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Scion XB toad setup [message #293133]

Wed, 30 December 2015 08:19

Tilerpep

Messages: 404
Registered: June 2013
Location: Raleigh, NC

Karma: 7

Senior Member

I just got a 5 speed 2004 Scion XB that should work well for a toad at 2400 pounds.

There are certainly benefits to $400 baseplate, $500 tow bars, install of a through the bumper receiver hitch, permanent brakes and lights, etc. My guess is a beautiful setup for $1200- $2000.

My goal is safe and cheap. Might use it twice a year. I already have an under bumper flat welded plate on back of GMC with a ball for a hitch.

So, there is a screw in tow hook for the XB on the driver's side that is mounted to the frame behind the bumper, pretty much the same way the baseplates mount (I have been reading the install manuals on the $400 baseplates). It seems like I could modify a tow hook bracket and install it as a second one on the passenger side frame. Then adapt oem screw in hooks to connect to this tow bar

http://www.harborfreight.com/5000-lb-capacity-adjustable-tow-bar-61625.html

$100 and some fabrication, find a used Brake Buddy (anyone sitting on one they want to sell?) and temporary towing lights...seems like I could be all in for a few hundred bucks.

Does this sound feasible? Thoughts on tow hook strength and potential up/downsides to this strategy?

Here is the Blueox baseplate install for some diagrams
http://blueox.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/BX3753.pdf
The Blueox baseplate mounts (has to be drilled and an access hole cut into frame member) inside the frame, both sides.

The oem tow hook assembly mounts on the outside of the frame, and already has an easy exit from the bumper. The passenger side has oem holes in the frame that match, just no tow hook assembly. I frequent my local pick and pull and could retrieve some tow hook mounts and hooks for a few bucks.

1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath Raleigh, NC

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Re: Scion XB toad setup [message #293134 is a reply to message #293133]

Wed, 30 December 2015 08:29

jhbridges

Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga

Karma: -74

Senior Member

I bought a $50 towbar from Ebay which came with a pair of bolt - on horizontal pin clips. On the Jetta, I cut openings in the plastic bumper cover and bolted them to the bumper bar... worked fine. On the ratrod toad, simply drilled the bumper and bolted them to it at the frame attach points. Both worked fine. On the xB, with all that plastic fascia, you're gonna have to find a way to get to the metal of the car to attach. If you come up from underneath, you'll have a pretty good bending moment downward on the attach points or a bar that isn't level. It will take some conniving but I bet it's doable.

--johnny

Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell

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Re: [GMCnet] Scion XB toad setup [message #293135 is a reply to message #293133]

Wed, 30 December 2015 08:38

Ken Henderson

Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA

Karma: 9

Senior Member

Tyler,

From your description, fabricating and attaching your own base plate sounds
quite feasible. One thing you might consider, as a precaution: The last
two Blue Ox base plates I've had anything to do with came with short cables
and screw-together links to attach the base plate to nearby, but relatively
inaccessible, stronger structure. They're apparently not very confident
that where they're bolting the base plates is sufficiently strong, or,
perhaps, durable.

As for the HF tow bar, it's probably safe enough. But, from long
experience I can tell you that it will be a real PITA to use. I've got a
couple of similar ones that have been idle for the many years since I
bought my first "on the coach" adjustable tow bar. With the fixed length
arms of the proposed bar, you MUST get the alignment perfect for
connecting. When disconnected, you must either completely remove the bar
or figure some way to securely keep it mounted vertical (illegal in some
states if it obstructs the view at all). All in all, just TOO much
trouble. Save the bucks and apply them to a used on-the-coach version,
usually available for $100-$150. You'll be glad you did.

As for the toad brakes; at 2500# toad weight, 'most anything should work.
You might even look at my "$30 Toad Brake" under kenhenders at
gmcmhphotos.com. While it's strictly your project, and it won't do much
good in a panic stop, I've used them on my 2 toads for many years with no
maintenance required.

Just make it strong & safe.

Ken H.

On Wed, Dec 30, 2015 at 9:19 AM, Tyler wrote:

> I just got a 5 speed 2004 Scion XB that should work well for a toad at
> 2400 pounds.
> ...
>
>
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www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach

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Re: Scion XB toad setup [message #293140 is a reply to message #293134]

Wed, 30 December 2015 08:46

Tilerpep

Messages: 404
Registered: June 2013
Location: Raleigh, NC

Karma: 7

Senior Member

Johnny that actually crossed my mind - the tow bar from HF could theoretically bolt right to the metal bumper behind the fascia. I just would have to cut holes right in the face of the fascia (not ruling that out this early either).

