Do I really need a toad?

bclan6 wrote:
Traveling cross country for first time in RV (34' class A/gas). I'm driving myself with no help from another adult or driver.

I'd really like to NOT have to bring the car and would prefer to bike most of the places I stop to spend time in. I'm just not sure this is feasible.
Most of the places I'm staying is accessible by bike and not far from where I want to sight see. The main area I'm not sure how I'm going to do is Rapid City/Mount Rushmore, SD. I want to see things in BOTH, plus about 45 minutes south of Mount Rushmore. A toad would be great here because I can get a central campground and not have to move sites. The closest campground I can find in Rapid City is busier than I prefer and is still more than 5 miles away from the sites.

Is it worth the extra expense of buying the 4 down system (plus I have a rear wheel drive vehicle), the extra gas it'll take to pull it, and the extra hassle of it all just for one area on our trip?

Should I rent a car in that area instead (assuming they'll pick me up and drop me off)? Are there services that will take us to all the locations we want to visit?

I could bike 5-10 miles but not uphill or in wind lol.

What extra hassles does a Toad really put on driving? Easiest system for loading it myself?

So many questions, but keeps it all in one post instead of multiple.

Thanks!

bclan6,
While having a toad at each of your campsites for darting here and there, as well as grocery shopping etc. is really convenient, I will tell you that, if you break down in the coach, ANYWHERE in your travels, ESPECIALLY if you're no where near any metropolitan areas/cities etc. you will thank god that you have a toad, to maybe go get parts/help/a mechanic, whatever.

Sure, a bike (I'm assuming that you meant BICYCLE, not motorcycle) can get you places but, if you've got several miles to the next town etc., a bicycle might not be the best plan, especially if it's raining or, in the evening (people on the road can't see bicyclists very well).

So, just some words of warning and caution, I see your ideas of wanting to be a bit more free and not have the extra worry and hassle of a toad but, that little bit of hassle could really be a blessing too.
Scott