Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-02-2021, 11:39 AM   #1
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 72
Towing a Toad

I recently purchased a Toad vehicle (2021 Ford Escape Hybrid) to tow behind my 2020VJ. I have all of the necessary equipment, including E brakes. I need to have the Blue Ox base plate installed on the Escape. Does anyone know of a shop in Westchester County NY, or southern Connecticut that can do that? Also I would like to find a shop that can help me set up for first towing in the same area. Thanks.
Dmarcian is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-02-2021, 12:50 PM   #2
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 887
Any independent body shop should be able to do it. It involves removing front body panels and bolting on the base plate, skills any body shop should be able to handle.

To set up the tow bar and brakes, look for a mobile RV mechanic.

David
DavidM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-02-2021, 01:24 PM   #3
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 72
Thanks, they are tough to find around here.
Dmarcian is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-02-2021, 02:48 PM   #4
Site Team
 
creativepart's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Spring Branch, TX
Posts: 7,783
Look for a Blue Ox dealer in your area that also works on RVs and trucks. That's what I did when I had mine installed. Plus, if anything goes wrong Blue Ox likes knowing that one of their dealers did the install.

I looked at their dealer locator and this one seems the closest:

HITCH KING INC
12 Van Buren Avenue
FLORAL PARK, NY 11001

https://www.hitchking.com/
__________________
2017 Winnebago Adventurer 37F
2016 Lincoln MKX Toad
creativepart is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-04-2021, 07:14 PM   #5
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 72
Thanks Creativepart. Called them and made an appointment. Seems like a small shop. Not a lot of experience with base plates. But I will give them a shot.
Dmarcian is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-04-2021, 09:24 PM   #6
Site Team
 
creativepart's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Spring Branch, TX
Posts: 7,783
Don’t choose them if you don’t feel confident in their ability to do this job. I just checked Blue Ox’s dealer listings and that’s all I know about them. You should do your own checking and pick whoever you feel comfortable with.
__________________
2017 Winnebago Adventurer 37F
2016 Lincoln MKX Toad
creativepart is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2021, 04:23 PM   #7
Winnebago Watcher
 
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 4
Have not used them myself but these folks come with good reviews from people I know and generally online. https://www.dedonainc.com/
Sea Man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2021, 09:23 PM   #8
Winnebago Owner
 
71_340's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: ST. Robert, MO
Posts: 187
Do it yourself......it is easy, just takes a little bit of time. I recently installed the Blue Ox base plate on my 2014 Ford Focus. A big help was the installation video on eTrailer.com.

You can find the installation video on the web page linked below:
https://www.etrailer.com/Base-Plates...ID=20215001912

View it a few times and you can make an informed decision whether that is something you can do and save a lot of money.
__________________
2019 Forest River 2400R MBS

Retired "Quiet Professional". Lifetime HSUS and ASPCA member and supporter.
71_340 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2021, 09:33 AM   #9
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Elk Grove, CA
Posts: 3,574
Quote:
Originally Posted by 71_340 View Post
Do it yourself......it is easy, just takes a little bit of time. I recently installed the Blue Ox base plate on my 2014 Ford Focus. A big help was the installation video on eTrailer.com.

You can find the installation video on the web page linked below:
https://www.etrailer.com/Base-Plates...ID=20215001912

View it a few times and you can make an informed decision whether that is something you can do and save a lot of money.
I found that one of the biggest challenges in the DIY route issue was removing and replacing the plastic fascia on the front of my vehicle without damaging it (2011 Honda Odyssey). Installation is also much easier with a helper than it is single handed. Depending on your vehicle, working area is limited so specialized tools can be helpful. I have an air compressor so an inexpensive pneumatic drill from Harbor Freight fit into spaces my electric drills wouldn't. A pneumatic ratchet was also helpful. Plan on doubling the estimated installation time. Work slowly and carefully, step-by-step and things should go well.

Depending on the nature of your braking system may be easier to install while you have the front fascia off your vehicle. I know that was the case with my ReadyBrake system.
__________________
Bob C
2002 Itasca Suncruiser 35U
Workhorse Chassis
BobC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2021, 12:06 PM   #10
Winnebago Owner
 
marudnick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 118
Installation

Regarding installation, an RV dealer will likely either be able to do it or refer you to someone who can. Of course that means you need to find a dealer who you can trust.
__________________
2019 Winnebago Sunstar 29VE
2016 Ford Focus toad
marudnick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2021, 12:05 PM   #11
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 72
Having my base plate installed at Hitch King in Floral Park, NY. Shout out to them, they are doing a good job and are very helpful.
Dmarcian is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
toad, tow, towing


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Towing a Toad SaltLife Towing, Hitching and Vehicles 56 09-29-2019 01:25 PM
Winnebago Spirit 22R - towing a toad? rockelino Towing, Hitching and Vehicles 13 02-07-2019 10:51 AM
Newbie Toad Towing Question starcrwzr Towing, Hitching and Vehicles 3 11-28-2017 07:24 PM
Dinging towing (flat towing) Toyota F J Cruiser akasusie Towing, Hitching and Vehicles 15 11-27-2007 10:18 AM
Towing a Toad w/ amber Turn Signals w/ Journey Pusherman Towing, Hitching and Vehicles 7 02-22-2007 03:43 AM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Winnebago Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:49 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.