4 down towing vs trailer

Bumpyroad wrote:
unloading the boat? undo straps, back up, stop quickly, it is launched. but on a serious note, when I had my quicksilver inflatable it cautioned to not leave it pumped up tight and leave it in the sun out of the water. any issues with yours?
bumpy

Nope, mine is the Hypalon material, it holds up better in the heat, normal psi is 3.5 but can go as high to 7 psi in the sun/heat.

petrel wrote:

I hate to be a derailer, but could you describe how you launch the boat? Feel free to pm me if you have time. Thanks

The boat is on a winch pulley system, Jeep comes off, boat lowers down to deck and than becomes a boat trailer to launch boat.

unloading the boat? undo straps, back up, stop quickly, it is launched. but on a serious note, when I had my quicksilver inflatable it cautioned to not leave it pumped up tight and leave it in the sun out of the water. any issues with yours?
bumpy

timmac wrote:
I say both have a advantage, I can tow 4 down as well as trailer my Jeep when I want to bring my boat, the plus on a trailer is the toad tires are not wore down or the toad brakes and other things, can backup with a trailer and so far I have had no problems parking the trailer, the down side of a trailer is unhooking it when RV spot is back in only, 4 down towing is easy and fast.

But like I said above I can do both and either works fine.

I hate to be a derailer, but could you describe how you launch the boat? Feel free to pm me if you have time. Thanks

JnJnKatiebug wrote:

timmac wrote:
I say both have a advantage, I can tow 4 down as well as trailer my Jeep when I want to bring my boat, the plus on a trailer is the toad tires are not wore down or the toad brakes and other things, can backup with a trailer and so far I have had no problems parking the trailer, the down side of a trailer is unhooking it when RV spot is back in only, 4 down towing is easy and fast.

But like I said above I can do both and either works fine.

I have been thinking about doing just what you do. Your boat motor looks like it its taller than your MH. What is the height of you loaded trailer?

No the boat motor is not taller than the a/c's, I made sure it sits lower than the highest point on RV.

I need to get another pic of a sideways shot to show the true height of boat motor to RV, just looks taller in this pic.

We also use our tailer as a utility trailer when we are at home, it tows rather well with the jeep. but we also tow the jeep 4 down. when it makes sense to do that.

Goldencrazy wrote:
I dolly towed and four down. Dolly takes quite a bit of time to connect and then crawl under to hookup safety chains. I tow a 2009 Smart Car and a 2016 Smart Car. I love both. They are light weight and easy to hookup. I do understand the advantage to trailering of handling and zero impact on the car but I don't want the trailer. If I wanted to haul some more things however I could understand a trailer that would haul the Smart and other things. I love driving the Smart Car. Boy is the new one special.

Yah the new ones are kinda cool. I am looking forward to driving a new electric. Unfortunately we won't be a two smart car family again. We bought a Leaf to replace out last oil burner as we needed a full sized vehicle this time. Its still fun to drive but nothing like our little smartie.

timmac wrote:
I say both have a advantage, I can tow 4 down as well as trailer my Jeep when I want to bring my boat, the plus on a trailer is the toad tires are not wore down or the toad brakes and other things, can backup with a trailer and so far I have had no problems parking the trailer, the down side of a trailer is unhooking it when RV spot is back in only, 4 down towing is easy and fast.

But like I said above I can do both and either works fine.

I have been thinking about doing just what you do. Your boat motor looks like it its taller than your MH. What is the height of you loaded trailer?

Ernest wrote:

Life is a highway wrote:
Any pros and cons from experienced RVers about towing 4 down or in a trailer, we would appreciate some tips, Thanks

While you find may people with different opinions on this subject one thing for sure in Pennsylvania is the cost.
-You need and additional license plate fee yearly
-Yearly state inspection
-Spare tire
-2 more tires you need to replace every 5-7 years
-bearing lubes depending on your towing

More space in your yard to keep it when not in use.

As you can see I flat tow and have for 17 years. I personally wouldn't go any other way but that me.

All I can say is, you live in the wrong state.
Here in Montana:
1. All trailers, regardless of size or type, have PERMANENT registration.
2. There is no annual inspection
3. I bought a spare tire for my flatbed car hauler. Never used it. However, when my neighbor borrowed my 7X14 box trailer to move, he blew a tire and had to use the spare. I suspect he was overloaded, and probably driving faster than 65 MPH. He replaced the tire, and bought a new fender.
4. My flatbed had tandem axles, so 4 more tires. No problem, I never had to replace them. They would have been a lot cheaper than the big tires on the Jeep!
5. My flatbed trailer had Dexter E-Z lube axles. Flush them with fresh grease every year or two. No problem IF done properly, following the manufacturer's instructions.

When we had horses, the flatbed was very handy for hauling hay. It was also useful for hauling many other things.

rr2254545 wrote:

rjf7g wrote:
Interesting, Bill. I have not towed a car using any method but feel like towing 4 down really limits your choice of vehicles and requires that you make modifications to the car. What are some of the hoops you have to jump through to pull a car on a trailer? I am looking to have to make this decision in the next few years and would love to read pros and cons.

Yes limits choices but no modifications if you get the ones in the Dinghy towing guide

Problem with trailer is where do you put it while camping - towing 2 down is a pain to hook it up and strap it to the dolly and to a lesser degree you have to put it somewhere while camping

but only use the towing guide as a first cut, CONFIRM everything by reading the owner's manual. do NOT buy anything that needs modification to tow 4 down such as drive shaft disconnect, tranny oiler, etc.

probably should have a mod. move this to correct forum.
bumpy