As I reported a couple of weeks ago, we finally bought a new flat-tow car! A red-hot 2024 Chevy Blazer. I was surprised how well our towing experiment and flat-tow install went—I must have euphoric memory about past tow installs, though, because I wasn’t exactly prepared for the cost.
We already have a Roadmaster tow bar on our Tiffin diesel motorhome and soon found out Roadmaster doesn’t have the base plate made yet. Roadmaster did offer to build one for us free of charge if we would take it to their Vancouver, Washington, manufacturing facility for a week. We decided we would just go with the existing Blue Ox baseplate with Roadmaster baseplate adapters.
We also wanted to utilize our existing air brake system on the motorhome and had a Demco Air Force One braking system installed.
Research
We researched several places in the Phoenix area that did tow install for wiring, baseplate and braking systems. I read a ton of reviews from actual customers, not just the reviews that RV shops posted. Also, I checked with our local RV storage area for recommendations. I could have contacted the local RV clubs for suggestions, too. Lastly, I went on the Better Business Bureau website to check for any red flags.
Previous flat-tow install mistake
The reason we were so diligent about research is because we made a major mistake last year when we had my husband’s 1999 Dodge Ram pickup truck set up to flat tow. We had bought the Roadmaster tow bar and Invisibrake from neighbors who were not towing a car behind their RV anymore, to replace our very aged Demco unit.
It was going to be a two-month wait to get in anywhere, and the $4,500 install fee was a surprise. We started looking for mobile techs and found one that could come immediately for $1,500 (red flag!). At that point, he said he had never installed this system and had to leave because a customer was screaming at him to fix a tow system he had installed the day before. Lesson learned: We should have waited.
Somedays he showed up, some days he did not, but he finally did get it together after handing him the instructions. It worked, but looking under the hood the wiring did seem a bit chaotic. We made it over some major mountain passes, back to Minnesota and our usual tow bar experts. After another $700, the wiring was fixed.
Narrowed down to two choices
This time, we narrowed the search to two choices. Both could get us in quickly. I was concerned about that, but my husband assured me it was because it was right before Christmas and shops are usually dead during that time and need work.
Both places had great reviews and quickly sent estimates. One was about $1,000 cheaper but did not include items in the estimate that we had not considered. We went for the one that offered an automatic battery disconnect that could be pressed from inside the car. Also there was a battery minder along with a charge wire so that, similar to a battery tender, it would regulate the charge of the batteries. Along with the estimate, they sent photos of how the installation would look on an actual Blazer like mine, product info on the various components and warranty info. They were also a 24-year family business, and we liked that. We are happy that we did go with Southwest RV in the Phoenix, Arizona, area.
Cost
Some of you have asked for their cost estimate, so here it is. We did go with the extras of the push button battery disconnect and battery minder.
How it works
Air Force One utilizes the air braking system of our diesel pusher. The engine on the motorhome drives the air compressor and feeds two tanks. When started, the air compressor fills each tank to 120 psi and a governor shuts it off. Tanks are the reserve capacity. When braking, the brakes apply air pressure from the tanks. When the tanks get to 90 psi, the air compressor will fill the tanks again. The Air Force One system adds an additional tank with reserve capacity. When braking the motorhome, the brakes on the car are being applied proportionally to the motorhome.
Battery disconnect is basically a simple relay. When connecting the battery to power the car, push the button and two points are magnetized, drawn together, and connect the battery. Push again to demagnetize and pull apart to disconnect. As this is new to us, I wanted to make sure there is a workaround in case of failure. It is merely bypassing the disconnect, if needed.
The emergency brake and disconnect is basically there to stop the vehicle if disconnected from the motorhome when traveling. It is a rather simple concept. There is basically a connection from the car to the motorhome that, if pulled out of the car when traveling, will instantly apply the brakes to the car to stop it.
Lights and battery charge is done through a cable connecting the seven-pin outlet on the back of the motorhome to the car baseplate. It sends info from the motorhome to the car lights, turn signals, and brake lights. We also had a battery minder installed with the charge line from the motorhome. The minder will keep the car from overcharging or undercharging.
Set up and testing
They were very conscientious about explaining everything about the flat-tow install including set up and everything we’d need to know about towing.
Flat-tow install test drive
Hooking up to the motorhome was easy and the test drive went well. I sat in the car in the parking lot as my husband drove the motorhome and could hear and feel the brakes in the car as the motorhome braked. It was much smoother than the Invisibrake on the truck.
We still need to figure out how to neaten up the wires and cables going between the car and motorhome. Perhaps others with this type of installation have some advice for us.
