What "toad" to buy

We tow a 2012 Ford Fiesta with manual transmission. All we do is make sure the transmission is in neutral, the emergency break IS NOT on, and don't even need a key in the ignition! Takes us less than 5 minutes to hook/unhook. Easiest thing about RVing for us! We also manage over 35 MPG when we drive it!

Unless your needs dictate something huge like a full size SUV I would stick to something in the 3000-4000 lb range.

dshinnick wrote:
Well, you'll get a zillion replies here, so I'll be first.

The most expensive part of this endeavor, other than the toad itself, will be installing the baseplate on the car so it can be towed. And the braking system. We have a ReadyBrute towbar which has a cable which simply pulls on the car's brake when you push on the coach's brake. It cost over $1k, as I remember, but it has served us well for four years. And doesn't require a "brake buddy" or other device to apply the car's brake.

We have a 2009 Honda Fit. After hooking up the tow bar, it requires no other prep than to start the engine, run through the gears from top to bottom, ending up in neutral, letting it idle for awhile, then shutting it down.

Do your research before committing. Don't get stuck with a cumbersome procedure that you have to do over and over and over. And yes, having a toad is a no-brainer. It allows you to take advantage of a park's weekly rate, yet be able to see the area, take day trips, run to the grocery store, etc. We wouldn't be full-timers without one. No way.

dave

I got rid of my 2009 Fit as it was a PIA running through gears etc I felt it was cumbersome and time consuming - it also had a towing speed limit -
Got the Jeep love it and do not miss the Honda at all

Well, you'll get a zillion replies here, so I'll be first.

The most expensive part of this endeavor, other than the toad itself, will be installing the baseplate on the car so it can be towed. And the braking system. We have a ReadyBrute towbar which has a cable which simply pulls on the car's brake when you push on the coach's brake. It cost over $1k, as I remember, but it has served us well for four years. And doesn't require a "brake buddy" or other device to apply the car's brake.

We have a 2009 Honda Fit. After hooking up the tow bar, it requires no other prep than to start the engine, run through the gears from top to bottom, ending up in neutral, letting it idle for awhile, then shutting it down.

Do your research before committing. Don't get stuck with a cumbersome procedure that you have to do over and over and over. And yes, having a toad is a no-brainer. It allows you to take advantage of a park's weekly rate, yet be able to see the area, take day trips, run to the grocery store, etc. We wouldn't be full-timers without one. No way.

dave

If a member of FMCA, they have lists of what the manufacturers deem towable 4 wheels down for the last 10+ years: http://www.fmca.com/motorhome/towing.html

Sign in and then click on: Towing Guide-- towing 4 wheels down.