Tow Bar Advice - Printable Version
+- Newell Gurus (https://newellgurus.com)
+-- Forum: Technical Discussions (https://newellgurus.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=3)
+--- Forum: Towing (https://newellgurus.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=31)
+--- Thread: Tow Bar Advice (/showthread.php?tid=396)
+- Newell Gurus (https://newellgurus.com)
+-- Forum: Technical Discussions (https://newellgurus.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=3)
+--- Forum: Towing (https://newellgurus.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=31)
+--- Thread: Tow Bar Advice (/showthread.php?tid=396)
RE: Tow Bar Advice - rheavn - 12-22-2012
Wiring a vehicle is not difficult. Just takes a little preplanning as to where you can hide the wires and go through the front & maybe the rear firewall. I did no drilling. I used existing holes. Some put tow specific bulbs in the taillight assemblies. That is a good way to go if the taillights are big enough. The HHR's taillights are very small, so I had to use diodes. Still no problem. I've been towing the HHR for 6 years & haven't had a single light issue.
RE: Tow Bar Advice - folivier - 12-22-2012
Flick, what I just did on my Z71 was to run a set of wires along the frame underneath the truck then glue these along the bumper: http://www.ebay.com/itm/190726345998?item=190726345998&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME:L:OU:US:3160&vxp=mtr
So far they are working out pretty good. Very easy to install.
RE: Tow Bar Advice - HoosierDaddy - 12-22-2012
I like Steve's idea. On my last two Jeeps (97 Grand Cherokee,2006 Liberty) I have installed an additional bulb in the existing tail light assembly. Both of those had plenty of room....as if they had been designed for an additional bulb.
RE: Tow Bar Advice - Flick - 12-22-2012
Do you guys recommend a buddy brake for towing a jeep? Wow they are pricey.
RE: Tow Bar Advice - rheavn - 12-23-2012
Todd,
There are many braking systems available. I like one of the ones that taps into the coach's air system. These provide progressive braking and are very easy to install. I use a Roadmaster brakemaster. I've got over 60,000 miles of towing and it works great and easy to install. There are several other systems that are similar and I'm sure work just as well.
http://compare.ebay.com/like/271110014092?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar
M & G Engineering makes a brake system that mounts behind the vehicle master cylinder, but doesn't fit all cars. May or may not fit yours. I was going to use this system, but it won't fit a HHR. I have friends that use the M & G system and are very pleased.
http://m-gengineering.com/
I have a friend that has used the BrakeBuddy for many miles of towing. He had to send it back for a rebuild once, but he tows a lot of miles.
If you google around you can find many user reviews to help you make your decision.
Others here may have other opinions and experiences....................................
RE: Tow Bar Advice - folivier - 12-23-2012
I've used Ready Brake for a couple years and like it. Simple surge brake system and easy to install.
http://readybrake.com/
RE: Tow Bar Advice - ron skeen - 12-23-2012
(12-22-2012, 09:32 PM)Flick Wrote: Do you guys recommend a buddy brake for towing a jeep? Wow they are pricey.
I've use bb for the last 12 yrs. Great product check ebay
RE: Tow Bar Advice - Flick - 01-20-2013
Well I ended up ordering the M&G Brake Assist after looking around for what to use with our Jeep Wrangler and getting opinions. So I ordered the brake assist with the breakaway kit. Last two weekends I wired the lights, installed the brackets for the tow bar and then this weekend installed the M&G Brake Assist. As you can see from the pics it mounts between the Vacuum boost and the master cylander. The bottle is what drives the breakaway. If the coach and the Jeep become disconnected then that bottle throws the Jeep brakes on by using the air in the bottle. You charge that bottle each time by depressing the coach brakes for one full minute before you start traveling. Can't believe that I took all of this on, but it all worked out and I saved a ton of dough. Thanks for the advice guys!
RE: Tow Bar Advice - encantotom - 01-20-2013
nice work todd,
i also have the M&G
tom
RE: Tow Bar Advice - HoosierDaddy - 01-21-2013
Looks great Todd. I'd recommend some kind of cap to cover the air fitting on the Jeep. Mud wasps seem to think those holes are just the right size for a nest....