The tow hooks (they are big bolts with an eye on one end, and threads on the other) would be removable, and even less visible than the expensive baseplates when not in use.

I would love some discussion on strength for either option (or more options).

1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath Raleigh, NC

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Re: [GMCnet] Scion XB toad setup [message #293142 is a reply to message #293133]

Wed, 30 December 2015 09:06

Mr ERFisher

Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005

Karma: 2

Senior Member

I like this one better
- want to tow toad with any tower
http://gmcmotorhome.info/toad.html#BAR

Have used the tracker on many ocasions😀

On Wednesday, December 30, 2015, Tyler wrote:

> I just got a 5 speed 2004 Scion XB that should work well for a toad at
> 2400 pounds.
>
> There are certainly benefits to $400 baseplate, $500 tow bars, install of
> a through the bumper receiver hitch, permanent brakes and lights, etc. My
> guess is a beautiful setup for $1200- $2000.
>
> My goal is safe and cheap. Might use it twice a year. I already have an
> under bumper flat welded plate on back of GMC with a ball for a hitch.
>
> So, there is a screw in tow hook for the XB on the driver's side that is
> mounted to the frame behind the bumper, pretty much the same way the
> baseplates mount (I have been reading the install manuals on the $400
> baseplates). It seems like I could modify a tow hook bracket and install it
> as a
> second one on the passenger side frame. Then adapt oem screw in hooks to
> connect to this tow bar
>
> http://www.harborfreight.com/5000-lb-capacity-adjustable-tow-bar-61625.html
>
> $100 and some fabrication, find a used Brake Buddy (anyone sitting on one
> they want to sell?) and temporary towing lights...seems like I could be all
> in for a few hundred bucks.
>
> Does this sound feasible? Thoughts on tow hook strength and potential
> up/downsides to this strategy?
>
>
> Here is the Blueox baseplate install for some diagrams
> http://blueox.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/BX3753.pdf
> The Blueox baseplate mounts (has to be drilled and an access hole cut into
> frame member) inside the frame, both sides.
>
> The oem tow hook assembly mounts on the outside of the frame, and already
> has an easy exit from the bumper. The passenger side has oem holes in the
> frame that match, just no tow hook assembly. I frequent my local pick and
> pull and could retrieve some tow hook mounts and hooks for a few bucks.
>
> --
> 1975 Glenbrook
> Raleigh, NC
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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Re: Scion XB toad setup [message #293143 is a reply to message #293133]

Wed, 30 December 2015 09:55

Bob de Kruyff

Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ

Karma: 1

Senior Member

Tilerpep wrote on Wed, 30 December 2015 07:19

I just got a 5 speed 2004 Scion XB that should work well for a toad at 2400 pounds.

There are certainly benefits to $400 baseplate, $500 tow bars, install of a through the bumper receiver hitch, permanent brakes and lights, etc. My guess is a beautiful setup for $1200- $2000.

My goal is safe and cheap. Might use it twice a year. I already have an under bumper flat welded plate on back of GMC with a ball for a hitch.

So, there is a screw in tow hook for the XB on the driver's side that is mounted to the frame behind the bumper, pretty much the same way the baseplates mount (I have been reading the install manuals on the $400 baseplates). It seems like I could modify a tow hook bracket and install it as a second one on the passenger side frame. Then adapt oem screw in hooks to connect to this tow bar

http://www.harborfreight.com/5000-lb-capacity-adjustable-tow-bar-61625.html

$100 and some fabrication, find a used Brake Buddy (anyone sitting on one they want to sell?) and temporary towing lights...seems like I could be all in for a few hundred bucks.

Does this sound feasible? Thoughts on tow hook strength and potential up/downsides to this strategy?

Here is the Blueox baseplate install for some diagrams
http://blueox.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/BX3753.pdf
The Blueox baseplate mounts (has to be drilled and an access hole cut into frame member) inside the frame, both sides.

The oem tow hook assembly mounts on the outside of the frame, and already has an easy exit from the bumper. The passenger side has oem holes in the frame that match, just no tow hook assembly. I frequent my local pick and pull and could retrieve some tow hook mounts and hooks for a few bucks.

I think your idea of replicating the tow hook receptacle on the other side is a good one. A good rule of thumb is that a single attachment (this applies to safety chains as well) should be rated at or above the weight of what is being towed--therefore two hooks or attachments will be double the rating of the vehicle weight. Those screw in hooks are designed to accommodate the total vehicle weight.

Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ

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Re: Scion XB toad setup [message #293144 is a reply to message #293133]

Wed, 30 December 2015 10:01

lqqkatjon

Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN

Karma: 5

Senior Member

I would keep my eye out for a craiglist buy on a stowmaster. I bought 2, first one was like new for $125. The second one was $50, and was a bit uglier, but came with a brand new cover.

http://columbiamo.craigslist.org/rvs/5331045138.html

http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/pts/5371873522.html

then you have the tow bar part, and it is much nicer then the harbor freight in hooking up. You will reall appreciate that you just need to be close on the ball, and not exact. You could then bit the bullet and buy roadmaster brackets, or fab up your own. The stowmaster can be removed.

here is the instruction for the base plate, you can see how they fabbed it up. I would guess it is overkill for safety sake, but that is your choice how you mount it to the car.

www.roadmasterinc.com/pdfinst/1170-5.pdf

you can sometimes find base plates used, but I think you would need to be super lucky to find one for a scion xb. I have found my jeep brackets used, and my honda crv brackets used, but those are more common vehicles.

Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/

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Re: Scion XB toad setup [message #293152 is a reply to message #293144]

Wed, 30 December 2015 12:11

tphipps

Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL

Karma: 9

Senior Member

Watch Craig's List for Brake Buddy's. SMI is another consideration to search for. Also, go to local estate sales. Found a Brake Buddy that originally cost $1600 for a Saturday last call bargin. They do show up, ranging in price from $300 to $600. Negotiate on price.
Tom, MS II

2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552 KA4CSG

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Re: Scion XB toad setup [message #293167 is a reply to message #293152]

Wed, 30 December 2015 15:37

Carl S.

Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.

Karma: 13

Senior Member

I bought an '03 Tracker a few years ago to tow (also as my wife's daily driver). It already had a 'baseplate' on it as well as diodes on the tail lights, and a brake buddy break away switch. I fabricated both my own through the bumper hitch for the coach, and a tow bar bracket for the Tracker, and had my friend's steel fab shop do the final welding. I picked up a tow bar on Craig's list and a Brake Buddy. Minimal investment, and have been towing it virtually everywhere we go ever since.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5523-towing-etc.html

The fancy equipment is nice, and probably easier to use, but not 100% necessary.

Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

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Re: [GMCnet] Scion XB toad setup [message #293170 is a reply to message #293167]

Wed, 30 December 2015 15:58

dwayne jacobson[1]

Messages: 345
Registered: July 2009

Karma: 0

Senior Member

I found on line a used only once BlueOX tow Bar set up for $800 canadian.
To haul my 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport.

Regards
Dwayne

On Wed, Dec 30, 2015 at 1:37 PM, Carl Stouffer wrote:

> I bought an '03 Tracker a few years ago to tow (also as my wife's daily
> driver). It already had a 'baseplate' on it as well as diodes on the tail
> lights, and a brake buddy break away switch. I fabricated both my own
> through the bumper hitch for the coach, and a tow bar bracket for the
> Tracker,
> and had my friend's steel fab shop do the final welding. I picked up a
> tow bar on Craig's list and a Brake Buddy. Minimal investment, and have
> been
> towing it virtually everywhere we go ever since.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5523-towing-etc.html
>
> The fancy equipment is nice, and probably easier to use, but not 100%
> necessary.
> --
> Carl Stouffer
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Dwayne Jacobson
White Rock BC
Cell: 604-Six Four Four 8090
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Re: Scion XB toad setup [message #293174 is a reply to message #293133]

Wed, 30 December 2015 17:26

jhbridges

Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga

Karma: -74

Senior Member

None of my tows have had brakes, and so far none have needed, they're lightweight. I've never had a problem hooking up the cheap fixed tow bar, but I caution.. always hook and unhook on level ground. It's easy to pull the tow close and thenm estimate how to turn the front wheels so the hitch lines up. Here's a picture of the clips mounted on the ratrod toad:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/the-toad/p58476-dscf00063.html

The pins pass through a piece of pipe welded to the ends of the towbar with a strap welded over them. I betcha on an xB you could come straight out from the bar behind all the plastic at the frame attach points with a piece of one inch box beam, and have the clips welded to it such that they were flush against the fascia, giving a straight pull. If you come out underneath the plastic using the boltin that's there and another on the other side, you're gonna put a pretty good upward pull on everything, or you're gonna have to fab a fairly heavy plate which turns up to hold the bar clips.