First impressions of our flat-tow install
I’m not sure of the push button battery disconnect yet. It took two pushes to get the car started again. I will contact the shop to check out a workaround in case the car doesn’t start. I’m thinking a low-tech mechanical under-hood battery disconnect may have been a much cheaper and better option. We’ll see.
The base plate is low and we bought a 6″ drop bar. I found out we did not need it when hooked up to the motorhome. I didn’t want the drop to dig into the ground when the motorhome airbags deflate before leveling.
But I don’t like that we can’t lock the doors once the battery is disconnected from the inside. I had not thought about that ahead of time. I will need to figure out how to use the “take apart the door handle and use remote manual key” if it’s an issue when towing. At least the glove box locks when the battery is disconnected.
Quartzsite, here we come!
We are leaving for a few days to boondock in Quartzsite next week in time for the big show. Will report back if there are any issues.
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Thumbs up on a manual battery disconnect. With the many parasitic drains on the typical modern automobile, you may find your towd has a flat battery when you need it. Very simple to install and use, if the battery is not hidden away.
Lock the doors, then disconnect the battery.
Get one of the small battery packs to use when you forgot #1.
Good old-fashioned non-electrical knife switch on the battery will solve that issue. I ended up using knife swatches on the batteries on our trailer to finally stop all the parasitic drains.
Boy, there is a lot more to this ‘toad’ stuff than I ever realized.
Tom, I thought of the knife switch for my Equinox too, but how can I open the hood if I can’t get inside to pull on the cable? The other solution is to put the kill switch somewhere outside that would be hidden, but then would water, dirt, salt, etc. cause it to fail?
Some vehicles release the door locks automatically if the battery dies.
Good looking rig/set up!
Who did the install?
Great job on the write-up of this project. Really liked the details, disclosure of costs and images.
Is it true that the maximum speed for towing your new vehicle is 65mph? I wouldn’t care for that restriction. I don’t often go a lot faster than that but I do want the option. Thanks, Great article!
That limitation probably has to do with heat and lubricating the tranny. While Chevy doesn’t want you to consistently drive over 65, you can go faster to pass someone, etc.
Nanci,
You can run the cables in the little pocket that runs the length of the tow bar (it has the holes in the side). That is where the technician at roadmaster put mine. That is why they are there. That will clean up the tow cables. I use a velcro strap to attach the electrical cable to the the towbar closest to the plug on the rv. The emergency breakaway cable is left to run freely to its connection on the rv.
Nanci,
Considering the cost of your new vehicle AND the $5,500+ SPENT to install the tow bar “I” could pickup for RENT a vehicle at any of the 4,157 Enterprise locations throughout the USA and/or have that rental vehicle delivered by Enterprise to ME most anyplace I might want vehicle. I could do this for YEARS given the amount of money you have recently SPENT on your new vehicle and tow bar install!
Sounds to me like an awful EXPENSIVE adventure to have a new TOAD!
Have fun now that you are out there!
Bull
To each his/her own. I bet Nanci and spouse are really happy with their choices in tower and towed. I really like our Tracker and is also a great pantry and parts storage for our extended stays in SW AZ. Plomosa and Scaddan, here we come!
Not exactly…I totaled our toad and have experienced the lack of available rental cars in areas we RV. Voyagers NP at Lake Kabetogama, Grand Marais, MN, Mont Du Lac, WI, the “delivery” area is very limited for those who do not camp in a thriving metropolis. We experienced this from June 8 to Sept 6. Yes we did rent some cars, but at 70+dollars a day it adds up quickly. Tow equipment is part of “the cost of this hobby”.
Thank You!
You have made me so much more grateful for the all round simplicity of my 16’ Casita!
Looks like they did a very nice job!
The Air Force One braking system by Demco is absolutely the finest system for those of us with air brakes in our motorhomes. You’ll love it!
As already stated, most tow bars have cable “pathways” available. On my Demco tow bar, the cables were pre-installed in them. Be sure the emergency brake cable is free floating and not bound up or wrapped around anything.
Frankly, many DIY type folks with a few tools can do these installs, if they are so inclined, and save a lot of $$$. It doesn’t have to be this expensive!
Great job of explaining the entire process Nanci. There is a lot that goes into flat towing but with the right components it is fairly straightforward. Especially good for those just getting started or considering it. Yes it is a lot of money but need to remind readers that there are various degrees of RVing and budgets. We each do what we are comfortable with. When asked what kind of mileage my class A gets I always reply that I have no idea and that I consider it a luxury to be able do what I do and stay where I do. Happy travels.
