6 Months RV Trip - Trailer tow van behind RV or buy Dinghy?
Hi, I am new to RV'ing and I'm planning a 6 month motorhome trip with my family and kids around the USA in 2017. We have not yet brought the motorhome but will likely get a 38-40 foot diesel pusher.
I currently own two household vehicles that we like a lot (Ford Raptor, and Toyota Sienna AWD). We are not planning on replacing either vehicle anytime soon. However I understand that it is really important to have a Dinghy vehicle to be able to sight-see a lot of the outings during the day.
My problem is that neither the Ford Raptor nor the Toyota Sienna AWD can be flat towed (with ANY wheels down) due to all-wheel-drive transmission. Dolly is not an option as it still leaves two wheels on the ground which will damage transmission. So, here are my two alternatives:
(1) Buy a new vehicle especially for the trip and outfit it it with tow-kit and brake-kit. Then sell the vehicle when we get back. However I need at least a 7-seater.
(2) Get a tilt-trailer and tow the existing Toyota Sienna on a trailer. (I think this is my preferred option as I get to keep the same vehicle we like and avoid buying an extra headache to resell).
I understand that there are disadvantages and advantages of towing with a trailer behind the RV. This is as I understand the pros and cons of towing a car on a trailer behind the RV:
Car Trailer Pros:
(a) No need to buy a new vehicle.
(b) No need to modify car with tow bars, remote brakes, and brakes lights (Trailer does all of the braking, lights etc.)
(c) Possible to reverse with the trailer behind the RV and turn, whereas a towed car cannot be reversed without damage to front-end of car without first completely unhitching and removing the car first.
(d) No wear and tear on car when not being used as it is resting on trailer.
Car Trailer Cons:
(a) Extra effort to drive / ramp / park car on trailer and strap-down, as well as untie and back off.
(b) Possible that trailer may get into awkward position and be hard to get car off/on.
(c) Uses extra space for the trailer at the camping site. (How big a problem is this???).
(d) Obviously need to buy and register/insure the extra trailer. (Not a huge cost).
My very strong preference (From a conceptual perspective as I have NO experience) would be to purchase a car trailer and keep my existing car and just trailer it around, take it off the trailer when we need it and otherwise just tow it on the trailer.
My question is this: Is towing the car/van behind the RV a reasonable plan, or are there things I am just not appreciating that will make this a very bad idea? I'm hoping it is a good idea to tow the existing car on a trailer (considering the pro's and con's above) but I'm seeking expert advise of seasoned RV'ers since I'm a newbie. 6 months with the wrong decision is a long time (and distance).
Thank you for your considered response...
I currently own two household vehicles that we like a lot (Ford Raptor, and Toyota Sienna AWD). We are not planning on replacing either vehicle anytime soon. However I understand that it is really important to have a Dinghy vehicle to be able to sight-see a lot of the outings during the day.
My problem is that neither the Ford Raptor nor the Toyota Sienna AWD can be flat towed (with ANY wheels down) due to all-wheel-drive transmission. Dolly is not an option as it still leaves two wheels on the ground which will damage transmission. So, here are my two alternatives:
(1) Buy a new vehicle especially for the trip and outfit it it with tow-kit and brake-kit. Then sell the vehicle when we get back. However I need at least a 7-seater.
(2) Get a tilt-trailer and tow the existing Toyota Sienna on a trailer. (I think this is my preferred option as I get to keep the same vehicle we like and avoid buying an extra headache to resell).
I understand that there are disadvantages and advantages of towing with a trailer behind the RV. This is as I understand the pros and cons of towing a car on a trailer behind the RV:
Car Trailer Pros:
(a) No need to buy a new vehicle.
(b) No need to modify car with tow bars, remote brakes, and brakes lights (Trailer does all of the braking, lights etc.)
(c) Possible to reverse with the trailer behind the RV and turn, whereas a towed car cannot be reversed without damage to front-end of car without first completely unhitching and removing the car first.
(d) No wear and tear on car when not being used as it is resting on trailer.
Car Trailer Cons:
(a) Extra effort to drive / ramp / park car on trailer and strap-down, as well as untie and back off.
(b) Possible that trailer may get into awkward position and be hard to get car off/on.
(c) Uses extra space for the trailer at the camping site. (How big a problem is this???).
(d) Obviously need to buy and register/insure the extra trailer. (Not a huge cost).
My very strong preference (From a conceptual perspective as I have NO experience) would be to purchase a car trailer and keep my existing car and just trailer it around, take it off the trailer when we need it and otherwise just tow it on the trailer.
My question is this: Is towing the car/van behind the RV a reasonable plan, or are there things I am just not appreciating that will make this a very bad idea? I'm hoping it is a good idea to tow the existing car on a trailer (considering the pro's and con's above) but I'm seeking expert advise of seasoned RV'ers since I'm a newbie. 6 months with the wrong decision is a long time (and distance).
Thank you for your considered response...
