Good tip about positively securing your power cable connectors. I know, I learned the hard way, On the first day of our very first trip we took in our RV that plastic locking tab on the coach connector broke off and allowed the cable to unplug. I don't know when it happened or for how long I dragged it down the road but when we got to our campground and I went to disconnect I discovered it was completely destroyed. This was a brand new cable. I was lucky in that I found an RV dealer the happened to have someone on site, even though they were closed at the time, who helped me fine a replacement cable ($110) and I gladly paid the price. I now wrap one of those small bungee cords around the frame and to the two holes in the cable connector so it won't become unplugged again. I know I should do the same thing on our tow vehicle (2019 F-150 4x4) and need to come up with an easy way to do it.
You are welcome David, One big plus with the Blue Ox base plates, there is no modification needed to the frame to mount the base plates, just remove the existing tow hooks and install the plates using the same existing holes.
Excellent video. Appreciate the info. Never towed a car behind a RV yet and wondered how blue ox and brake buddy systems worked. Looks like a solid safe and easy set up then done like that. Thanks!
@@thecasualrver All in, successful. Scary at 1st. The lessons we learned: 1. Don't become distracted by helpers during the connecting process. 2. Recheck everything prior to departure. We are processing a video now of us installing a switch to eliminate the removal & reinstall of the accessories fuse for each tow.
@@GoRVScotty,That's good to hear. I totally agree, I am the only one that will hook up, also if anyone comes up and starts talking to me, I politely tell them please wait, I need to concentrate on what I'm doing.
Great video! You referred to a charging system to maintained the battery in the toad. The blue ox system I have is a little older one than yours and is still working great but there wasn't a battery maintaining system with it.
I've always wondered how this works. Thanks for sharing. I have to say I thought there would surely be something less hokey than a box that physically presses the brake pedal, this day in age. Especially in a vehicle that has automated emergency breaking.
Thanks for watching Ryan, One thing you don't want to do is tap into a towed vehicles OEM wiring, especially with any collision avoidance system. The Brake Buddy is very simple and effective.
There are actually a couple other options for braking. The brake buddy is a classic and is the least complicated and expensive option. But they’re also cable baking systems (but do not work with blue ox) and a direct wire in system (cost is around $1200+) with a small electrical box that fits under the passenger seat.
@@RollinHomies, Yes there are other options, But for me, we replace our vehicles every 2 years, the portable units are non-invasive, no drilling, no modifications necessary. Plus the fact it's air cylinder activated, (Faster Response Time) not electric motor activated.
No, the ignition must be in the off position. When the the transmission is in neutral the key can be in the off position and will not lock the steering wheel.
Is that ranger free floating axles? Check if the trans needs fluids when towing flat. Not many vehicles can flat tow long distance. Jeeps and straight axles can.
@alive, The Ranger 4x4 has front open differential, and rear drive with electronic locking differential. It's does not have floating axles. The 2-speed transfer case disengages both front and rear driveshafts, and transmission when placed in neutral tow mode. No need to check the transmission before flat towing, there is not distance or a speed requirement when flat towing the Ranger. I don't go over 65 MPH.
Hi. I have a2007 gas Motorhome and a GMC Sierra 1500. Before to buy blue ox equipment I would like to be sure if everything is going to be good. How do you feel when you are driving your motorhome. Do you feel is like too heavy to pull your pick up 😮truck ? I checked the capacities in the coach plate and is ok but my question is only about your experiences on the road. I’m sorry but I’m beginner. Thank you
No need to be sorry, we all were new to this at one time. I would need to see the GVWR and the GCWR of your 2007 gas coach, with that said, just from knowing that year of gas coaches, I would say yes it's too heavy. Your GMC Sierra 1500 is a 4X4 correct?
No, the 2021 Ford Ranger XLT Super crew 4X4 weighs 4,640 lbs. Not even the high trim level Lariat comes anywhere close to 6,000 lbs. At full travel weight i.e. passenger, gear, supplies, 1/2 tank of freshwater I'm right at 26,000 GCWR. You might look up the specs again.
why does the 8" drop hitch stick out so far ? Even the towbar seems to be sticking out further then it really needs to be. Seems to me it would be a much sturdier if you weren't sticking out 2 foot fro the back of the coach.
That's where the drop receiver lock pin hole is drilled, The Blue Ox drop receiver in that configuration, has a rating of 5000 lbs. tow capacity and a 500 lb tongue rating. The distance is not too far out. The closer the towed vehicle is to the rear of the coach will reduce your turning radius.
@The Casual RVer It's usually about 5'0 from the rear of MH to front of the TOAD. With a setup like your sticking out that far creates more downward stress on the drop receiver. Think of it like this: you have more leverage with a 24" breaker bar than you do with a standard length box end wrench. Yes, your hitch is rated for 5000 lbs, but with the added Equipment hanging so far out and down I can't believe that you still can maintain that 5000 pounds weight limit. IMHO
@@fredr8213, So the distance from the end cap of the coach to the front bumper is 5'5" I have been conducting neutral tow product development durability testing for 28 years as a mechanical engineer PE. I'm will aware of road loads, geometry, and stresses. Yes it still maintain that 5000 pounds weight limit. Safe Travels.