Thank you, Nanci! Our setup is all Blue Ox, so it looks a little different, but not much. We just leave it how it is to ensure enough slack for the most extremely sharp turns. Safe travels! Enjoy Quartzsite! 🙂
On our car we lock doors from inside then manually lock drivers door upon exit.
Might want to be careful with the battery disconnect. Some vehicles need a ‘bit’ of juice to keep things programmed – ‘ghost drains’.
I have an outboard boat engine with electric start and if there is no voltage or the battery completely dies the engine cannot be started manually (rope pull starter).
I had Southwest RV install almost the identical system you have. After 2 years the battery disconnect solenoid failed. I was stuck in 100 degree heat rewiring it so the tow would start. While troubleshooting with the manufacturer over the phone they told me the solenoid failed prematurely because it was installed upside down. They said the instructions clearly state to install right side up. Southwest RV said because the unit was out of warranty they would not replace it for free but would cover the labor even though the manufacturer said it failed due to improper installation.
I just had my 2024 Equinox set up for towing at Cliff’s Welding in Mesa, AZ. I’ve used them over the years, and they do great work too.
I was also “surprised” by door locking/unlocking procedure, as I was used to my Saturn’s set up where I pulled a fuse, but still had the capability to use the key fob to operate the locks. Oh well, I’m getting used to the funny little key on the key fob, though I probably will buy a spare door handle cover in case I break the tabs off prying that cover off.
Wow…. thanks for the detailed description Nanci – and including the cost too! I did notice what appears to a problem with the battery solenoid or the silver can with cable to it! I would install an insulated cap over those hot battery leads. Drop a screwdriver or pliers on that and contact with the adjacent frame could be a shocker at the least. Just a suggestion.
Thanks for your follow up report Nanci! Full of really good research information on your part, and also the added bonus of the pricing. Looking forward to the future report on your system after you’ve put a “few” miles on your new toad and the new towbar system.
Hi Nancy,
Congrats on the flat tow setup, and great writing. The install looks very clean, and you made a good choice on the Air Force One system. The only other thing I would HIGHLY recommend is getting the tire pressure system (TPS) on the car (if available), connected to the RV TPS. If not possible electronically, you should consider a TPS to monitor the car’s tire pressure. With that big diesel pusher, you will never know if you have a flat back there!
I have the same Roadmaster tow bar and had same issue. To cleanup the connection between RV and toad, you need to purchase the straight safety cables instead of the coiled version. Then you can route cables in exterior cable guides. I hope this helps, and safe travels.
Gee…I intentionally leave my doors unlocked in case of a what if situation. Maybe I need to rethink it?
I had the inside pushbutton battery disconnect installed as well, however the installer didn’t read the directions where it says this particular disconnect device is only for gas engines. My toad has a 4 cylinder diesel engine. As a result, it malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The correct disconnect for the diesel is an under the hood rotary switch that I purchased from Roadmaster and wired in myself. Less convenient perhaps, but built for the diesel engine and it works perfectly.
After reading Nanci’s excellent article with great detail I can only say I am very happy with my Master Tow dolly with my wife’s KIA going for a ride. Wow, over $5K for the setup is an awful lot of money, more than the cost of two MT dollies with lights and surge brakes.
Thank you, Nanci! Did you get front-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive? I’ll go back to be sure, but I don’t recall you saying how easily or unpleasantly it goes into tow-mode. How is the process (nevermind if you said, I’ll go back through both articles to see if you said)? I grow more antagonized by our 2016 Grand Cherokee. It is past 94,000 miles, so we’ll begin looking for a successor in the next 2 or 3 years. At this point I vow to never buy another Jeep (we are on GC #3 presently), so your experience may be extremely instructive; thank you!
Hi, I have the same question as you about the Blazer. Did you ever find out if the Blazer needs to be AWD or FWD for flat towing?
Hey Chris! No, not really, but my experience that flat-towing any vehicle with an automatic transmission must also have true 4-wheel drive. In other words, you must be able to take the transfer case out of gear. So, if I interpret FWD correctly, yes, must have a FWD transmission. Happy new year! 🙂
The Blazer does not have true 4 wheel drive. The options are Front wheel drive (FWD) or All wheel drive (AWD). I am not sure what Nanci purchased and set up as her toad, but would love to know as I am looking at Blazers as well. Thanks for your input and wish you a happy new year
Thank you for the clarification, Chris! Thank you, too, for your good wishes! 🙂
Hi again Chris! Nanci got a 2024 Chevy Blazer RS and is towing it 4-wheels-down. Yikes! She didn’t specify which transmission. 🙁 I’ll try again, Chris. More later.
Does it matter if the Chevy Blazer is AWD or FWD for flat towing?