alanhui
Well-known member
I am in the process of putting the parts of a towing package for my Brave. Currently considering a 2002 Jeep GC as a toad. It has two "hooks" (newbie's technical term) showing under the front bumper.
After spending hours going over past posts on this forum, I am considering a Blue Ox (BX) tow bar such as the Acclaim (spec'ed for 5000 lb), BX base plate for GC, BX bulb and socket tail light wiring kit and the Brake Buddy (BB) Vantage Select.
Despite this list, I am not confident that I have all the necessary pieces to install them.
First off, I found locally a used BX Acclaim for $350, which includes cover and safety cables. Can the experienced ones on this forum confirm that Acclaim is adequate for my use? I am assuming that Acclaim will work with other base plates in case I cannot get this Jeep GC.
I have limited auto mechanical tools other than a set of socket wrenches. Is heavy drilling and cutting needed to install the base plate on a Jeep GC? Is it better to have a pro do this for safety?
How important is it for me to connect 12v power from the coach to the toad? I have read that BB does not take much power if set on Level 4 (emergency braking.) Is this a good practice? If so, can the BB be powered through the Jeep's cig socket? If coach power to toad is essential, how do I ascertain that the existing coach has the proper outlet? 6 pin etc? I found the BX 6-wire coiled cable on Amazon. is this the way to go?
I also read that the Acclaim coupler needs to be level and the tow bar need a rise of 7" from the toad to the coach. Not exactly sure how all this play out with my parts list. Any other key factors that I should consider?
Thanks in advance for your input.
After spending hours going over past posts on this forum, I am considering a Blue Ox (BX) tow bar such as the Acclaim (spec'ed for 5000 lb), BX base plate for GC, BX bulb and socket tail light wiring kit and the Brake Buddy (BB) Vantage Select.
Despite this list, I am not confident that I have all the necessary pieces to install them.
First off, I found locally a used BX Acclaim for $350, which includes cover and safety cables. Can the experienced ones on this forum confirm that Acclaim is adequate for my use? I am assuming that Acclaim will work with other base plates in case I cannot get this Jeep GC.
I have limited auto mechanical tools other than a set of socket wrenches. Is heavy drilling and cutting needed to install the base plate on a Jeep GC? Is it better to have a pro do this for safety?
How important is it for me to connect 12v power from the coach to the toad? I have read that BB does not take much power if set on Level 4 (emergency braking.) Is this a good practice? If so, can the BB be powered through the Jeep's cig socket? If coach power to toad is essential, how do I ascertain that the existing coach has the proper outlet? 6 pin etc? I found the BX 6-wire coiled cable on Amazon. is this the way to go?
I also read that the Acclaim coupler needs to be level and the tow bar need a rise of 7" from the toad to the coach. Not exactly sure how all this play out with my parts list. Any other key factors that I should consider?
Thanks in advance for your input.