I bought the cheeep Demco bar for the Mousetoad. They have a variable length hotshot one, but I didn't think it worth the extra several hundred dollars. It's not a problem to hook up the simple one. I did buy their baseplate because it mounts easily, pulls in the horizontal plane and doesn't look bad. Demco doesn't list a Scion xB baseplate but Blue Ox does. Someplace on their site, they have most of their installation instructions posted, have a look.

--johnny

Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell

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Re: [GMCnet] Scion XB toad setup [message #293176 is a reply to message #293170]

Wed, 30 December 2015 17:31

jimk

Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA

Karma: 9

Senior Member

We are a Blue Ox dealer and installer.
The cables are there as a back up if the bolts and others are not done
correctly and avoids any possibility of the towed gettin loose and possibly
creating serious accident.
Blue Ox is a premier supplier and they want to avoid anything that could
happen years from now.

On Wed, Dec 30, 2015 at 1:58 PM, dwayne jacobson
wrote:

> I found on line a used only once BlueOX tow Bar set up for $800 canadian.
> To haul my 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport.
>
> Regards
> Dwayne
>
> On Wed, Dec 30, 2015 at 1:37 PM, Carl Stouffer wrote:
>
>> I bought an '03 Tracker a few years ago to tow (also as my wife's daily
>> driver). It already had a 'baseplate' on it as well as diodes on the
> tail
>> lights, and a brake buddy break away switch. I fabricated both my own
>> through the bumper hitch for the coach, and a tow bar bracket for the
>> Tracker,
>> and had my friend's steel fab shop do the final welding. I picked up a
>> tow bar on Craig's list and a Brake Buddy. Minimal investment, and have
>> been
>> towing it virtually everywhere we go ever since.
>>
>> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5523-towing-etc.html
>>
>> The fancy equipment is nice, and probably easier to use, but not 100%
>> necessary.
>> --
>> Carl Stouffer
>> '75 ex Palm Beach
>> Tucson, AZ.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Dwayne Jacobson
> White Rock BC
> Cell: 604-Six Four Four 8090
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502

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Re: [GMCnet] Scion XB toad setup [message #293364 is a reply to message #293133]

Sun, 03 January 2016 13:54

Gary Berry

Messages: 1002
Registered: May 2005

Karma: -1

Senior Member

Hey Tyler;

We have a 2004 xB also and have towed it behind the GMC for many years. It is an automatic so we had to buy a Kar Kaddy tow dolly ($1200). It has the surge brakes on it, so there is no need for the extra stuff. I also use this for towing other things so it just doesn't sit. It's a good alternative, but I really hate it when it's raining and I have to get under the xB to hook up the safety chains.

Gary Berry
The Stretch
Prosser, Wa

> On Dec 30, 2015, at 6:19 AM, Tyler wrote:
>
> I just got a 5 speed 2004 Scion XB that should work well for a toad at 2400 pounds.
>
> There are certainly benefits to $400 baseplate, $500 tow bars, install of a through the bumper receiver hitch, permanent brakes and lights, etc. My
> guess is a beautiful setup for $1200- $2000.
>
> My goal is safe and cheap. Might use it twice a year. I already have an under bumper flat welded plate on back of GMC with a ball for a hitch.
>
> So, there is a screw in tow hook for the XB on the driver's side that is mounted to the frame behind the bumper, pretty much the same way the
> baseplates mount (I have been reading the install manuals on the $400 baseplates). It seems like I could modify a tow hook bracket and install it as a
> second one on the passenger side frame. Then adapt oem screw in hooks to connect to this tow bar
>
> http://www.harborfreight.com/5000-lb-capacity-adjustable-tow-bar-61625.html
>
> $100 and some fabrication, find a used Brake Buddy (anyone sitting on one they want to sell?) and temporary towing lights...seems like I could be all
> in for a few hundred bucks.
>
> Does this sound feasible? Thoughts on tow hook strength and potential up/downsides to this strategy?
>
>
> Here is the Blueox baseplate install for some diagrams
> http://blueox.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/BX3753.pdf
> The Blueox baseplate mounts (has to be drilled and an access hole cut into frame member) inside the frame, both sides.
>
> The oem tow hook assembly mounts on the outside of the frame, and already has an easy exit from the bumper. The passenger side has oem holes in the
> frame that match, just no tow hook assembly. I frequent my local pick and pull and could retrieve some tow hook mounts and hooks for a few bucks.
>
> --
> 1975 Glenbrook
> Raleigh, NC
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

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