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Topic: Replacing 2001 subaru Forester with 2016 model--keep Roadmaster? (Read 23 times) previous topic - next topic
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Replacing 2001 subaru Forester with 2016 model--keep Roadmaster?
Yahoo Message Number: 156795
We're replacing a 2001 Subaru Forester with a 2016 model.  We have a Roadmaster Sterling towbar and Roadmaster baseplate with crossbar (purchased in 2008).  Roadmaster says we need a new baseplate and wiring for lights (no surprise), but I can transfer the existing crossbar to the new baseplate.
 I understand that Roadmaster and Blue Ox parts are somewhat interchangeable now.  We are inclined to keep the Sterling towbar on the LD, but is there a good reason to get a blue ox baseplate (and crossbar?) or stick with Roadmaster parts throughout for the new car?

Thanks--Ted
Re: Replacing 2001 subaru Forester with 2016 model--keep Roadmaster?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156802
This is a "personal preference" only.  I think both Roadmaster and Blue Ox baseplates are of good quality.  Having had both on my vehicles, I prefer the look of the Blue Ox base plate.  With the tabs removed, there is almost nothing showing.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Benchmark Road Atlas
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156804
Probably time to update our Benchmark atlas for Arizona that had been a gift in 2001!  We have brand-new DeLorme models for almost all states, but like the looks of the Benchmark books as they are shown at the Amazon site.

Is it worth having both a Benchmark and a DeLorme for the same state?

Virtual hugs,

Judie http://dorrieanne.wordpress.com
Re: Benchmark Road Atlas
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156805
There's a publication date discrepancy between the Arizona Benchmark atlas on Amazon and what appears to be the same one on the Benchmark website, but each is listed as the 8th edition, so I'd get the cheaper one, i.e., Amazon. Also, the order page(s) on the Benchmark website don't show as "secure"; I would not order from their website for that reason.

My preference is definitely for Benchmark over DeLorme, but others may not agree. ;-)

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Benchmark Road Atlas
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156808
HI William (and everyone),  My wife and I are SKP members and interested in purchasing a 24' Rear Lounge/King - howard@... / 951.331.8488
Re: Replacing 2001 subaru Forester with 2016 model--keep Roadmaster?
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156813
I totally agree with Ken about the Blue Ox base plate. I have the Roadmaster Sterling tow bar and the Blue Ox base plate on our Honda CRV. All that is needed from Roadmaster is the optional adaptor couplers that attach to the tow bar arms which connect to the Blue Ox base plate tabs. There is no cross bar needed with the Blue Ox. I like the Roadmaster tow bar as it is easier to release the bar locks in a binding situation.

Mike  (in Cortez, CO tonight)
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
Re: Replacing 2001 subaru Forester with 2016 model--keep Roadmaster?
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156864
Ken and Mike--
 With my Sterling and Roadmaster baseplate setup, the Sterling arms are attached  to a crossbar and the crossbar is attached to two arms that are inserted  into the baseplate "receivers".
 Are you saying that with the Blue Ox baseplate, the sterling arms are connected to the baseplate directly with minimal tabs/couplers, and that the Roadmaster-style crossbar and arms are completely eliminated?  That would be fabulous.
 If I go with Blue Ox, could you please confirm all the parts that would be required to attach the Sterling towbar to the Blue Ox plate?

Thanks a lot--Ted
Re: Replacing 2001 subaru Forester with 2016 model--keep Roadmaster?
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156870
Further research answers my question but raises another.  The adapter between the blueox baseplate and the sterling towbar  seems to have only pins with "keyrings" to secure them.  I currently secure the sterling towbar arms to the roadmaster crossbar with padlocks to deter theft of the toad.  I also have locks on all the other connection points.  Can all connection points between the sterling towbar and the blueox baseplate be secured with locks?  Thanks--Ted
Re: Replacing 2001 subaru Forester with 2016 model--keep Roadmaster?
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156872
Ted, that is correct.  The Blue Ox base plate bolts to the frame.  There are two "sockets" about 1 1/8" in diameter that protrude very slightly at the bumper.  Two heavy steel "tabs" lock into those sockets, and have a connection that fits the adapter on the ends of the Sterling tow bar.  A pin then joins the tab to the adapter on each side.  There is no cross bar in front of the bumper.  The cross bar is not removable and is part of the base plate.  It sits behind the bumper, leaving a very clean look.

