Let’s Talk About Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate For Suzuki Grand Vitara 1999 2005/Grand Vitara Xl7 2001 2003 4/9
The Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate isn’t exactly the kind of gear that gets your adrenaline pumping, but for those of us who value the freedom of taking our trusty Suzuki Grand Vitara or Grand Vitara XL7 along for the ride behind an RV, it’s an indispensable piece of kit. Manufactured by Demco, a well-respected name in the towing industry, this baseplate is designed to provide a secure and reliable connection point for towing, allowing you to bring your vehicle on your adventures without adding unnecessary miles to its odometer. It’s a crucial component for anyone serious about RVing and wanting to avoid the hassle of renting a car at every destination.
I’ve always loved the ruggedness and reliability of my 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The problem? I also enjoy long road trips in my RV. I needed a solution that allowed me to easily and safely tow my Grand Vitara behind my RV, giving me the flexibility to explore local areas without having to disconnect and set up camp every time I wanted to run to the store or check out a scenic overlook.
My initial impressions upon unboxing the Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate were positive. The construction looked robust, and the welds appeared clean and strong. The steel felt substantial, giving me confidence that it could handle the stresses of towing.
I considered a few other options, including Blue Ox baseplates and custom-welded solutions. Ultimately, I chose the Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate because of Demco’s reputation for quality and the fact that this model was specifically designed for my Suzuki, ensuring a proper fit. The included compatibility with Blue Ox tow bars was a definite bonus, providing future flexibility.
My first thought was relief. This wasn’t some flimsy, universal part. This felt like a purpose-built solution ready to tackle the demands of cross-country towing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate For Suzuki Grand Vitara 1999 2005/Grand Vitara Xl7 2001 2003 4/9 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test of the Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate was on a cross-country trip from Arizona to the Smoky Mountains. The terrain varied from flat desert highways to winding mountain roads. I wanted to see how the baseplate handled different driving conditions.
The Demco baseplate performed admirably in all conditions. Even on some particularly rough stretches of highway, I never felt any instability or heard any concerning noises from the connection point. Hooking up and disconnecting the tow bar was straightforward.
Installation required a bit of elbow grease, as expected with any aftermarket modification like this. It took me a good half a day in my garage. However, the instructions were clear, and I didn’t encounter any major roadblocks.
After the first few miles, I stopped to double-check all connections, a standard practice when towing. Everything was still rock solid, giving me peace of mind for the rest of the journey.
Extended Use & Reliability
After logging over 10,000 miles of towing with the Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate, I can confidently say it’s a reliable piece of equipment. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The powder coat finish is holding up well.
I periodically inspect the baseplate for any cracks or loose bolts. So far, everything remains tight and secure. A quick spray with WD-40 on the tow bar connection points keeps things moving smoothly.
Compared to my previous experience with a cheaper, universal tow bar setup on a different vehicle, the Demco baseplate is a night and day difference. The Demco provides a significantly more stable and confident towing experience. The peace of mind alone is worth the investment.
Breaking Down the Features of Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate For Suzuki Grand Vitara 1999 2005/Grand Vitara Xl7 2001 2003 4/9
Specifications
The Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate is specifically designed for:
- 1999 to 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara (2 or 4 Door).
- 2001 to 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL7 models.
The baseplate features:
- A fit-specific design, ensuring proper alignment and secure attachment to the vehicle’s frame. This is crucial for safe and reliable towing.
- An estimated install time of 3 hours, suggesting a moderate level of mechanical skill is required for installation.
- A width of 23 inches between the attaching ears on the base plate (center to center). This dimension is important for compatibility with various tow bars.
- A base plate attaching pin height of approximately 16-3/4 inches for the Grand Vitara and 18-3/4 inches for the Grand Vitara XL7. This ensures proper alignment with the tow bar.
The Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate’s key feature is its compatibility with Blue Ox tow bars with a 3-prong clevis. This adds versatility and allows users to choose from a wide range of tow bars.