@The Casual RVer Well, l worked for 35 yrs as a Tool & Die maker. I've worked closely with engineers my whole career. With your setup, you have created weak stress points with everything sticking out like that. On this one, we can agree to disagree. Safe travels to you as well
Been watching these flat tow vehicles and am coming to the realization that the system will only work with a nearly new towed vehicle that is specifically made for the application. Got an older vehicle & the only way to do it is with a tow dolly or a trailer. Flat tow will not work at all. No way to make the brakes work.
You are correct, the vehicle must be flat tow capable, there are many olders vehicles that can, it must have the correct transmission and or transfer case.
@@thecasualrver Yes, I can't bring myself to tow a new or nearly new vehicle, too much at risk. I realize the manual transmission limitation & manual transmissions are a rarity in the US unless it is a 4wd or RWD truck. Passenger cars with manuals are almost non existence except for some VWs, Fiats & the occasional Corolla.I'm committed to using a tow dolly only.
There has to be better breaking systems out there that don’t have that big box sitting on the floor in front of the driver seat. Just seems like old technology to me.
There are also fixed mounted units, I change vehicles a lot, so I'm not going thru the cost and my labor to fix mount them. The technology for the portable unit is actually very high tech, uses accelerometers, pitch sensors, and is 100% proportional braking. Depending on the towed vehicle braking system. It can set set for eigher vacuum braking or active/regenerative braking. Only a few supplemental braking units on the market that have this capability.
![[Live] : ONE FIGHT NIGHT 24 “จาร์เร็ด vs กุสตาโว”](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ENNA-fsT67c/mqdefault.jpg)
Good tip about positively securing your power cable connectors. I know, I learned the hard way, On the first day of our very first trip we took in our RV that plastic locking tab on the coach connector broke off and allowed the cable to unplug. I don't know when it happened or for how long I dragged it down the road but when we got to our campground and I went to disconnect I discovered it was completely destroyed. This was a brand new cable. I was lucky in that I found an RV dealer the happened to have someone on site, even though they were closed at the time, who helped me fine a replacement cable ($110) and I gladly paid the price. I now wrap one of those small bungee cords around the frame and to the two holes in the cable connector so it won't become unplugged again. I know I should do the same thing on our tow vehicle (2019 F-150 4x4) and need to come up with an easy way to do it.
Yep, I have seen too many cables dragging on the ground, Thank you for watching! Safe Travels.
Thanks for the video. After watching i went with a Blue Ox system like yours for my 2021 Ranger. Thanks Again!!
You are welcome David, One big plus with the Blue Ox base plates, there is no modification needed to the frame to mount the base plates, just remove the existing tow hooks and install the plates using the same existing holes.
Thanks for tip with the zip tie on the 7 post connector. a 2 cent zip tie is very cheap insurance. Enjoyed the video.
Thanks, Stephen!
Excellent video. Appreciate the info. Never towed a car behind a RV yet and wondered how blue ox and brake buddy systems worked. Looks like a solid safe and easy set up then done like that. Thanks!
Thanks! and for watching.
have been this for 12 years no problem
I love this video
Thanks for watching Alexander.
Thanks for sharing that info. Doing my 1st flat tow this Weekend with a Brake Buddy Classic. Liked and subscribed. GO-RV
Thanks for watching and subscribing, how did your first tow go?
@@thecasualrver All in, successful. Scary at 1st. The lessons we learned: 1. Don't become distracted by helpers during the connecting process. 2. Recheck everything prior to departure. We are processing a video now of us installing a switch to eliminate the removal & reinstall of the accessories fuse for each tow.
@@GoRVScotty,That's good to hear. I totally agree, I am the only one that will hook up, also if anyone comes up and starts talking to me, I politely tell them please wait, I need to concentrate on what I'm doing.
Great video! You referred to a charging system to maintained the battery in the toad. The blue ox system I have is a little older one than yours and is still working great but there wasn't a battery maintaining system with it.
Now put some insulation in those hollow tin can doors. I did mine in my 2021 Ranger Lariat and made a world of difference
What kind of insulation? Did it make it quieter? Safe Travels😉
@@davidpittman57 I used Fat Mat out of Ohio. It made a huge difference.
I've always wondered how this works. Thanks for sharing.
I have to say I thought there would surely be something less hokey than a box that physically presses the brake pedal, this day in age. Especially in a vehicle that has automated emergency breaking.
Thanks for watching Ryan, One thing you don't want to do is tap into a towed vehicles OEM wiring, especially with any collision avoidance system. The Brake Buddy is very simple and effective.
There are actually a couple other options for braking. The brake buddy is a classic and is the least complicated and expensive option. But they’re also cable baking systems (but do not work with blue ox) and a direct wire in system (cost is around $1200+) with a small electrical box that fits under the passenger seat.