Let me know if you need pics

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Reply: [LD] Replacing 2001 subaru Forester with 2016 model--keep Roa
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156878
Ted, The 1/2" pins with snap rings used to attach the Roadmaster to the Blue Ox tabs can be replaced with 1/2" locking pins that you can get at any trailer hitch business and possibly Tractor Supply. You only need one locking pin and the supplied pin. Both sides don't need locking for security. It is always good to use a lock pin on the 2" receiver on the coach.
The Roadmaster part # for the Blue Ox tabs is shown below:

The 031-5adapts all ROADMASTER Sterling tow bars (with serial numbers above 14,501) to Blue Ox baseplates.

031-5.png

I have been using this setup for many years with no problems.
Mike
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
Re: Replacing 2001 subaru Forester with 2016 model--keep Roadmaster?
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156881
Having owned both Roadmaster an Blue Ox towing gear, I agree with those who've said that the Blue Ox baseplate attachment is much simpler and better engineered. There's no crossbar, no clunky attachment plates, no "shorty" safety cables attached to plates that in turn have to have the real cables attached to them, no ball ends to thread into awkward zigzag slots... Blue Ox just has a better system.

As for padlocking the whole business, you could probably do it with locks that had skinny shackles, but the ring pins are so easy to work with that I prefer them.

Andy Baird
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Replacing 2001 subaru Forester with 2016 model--keep Roadmaster?
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156890
"Having owned both Roadmaster an Blue Ox towing gear, I agree with those  who've said that the Blue Ox baseplate attachment is much simpler and  better engineered. There's no crossbar, no clunky attachment plates, no  "shorty" safety cables attached to plates that in turn have to have the  real cables attached to them, no ball ends to thread into awkward zigzag  slots... Blue Ox just has a better system."
 Actually, Roadmaster's newest baseplate options include versions without the crossbar & this is the setup shown for the 2014-16 Forester (EZ5 style).  Both Roadmaster and BlueOx websites provide installation documents so you can look at both in detail before deciding.

Dale
Re: Replacing 2001 subaru Forester with 2016 model--keep Roadmaster?
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156891
"Having owned both Roadmaster an Blue Ox towing gear, I agree with those  who've said that the Blue Ox baseplate attachment is much simpler and  better engineered. There's no crossbar, no clunky attachment plates, no  "shorty" safety cables attached to plates that in turn have to have the  real cables attached to them, no ball ends to thread into awkward zigzag  slots... Blue Ox just has a better system."
 Actually,  Roadmaster's newest baseplate options include versions without the  crossbar & this is the setup shown for the 2014-16 Forester (EZ5  style).  Both Roadmaster and BlueOx websites provide installation  documents so you can look at both in detail before deciding.

Dale
Re: Replacing 2001 subaru Forester with 2016 model--keep Roadmaster?
Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156895
Our Falcon All-terrain towbar kit included 2 base-plate attachements and a cross bar.  There are 4 cotter pins to retain them.  We use 2 locks to ensure against tow bar theft.

Pulled the paperwork   the towbar an kit was $1,800 installed at Cramping World.  SMI brake system was $900 off Amazon, with $550 local install.  Another poster some time ago said they skipped a towd and rented locally for side trips.  $3250 covers quite a few rentals.   Our chosen solution works well for us Joel & Mary

2013 IB / 2011 CRV towd

Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Replacing 2001 subaru Forester with 2016 model--keep Roadmaster?
Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156897
Thank you all for your excellent advice.  Again, further research, with your guidance, raises one more question:  To connect the Roadmaster Sterling towbar to the BlueOx baseplate, should I buy the adapter kit made by BlueOx or the one made by Roadmaster?  Both companies make adapter kits to accommodate their competitor's product--BlueOx to accommodate the Roadmaster towbar and Roadmaster to accommodate the BlueOx baseplate.
 Is there a reason to pick one design/fabrication over the other, given they appear to be functionally identical?

Thanks again--Ted
Re: Replacing 2001 subaru Forester with 2016 model--keep Roadmaster?
Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156912
Ted, They both probably the same product but I bought mine from Roadmaster and it works well with the Blue Ox tabs. Wherever you get the best price.
Mike
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'