The fact that the Demco engineers use Finite Elemental Analysis (FEA) when testing their baseplates underscores their commitment to strength, functionality, and durability. FEA is a sophisticated engineering technique that simulates real-world stresses. This ensures the baseplates can withstand the rigors of towing.
Performance & Functionality
The Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a solid and reliable attachment point for towing, ensuring the towed vehicle tracks smoothly and predictably behind the RV. The fit-specific design minimizes any potential for play or movement, contributing to a safer towing experience.
The strength and durability of the baseplate inspire confidence, especially on long trips or over rough roads. I never felt the need to constantly check the connection point.
The biggest strength of this baseplate is its fit and compatibility. The biggest weakness is the installation time. While not overly complicated, it does require some mechanical aptitude and patience.
The Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate definitely meets and exceeds my expectations. It is a well-designed and well-built product that provides a superior towing experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate is designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. On most vehicles, they won’t protrude out, hang below or rise above your bumper or grill. This is important for maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle when it’s not being towed.
The build quality is excellent, with heavy-duty steel and a durable powder coat finish. The baseplate feels solid and well-made, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand the stresses of towing.
There is a slight learning curve associated with the installation process, but the included instructions are clear and easy to follow. Once installed, the baseplate is very user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction and durable finish, the Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate should last for many years with proper care. Periodic inspection and cleaning are all that’s needed to keep it in good working order.
The powder coat finish helps protect against rust and corrosion. This ensures the baseplate remains in good condition even after prolonged exposure to the elements.
The simple design makes maintenance easy. There are no complex mechanisms or moving parts to worry about.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate does not come with many accessories, as it is primarily a mounting bracket. However, its compatibility with Blue Ox tow bars opens up a wide range of accessory options.
Users can choose from various Blue Ox tow bars, safety cables, and electrical wiring kits to complete their towing setup. This provides a high degree of customization.
The Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate’s adaptable to Blue Ox tow bars with a 3-prong clevis. This makes it a great choice.
Pros and Cons of Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate For Suzuki Grand Vitara 1999 2005/Grand Vitara Xl7 2001 2003 4/9
Pros
- Fit-specific design ensures proper alignment and secure attachment to the vehicle’s frame.
- Compatibility with Blue Ox tow bars provides versatility and allows users to choose from a wide range of tow bars.
- Robust construction and durable finish inspire confidence in its ability to withstand the stresses of towing.
- Relatively unobtrusive design maintains the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle when it’s not being towed.
- Clear and easy-to-follow installation instructions make the installation process manageable for most DIYers.
Cons
- Installation requires some mechanical skill and can take several hours.
- The price point of $459.99 may be a barrier for some buyers.
Who Should Buy Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate For Suzuki Grand Vitara 1999 2005/Grand Vitara Xl7 2001 2003 4/9?
The Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate is perfect for RV enthusiasts who own a 1999-2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara or a 2001-2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL7 and want the freedom to bring their vehicle along on their travels. It’s also ideal for those who value quality and reliability and are willing to invest in a product that will provide years of trouble-free service.
Those who are not comfortable with DIY projects or who do not own one of the compatible Suzuki models should skip this product.
A must-have accessory is a compatible Blue Ox tow bar. Safety cables and an electrical wiring kit are also essential for safe and legal towing.
Conclusion on Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate For Suzuki Grand Vitara 1999 2005/Grand Vitara Xl7 2001 2003 4/9
The Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate is a well-engineered and well-built product that provides a secure and reliable towing solution for Suzuki Grand Vitara and Grand Vitara XL7 owners. While the installation process may require some effort, the peace of mind and convenience it provides are well worth the investment.
At $459.99, the price is justified by the quality of materials and the long-term value it provides.
I would definitely recommend the Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate to anyone looking for a safe and reliable way to tow their Suzuki behind an RV. Don’t settle for a generic solution that may compromise safety or performance. Invest in the Demco 9518080 Classic Baseplate and enjoy the freedom of bringing your Suzuki along for the ride.