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We are in Florida and have to set up our new Focus as our Toad. I would like to buy everything off the internet to save a ton on the cost....however......where do you get it all installed? I use Blue Ox equipment and we tried to have the Blue Ox authorized dealer install our own purchased equipment before with very poor results. Basically they tell you...You buy it from us and we will install it or the install price goes through the roof. Does anyone know of a reputable shop that does this type of work in the Tampa/Orlando area? I don't mind paying for an honest days work but to have to pay someone 40 to 60% mark-up on the equipment and then the install is tough to swallow...........Happy New Year and safe travels !!!!!

I just purchased a 2017 Ford Edge SEL. I am looking at the Blue Ox and Roadmaster base plate assemblies for my new car. I have a Blue Ox tow bar on coach. I am leaning towards the Blue Ox because it appears to have more attach points to the frame, but the Roadmaster appears to be of simpler installation. (In either case I will have a shop install the equipment). Would like opinions/recommendations/experiences on both systems. Thanks, Larry Valdez 2016 Tiffin Allegro 37AP 2017 Ford Edge SEL

Just bought a 2011 Holiday Rambler Augusta B+, and I want to tow my '03 Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep base plate hitches are 10" higher than the RV receiver, so bought a Blue Ox 10" riser. The shank on the riser is 8 1/2 inches from centerline of the pin hole to the vertical riser. The distance from centerline pin hole on the RV receiver to the outside of the rear bumper is 9". It misses by a half inch! So, I can buy a 6" extension, which from what I've heard undermines the towing capacity, or I can have the RV tow hitch assembly removed, drill a couple of new holes closer to the bumper and reinstalled. Any suggestions or recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks! Rick

Looking to see if anyone has installed a blue ox base plate on a 2008 Chevy Cobalt. Have run into a little snag as to the mounting of the nuts inside of frame, no visible holes to use. Did a search and nothing comes back so I thought I would ask members for help. Thanks

I just want to give some KUDOS to Blue Ox and one of their dealers. I bought a motorhome recently and it came with a Blue Ox tow bar and much of the associated parts. I only needed a base plate and wiring kit for my 2009 Scion xB. I looked it up the installation on line and saw that it was not a simple bolt on for my car as it required removal of the front fascia and some cutting with a power saw, so I quickly decided it was a job for the professionals. I contacted Blue Ox by email and they referred me to their dealer in my area (Hitch and Weld of Naples, Naples FL). They are also the only dealer in the area without going to the East coast or up to Ft. Meyers so I was a little leery I was just getting a name. I also bought my base plate and wiring kit at the recent Tampa RV show from the Blue Ox exhibitor booth--it was discounted and included free shipping to my home. I was wondering if the local dealer wasn't going to be too happy I was bringing my own parts. Needless to say they were very pleasant to work with and very professional. Hitch and Weld of Naples is a Man, wife and son business that has been around a long time. Not only is the installation job very professional looking it was much cheaper than the quotes I got from some places in the Tampa area (almost 50% less in one instance) and it is the labor charges. The owner dealt with me and he was very helpful telling me to call him any time if I have any questions. So, if you are in south FL or close enough you want to see Naples or lay on the beach when you are having some work done, I think you will find the drive for your anything towing, trailer or hitch needs well worth the drive. If you live near here, this is a good company to do business with!

We have a 2011 Pathfinder 40' pusher. Looking to buy a new SUV for use and towing behind. We like the Forester with the manual trans, and I am looking for help and advice on equipment. All comments welcome.

I just bought a motor home. It came with the Blue Ox tow bar and a Brake Buddy. Now I need to get a base plate for my car (2009 Scion xB, 5 speed manual). I checked with an RV dealer and they quoted me just a few bucks shy of $2000 for the base plate, electrical kit, and toad battery charger wiring kit, and 10 hours of labor. Does this sound about right? I am in SW Florida. Am I better ordering parts myself and does anyone know someone in SW FL they would recommend to do the work? How hard is it to do myself (the kit says the from fascia of the car has to come off, and it has to be cut for the tow bar attachments. I am not all that crafty other than turning a wrench and following easy directions--I don't think I have the skills to figure out exactly where to measure and cut the holes in the front end bumper fascia, and a mistake would be costly. Appreciate anyone's input on any of the above ... Chief