From Ohio to Florida not taking the car since we won't be using it. What do you think? Risky? We have always taken it, this will be the first. Anyone done this?

We just got back from that trip three days ago and last month we went to Texas and back, no car. It just depends how many side trips you want to take along the way or when you get there. You always have the option of renting a car.Joe

We always take our toad except when I know that there will be a vehicle available for us at our destination. For example, our son had 3 vehicles so while we are here visiting him and his family we did not bring the toad. We will be going to Oregon the end of May where we will not have a vehicle handy so we will be taking the toad. We could break camp and drive to where we need to go, but it is so much easier just to take the toad that the extra fuel required to tow it makes it worthwhile. We get 6.5-7 without the toad and 5.5-6 with it.

A couple of thoughts...We do not tow, never have. We have rented a car from time to time at various destinations. Sometimes my wife has followed me in her car if the distance from home is just a couple of hours away and we will want to see a lot. When we went to Disney the last time, no car required. Once we broke down at a state park 20 miles from home and we had the car. Tow truck went one way, we went another.

I have been preparing my Mazda Miata for towing. However, my wife and I went to AZ in January to meet some of her cousins. They are full-time now in a short 32-foot Class A and have not been towing. They rented a car for the month from Enterprise off-airport office for about $700. We used that for our touring with them.Now I am thinking that towing might be a pain when monthly car rental seems about as reasonable as owning one. We will probably try the rental in Colorado for April to see how it works.I have found lots of complications in my prepping the Miata for towing. Just seems too much a bother if rental is reasonable at our locations.

I never travel without towing the car. Relied on rentals for one tour of Florida a couple of years ago and was let down by Enterprise despite making reservations months ahead of time. Never want to rely on a rental being available again.

With out the tow | Good Sam Community

32 Replies

Healeyman
Explorer
Feb 20, 2015
jim1632 wrote:
I have found lots of complications in my prepping the Miata for towing.

What sort of "Complications" have you had?

I am towing my 3rd Miata and have helped nearly 100 other Miata owners to get set up to tow their Miatas.

I don't know of ANY who have had any trouble.

Tim
23hotrodr
Explorer
Feb 20, 2015
If you won't need the toad where you are going, or for other excursions along the way, then leave it home. We have travelled many times without a toad. We've rented a car a few times, when necessary. We've also used the MH for some short trip necessities. Of course, there are places where a car is necessary, but it depends on the trip.

Safe travels-- Mick
Bigdog
Explorer
Feb 20, 2015
For the difference in what it costs to tow your toad as against the cost of renting, you can sure do some extra things and go to some really great places to eat.
othertonka
Explorer
Feb 20, 2015
Since the CRV is already "Tow Ready" it goes with us everywhere. I consider it a spare just like a Spare tire. I have had 2 breakdowns that required the MH to be towed and the TOAD was very helpful to get around and find a motel while the repair was being done. Did some sightseeing with the TOAD and played some golf so it saved the day. My motto is don't leave home without it.
RedJeep
Explorer
Feb 20, 2015
No toad. I'm still a bit new to the class A world, but so far we use our 36' minivan once we get to the campground if we want to run around.

It's all a mindset.
vegasfoodguy
Explorer II
Feb 20, 2015
WILDEBILL308 wrote:
I looked at renting but found no cars available in many places. I will NEVER willingly go any where without my toad.
Bill

X2
WILDEBILL308
Explorer II
Feb 20, 2015
I looked at renting but found no cars available in many places. I will NEVER willingly go any where without my toad.
Bill
Pass42
Explorer
Feb 20, 2015
We always take the toad... broke down late one Friday night, couldn't get parts till Monday....with the toad we had an enjoyable sightseeing weekend, without it would have been a miserable weekend... another breakdown (different coach), the toad was my parts runner to get back on the road.... without it I would have needed a mechanic, maybe a tow, etc.......
We bring our toad for peace of mind..........
Dale_Traveling
Explorer II
Feb 19, 2015
Apart from not having a vehicle to sight see and such the biggest down side is food resupply. If your camping plans have you on the move should be a problem to resupply while in route.
rk911
Explorer
Feb 19, 2015
zipp wrote:
From Ohio to Florida not taking the car since we won't be using it. What do you think? Risky? We have always taken it, this will be the first. Anyone done this?

we always take the toad...if for no other reason than to act as a lifeboat.

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With out the tow

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