Pulling a "Toad" on a Trailer?

Thanks for all of the insights!

This is an expensive hobby, no matter how you go about it... Buy a trailer, simple but expensive and where do you put the trailer when you unhook -- but saves your vehicle and you can use just about any vehicle. Tow 4 down -- quick drop and hook, wear on the vehicle, buying and mounting the baseplate, finding a braking system...

If anyone is reading this looking for answers themselves... here is a good discussion that I found: http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27882272/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1

I really like the trailer idea... but finding a place to put it after you unload it seems like a major hassle. My father has a PT Cruiser he is getting rid of soon. That would make a pretty cheap Toad. Though I feel like I will spend more on the braking system and baseplates than the car is worth.... I like the invisabrake.. but can't see spending that much for a car that might only last a few more years.

The ReadyBrake seems like the most efficient option.. good looking towbar with the integrated surge brake for $1325 + baseplate.

I think if I had a heavier vehicle that I might look more at "active" brake systems, but a PT Cruiser is all plastic.

And the search continues...

On the brakes, I would also answer yes they are needed, and I GREATLY prefer electric vs surge.

I also think that an adequate trailer to tow your Subaru (tandem axle) is likely to weigh more than 1000 pounds. You might be able to get an aluminum trailer with that weight, but they will be pricey.

As mentioned you need to know all your other MH's weights and where you stand. Including the GCWR & GAWR ... more weight in the rear hitch could put you over. " EVEN " if it's within the towable amount for the hitch.

lordnorth wrote:

2011 Coachmen Mirada

Your CGVW rating is between 23,000 and 30,000 lbs. Weigh the rig (loaded) and check the following chart

lordnorth wrote:
Has anyone tried pulling their "Toad" vehicle on a trailer? I'm talking about a Class A Gasser with the Triton V-10...

The reason that I ask is that I have a Subaru Outback.. All Wheel Drive means that I can't tow either 2 down or 4 down. I don't really want to go and purchase a dedicated Toad, but would like to have a transportation option.

Looking at potentially buying a 1000lb trailer (weight, not capacity), and loading my 3,386lb (Curb Weight) Outback on it. Total weight: 4386 -- which won't put me over GCWR for the Class A.

Do I need electric brakes? Surge brakes?

Thoughts?

Thanks!

unless you've already weighed the MH you're assuming that it weighs at or less than it's GVWR. more importantly you're assuming that the weight on each axle is less than or equal to it's gross axle weight rating. before you do anything I strongly suggest you load up the MH as you would for travel...don't forget pets and people...and get certified weights on each axle. then compare to GAWR.

n7bsn wrote:
What year MH?

2011 Coachmen Mirada

What year MH? The ratings (CGVW and Tow-rating) varies a bit across the years, ie a 1999 is different then a 2014

Bumpyroad wrote:
I think your trailer will weigh more than 1,000 lbs. and you will max out your capacity. do you need brakes? of course.
bumpy

There is a trailer for sale *near* me... I emailed the guy to ask weight. He said 5500 rating, 1000 weight. That doesn't seem unreasonable to me... if the full car weighs 3500 an open-center trailer should be no more than a third of that... no engine, transmission, fluids... seems possible. But I will definitely scale it before I buy anything.

VintageRacer wrote:
Put a hitch on the Subaru so you can use it to park the trailer after you unload. Trailer has a big advantage over a dolly or four-down - you can back up with it.

Excellent points! Subaru already has a hitch, so no problem there. Never thought about not being able to back with a Toad. Must suck if you end up taking a corner too wide (or too short). Thanks!

You should definitely have brakes of some sort, I prefer electric to surge brakes. Put a hitch on the Subaru so you can use it to park the trailer after you unload. Trailer has a big advantage over a dolly or four-down - you can back up with it.

Brian

I think your trailer will weigh more than 1,000 lbs. and you will max out your capacity. do you need brakes? of course.
bumpy