have one plus a breakaway. Call DMV
__________________
Coachmen M/H
Concord
2018 / 300 DSC
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04-26-2019, 12:56 PM
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#20
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Commercial Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bristol, IN
Posts: 18,905
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I will agree that there is some differences related to terminology...but how many passenger vehicles are under 3000 lbs? Certainly not a Ford Explorer.
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