So just bought my first MH. It has a 10,000lb hitch and plenty of CCC. I need to tow a 5,000lb 2005 Dodge caravan SXT.I looked into flat towing and looking at the cost, here's what I'm seeing (all pricing is from eBay unless stated otherwise):BasePlate: $395 Remco Lube Pump Kit: $1265 (remco price)Tow Bar: $625Blue Ox Patriot brake system: $700Hi Low: $180The math so far puts me at: $3165 and I haven't figured in what I'll need for lighting. I don't like this number!! The other thing about towing flat is wear on the tires and accumulating mileage (correct me if i'm wrong).Part of me likes a dolly (though I hate making the tow wider, but a dolly or a trailer seems like a simpler way to go. I think i'd need the trailer and then the brake. I have NO idea what I'm talking about. Would love some feedback!

Four down is always the easiest way to go. But that vehicle would need to be towed on a dolly. There is no mileage accumulated on the vehicle being towed. Consider upgrading you toad to something 4 down compatible.

sch911 wrote:Four down is always the easiest way to go. But that vehicle would need to be towed on a dolly. There is no mileage accumulated on the vehicle being towed. Consider upgrading you toad to something 4 down compatible.why does it need to be towed on a dolly? what about decoupling the axel so I don't need a lube pump. I've read a bit about that but most people talk about lube pumps.

A trailer has tires too and trailer tires are actually more expensive than car tires. Don't use that has a factor in deciding.

Others can chime in. Depends on the vehicle. Many diesel RVers tow Chev F150 crew cabs 4 down. No need for lube pump. About $2300 to tow. Some vehicles are not as adaptable for towing. Dollies are fine. Some actually tow in enclosed trailers. Problem I have noticed. Where to park dolly or trailer. Some RV parks have areas. Some don't. Most of our FTer friends prefer 4 down. It is a preference though. Maybe some FTers that tow trailers or dollies will post their preference.

First of all, Awesome photography on your website! Very cool stuff.Secondly: We used a KarKaddy 3 with surge brakes for the first 3 years (a Prius was our toad). We liked it and it worked good. We have since bought a Jeep and tow 4-down now. I could go back to a dolly if I had too. But it is nice not having the dolly at the site though. Also, if we ever take a corner too tight or run down a dead end road.... it seems like the detach of the 4-down method might be faster and more efficient than dealing with a dolly.Check out craigslist if you decide on the dolly route, you might find better prices there. We sold ours in 24 hours at a $1,500 price recently. It was in good condition and maintained when it was supposed to (greasing the zerks).

Flat Tow vs Dolly or trailer | Good Sam Community

StephJohn2010
Explorer
Sep 23, 2015
First of all, Awesome photography on your website! Very cool stuff.

Secondly: We used a KarKaddy 3 with surge brakes for the first 3 years (a Prius was our toad). We liked it and it worked good. We have since bought a Jeep and tow 4-down now. I could go back to a dolly if I had too. But it is nice not having the dolly at the site though. Also, if we ever take a corner too tight or run down a dead end road.... it seems like the detach of the 4-down method might be faster and more efficient than dealing with a dolly.

Check out craigslist if you decide on the dolly route, you might find better prices there. We sold ours in 24 hours at a $1,500 price recently. It was in good condition and maintained when it was supposed to (greasing the zerks).
WyoTraveler
Explorer
Sep 23, 2015
Others can chime in. Depends on the vehicle. Many diesel RVers tow Chev F150 crew cabs 4 down. No need for lube pump. About $2300 to tow. Some vehicles are not as adaptable for towing. Dollies are fine. Some actually tow in enclosed trailers. Problem I have noticed. Where to park dolly or trailer. Some RV parks have areas. Some don't. Most of our FTer friends prefer 4 down. It is a preference though. Maybe some FTers that tow trailers or dollies will post their preference.
msmith1199
Explorer II
Sep 23, 2015
A trailer has tires too and trailer tires are actually more expensive than car tires. Don't use that has a factor in deciding.
elhajj33
Explorer
Sep 23, 2015
sch911 wrote:
Four down is always the easiest way to go. But that vehicle would need to be towed on a dolly. There is no mileage accumulated on the vehicle being towed. Consider upgrading you toad to something 4 down compatible.

why does it need to be towed on a dolly?

what about decoupling the axel so I don't need a lube pump. I've read a bit about that but most people talk about lube pumps.
sch911
Explorer
Sep 23, 2015
Four down is always the easiest way to go. But that vehicle would need to be towed on a dolly. There is no mileage accumulated on the vehicle being towed. Consider upgrading you toad to something 4 down compatible.

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Flat Tow vs Dolly or trailer

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