@@RollinHomies, Yes there are other options, But for me, we replace our vehicles every 2 years, the portable units are non-invasive, no drilling, no modifications necessary. Plus the fact it's air cylinder activated, (Faster Response Time) not electric motor activated.
The speedometer accumulate miles while you’re towing
No, the ignition must be in the off position. When the the transmission is in neutral the key can be in the off position and will not lock the steering wheel.
Is that ranger free floating axles? Check if the trans needs fluids when towing flat. Not many vehicles can flat tow long distance. Jeeps and straight axles can.
@alive, The Ranger 4x4 has front open differential, and rear drive with electronic locking differential. It's does not have floating axles. The 2-speed transfer case disengages both front and rear driveshafts, and transmission when placed in neutral tow mode. No need to check the transmission before flat towing, there is not distance or a speed requirement when flat towing the Ranger. I don't go over 65 MPH.
What battery maintaining system do you have? I had to jump start my car after a 8 hour trip thru the mountains.
Steve, I'm using the Hopkins battery maintainer, It pulls 12-volt power off the 7-pin trailer plug connector. Works well,
Hi. I have a2007 gas Motorhome and a GMC Sierra 1500. Before to buy blue ox equipment I would like to be sure if everything is going to be good. How do you feel when you are driving your motorhome. Do you feel is like too heavy to pull your pick up 😮truck ? I checked the capacities in the coach plate and is ok but my question is only about your experiences on the road. I’m sorry but I’m beginner. Thank you
No need to be sorry, we all were new to this at one time. I would need to see the GVWR and the GCWR of your 2007 gas coach, with that said, just from knowing that year of gas coaches, I would say yes it's too heavy. Your GMC Sierra 1500 is a 4X4 correct?
2021 Ford Ranger is 6,000 lbs. Holiday Rambler Vacationer towing capacity 5,000 am I missing something?
No, the 2021 Ford Ranger XLT Super crew 4X4 weighs 4,640 lbs. Not even the high trim level Lariat comes anywhere close to 6,000 lbs. At full travel weight i.e. passenger, gear, supplies, 1/2 tank of freshwater I'm right at 26,000 GCWR. You might look up the specs again.
why does the 8" drop hitch stick out so far ? Even the towbar seems to be sticking out further then it really needs to be. Seems to me it would be a much sturdier if you weren't sticking out 2 foot fro the back of the coach.
That's where the drop receiver lock pin hole is drilled, The Blue Ox drop receiver in that configuration, has a rating of 5000 lbs. tow capacity and a 500 lb tongue rating. The distance is not too far out. The closer the towed vehicle is to the rear of the coach will reduce your turning radius.
@The Casual RVer
It's usually about 5'0 from the rear of MH to front of the TOAD. With a setup like your sticking out that far creates more downward stress on the drop receiver. Think of it like this: you have more leverage with a 24" breaker bar than you do with a standard length box end wrench. Yes, your hitch is rated for 5000 lbs, but with the added Equipment hanging so far out and down I can't believe that you still can maintain that 5000 pounds weight limit. IMHO
@@fredr8213, So the distance from the end cap of the coach to the front bumper is 5'5" I have been conducting neutral tow product development durability testing for 28 years as a mechanical engineer PE. I'm will aware of road loads, geometry, and stresses. Yes it still maintain that 5000 pounds weight limit. Safe Travels.
@The Casual RVer Well, l worked for 35 yrs as a Tool & Die maker. I've worked closely with engineers my whole career. With your setup, you have created weak stress points with everything sticking out like that. On this one, we can agree to disagree. Safe travels to you as well
Lo pilot
Been watching these flat tow vehicles and am coming to the realization that the system will only work with a nearly new towed vehicle that is specifically made for the application. Got an older vehicle & the only way to do it is with a tow dolly or a trailer. Flat tow will not work at all. No way to make the brakes work.
You are correct, the vehicle must be flat tow capable, there are many olders vehicles that can, it must have the correct transmission and or transfer case.
@@thecasualrver Yes, I can't bring myself to tow a new or nearly new vehicle, too much at risk. I realize the manual transmission limitation & manual transmissions are a rarity in the US unless it is a 4wd or RWD truck. Passenger cars with manuals are almost non existence except for some VWs, Fiats & the occasional Corolla.I'm committed to using a tow dolly only.
There has to be better breaking systems out there that don’t have that big box sitting on the floor in front of the driver seat. Just seems like old technology to me.
There are also fixed mounted units, I change vehicles a lot, so I'm not going thru the cost and my labor to fix mount them. The technology for the portable unit is actually very high tech, uses accelerometers, pitch sensors, and is 100% proportional braking. Depending on the towed vehicle braking system. It can set set for eigher vacuum braking or active/regenerative braking. Only a few supplemental braking units on the market that have this capability.
I was liking this setup until I saw that brake buddy crap. No way!
I change vehicles often, it's convenient and it works,
14 min tooooooo long.