lylefikse Report post Posted June 10, 2020 We just purchased a used 2016 Lincoln MKS with 22,000 miles to use as a TOAD. Currently towing a 2013 Lincoln MKS (50,000 towed miles). We use a Blue Ox base plate and the Air Force One braking system. Our motorhome is already set up to tow with the AF1. For a complete setup on the new to us TOAD we were given a 3K bid to set up the TOAD. Lights with charge line, AF1 (just car side as motorhome is set up), and Blue Ox base plate. Does that seem high? Was way cheaper in 2012 when we set up the current TOAD. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bhalldorson Report post Posted June 10, 2020 Last year I had a Blue Ox system installed on an MKT. Base plate with labor was $875, light wiring was $498, Ascent Tow Bar with safety cables $1132 and the battery charge system was $125, all without tax. I received a quote direct from Blue Ox (I live near factory) and a local hitch professional that I have used for decades. Both were about the same price. I wanted Blue Ox equipment for my own reasons, and did not price any other tow systems. Hope this helps. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted June 11, 2020 Lyle, Have you checked to see if your old base plate will adapt to the new Toad? Your old Hitch and Safety cables should also be good! I have a Roadmaster from 2006 on my current coach, it's been on 4 coaches a 3 Toads! I got a Base plate for a 09 Jeep, that fit a 2012 Colorado 4x4! I don't use a base plate anymore, but then again I don't tow a Lincoln! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lylefikse Report post Posted June 13, 2020 bhalldorson Thanks for the response. We live near Sioux City and the closest place to get this done at a Blue Ox Dealer is Council Bluffs. Over 100 miles for us. Tried to have it done at Blue Ox in Pender but they no longer do that type of work at the factory. They did the work on my 2013 MKS. Could you get me the name and location of your guy? He may be closer for us as well. Price sounds better also. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elkhartjim Report post Posted June 13, 2020 Try a local body shop. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bhalldorson Report post Posted June 13, 2020 Council Hitch, 219 N 16th St., Council Bluffs, 51501 Phone 712-322-4717 www.councilhitch.com They had the car for 1 1/2 days. They have installed numerous hitches for me and do nice work. Contact John Hearn. Let me know if questions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
captrer Report post Posted June 14, 2020 Just had tow system installed on my Honda Civic. the local welding company does all kind of truck, trailer, hitches etc. They are booked for the next 2-3 weeks installing tow packages for 4 down cars and will install any of the major brands. Cost for Blue ox or Roadmast sytem was $2500. (I already have the RVI brake system) Bob , near Phoenix Az Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
urbanhermit Report post Posted June 16, 2020 I am seriously bummed. We recently traded a high-mileage MKS for a very low-mileage MKC, and later sunk too much into a Cobalt stick shift for a TOAD -- almost as much as the real-world trade allowance on the MKS. Had I thought the MKS could have been towed flat, I'd have gone that route and been a lot happier. Due diligence wasn't due enough. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildebill308 Report post Posted June 16, 2020 On 6/14/2020 at 10:16 AM, captrer said: Just had tow system installed on my Honda Civic. Welcome to the forum. Wich Honda? what transmission? Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gsimmons68 Report post Posted December 2, 2020 On 6/10/2020 at 3:41 PM, lylefikse said: We just purchased a used 2016 Lincoln MKS with 22,000 miles to use as a TOAD. Currently towing a 2013 Lincoln MKS (50,000 towed miles). We use a Blue Ox base plate and the Air Force One braking system. Our motorhome is already set up to tow with the AF1. For a complete setup on the new to us TOAD we were given a 3K bid to set up the TOAD. Lights with charge line, AF1 (just car side as motorhome is set up), and Blue Ox base plate. Does that seem high? Was way cheaper in 2012 when we set up the current TOAD. I have a 2013 lincoln mks, i see you have towed one. It doesn`t say anything about acc mode on. So do i tow with acc off or on? I have blue ox system. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted December 2, 2020 gsimmons68. Welcome to the Forum! It should be in your owners manual, under towing...if you don't have a owners manual, you can get it online and download the PDF. Enter 2013 Lincoln mks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lylefikse Report post Posted December 15, 2020 I always followed the book. Start, run for 5 minutes, shift into D, back to R, and into N, shutoff and go. Also run it for 5 minutes after towing although that is not spelled out. Turn off heater/AC and radio. A charge line from the Motorhome to the car is needed to prevent a dead battery. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wayne77590 Report post Posted December 16, 2020 My 2 cents: 2013 Lincoln MKX. Start and run for 5 minutes while hooking up. Stop 2 hours later and run for 5 minutes while stretching legs. Final stop, start and run while unhooking. More serious to do this if in mountainous country as the jake/exhaust brake activates the brake lights on the toad and can run down the battery more quickly. Been towing the MKX since new and only time I had problems was when I did not stop and run it for 5 minutes. Now-a-days I carry a USB Battery Jumper similar to this. It works well. They have others with more capacity. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
