Installing a base plate and wiring for TOAD

Branderson · December 06, 2018, 07:19:42 AM

So I got a new toad and ordered the base plate and wiring harness for it from blue ox. Problem is the place I was going to take it to doesn't have a qualified guy to do it. I called camping world and they won't install it unless they ordered the parts directly. I was wondering if there are any tips on how I would find a person/place that installs these? I just emailed blue ox to see if they knew of any places in my area (near auburn Alabama)

Oonrahnjay · December 06, 2018, 07:56:55 AM

Quote from: Branderson on December 06, 2018, 07:19:42 AMSo I got a new toad and ordered the base plate and wiring harness for it from blue ox. Problem is the place I was going to take it to doesn't have a qualified guy to do it. I called camping world and they won't install it unless they ordered the parts directly. I was wondering if there are any tips on how I would find a person/place that installs these? I just emailed blue ox to see if they knew of any places in my area (near auburn Alabama)

I did two on my two VW Jettas, 2002 and 2003. Except for the drilling a nearly-1/2" hole in the chassis flange that holds the front bumper and radiator supports, etc., I found nothing more complicated than removing the plastic bumper cover, pulling a few screws and nuts, and then assembling everything in proper order and tightening the fasteners down. Is yours different enough that you need to find someone with more than ordinary workshop skills?

Branderson · December 06, 2018, 08:02:50 AM

No I just normally make things worse when I take on jobs with no experience. Did you do the wiring harness also?

Geoff · December 06, 2018, 11:55:25 AM

You might look for a U-Haul shop. They install hitches, I don't think a tow assembly and wiring would be difficult for them.

Branderson · December 06, 2018, 12:38:52 PM

Thanks Geoff, I need to call them. I think I did already and they were like camping world with having to order direct from the store but I'm not fully sure. Makes me so mad thinking I was ahead of the game by ordering the parts from blue ox in advance.

buswarrior · December 06, 2018, 01:00:26 PM

Wiring harness? For the coach or the toad?

That coach is 24 volt??

If for the toad and you know these matters, and want to wire up the toad lights to match the coach, well fine, DIY...

Paying someone to do this foolishness...

With no way of knowing how the connections have been made, what quality or lack there of, and render the entire toad lighting useless at some future point when it craps out on you?

Like I said, fine if you know what yer doing, no damned way i'm paying someone to do it...

Simplest, get a pair of suitable add-on lights like a tow truck, put 24 volt lights into them and slap 'em on and plug 'em in to the coach when you tow.

Leave the escape vehicle isolated from the mother ship...

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

Geoff · December 06, 2018, 01:54:28 PM

It's all about liability. Shop insurance takes hitch installation as an added risk to regular garage liability policies. If something goes wrong, the insurance company can try to go after the supplier of the hitch.

sledhead · December 06, 2018, 01:59:10 PM

try these guys as they have a good you tube vids that show you step by step on how to do stuff

https://www.etrailer.com/Base-Plates/Blue-Ox/BX1126.html

dave

Lin · December 06, 2018, 02:36:30 PM

You could try some independent welding or muffler shops. We have one here that does all sorts of work.

Dave5Cs · December 06, 2018, 07:40:16 PM

Brad you did not offer the yr and model of toad?

Branderson · December 07, 2018, 11:11:38 AM

sorry it's a 2012 VW Jetta 5 speed.

Dave5Cs · December 07, 2018, 07:59:45 PM

Here's the instructions and I am so sorry you have that car. If it were me I would sell the car and buy a jeep,LOL. 6 bolts and your done. Wiring too run a wire to the back of a Jeep and put in two bulbs done. Oh forgot you have a Jetta which don't get me wrong is a nice car except when you want to put a towbar on it.
HTH

http://assets.rigidhitch.com/Blue_Ox/BX3831.pdf

sledhead · December 08, 2018, 05:05:00 AM

WOW! that looks easy $:-\$

dave

Oonrahnjay · December 09, 2018, 07:25:20 AM

Quote from: sledhead on December 08, 2018, 05:05:00 AMWOW! that looks easy $:-\$
dave

Yeah, the 2002/3 ("A4") Jetta is MUCH easier! The two big holes that had to be drilled was a PITA, but I did a pilot hole, then a larger one (about 5/16"), and then the final to 1/2". While it was annoying, it took all of 8 minutes. There is a similar thing for the two studs to carry the wiring socket but I didn't use it.
Are there any "A5" Jetta with manual transmission? VW says not to tow the manual transmission A4s because the transmission oil pump is disconnected when it's in neutral but many of us have done it without issues for thousands of miles. Dunno about the autos in the later cars.

Geoff · December 09, 2018, 08:36:15 AM

The 5-speed manual transmissions that have been around for over 20 years don't get lube at the rear bearing when towed. The older 4-speeds and 3-speeds do get lube when towed.