Forum Discussion

1nolaguy's avatar
1nolaguy
Explorer
Oct 25, 2017

To pull a trailer or a toad

OK, it is clear to me that if you are full timing or semi-full timing (basically more than just weekending)you are likely either towing a trailer (TT or 5er) or pulling a toad of some type.

Lets face it, no one relishes breaking camp every time you need to run to the store or want to go exploring.

So if you pull something, please share which you prefer and why.

Now as a point of clarity, obviously what you two is determined by your type of RV. My main question is your pros and cons for making your choices. current day MH, TT and 5ers can have many of the same amenities so do you prefer one motor and drive train or two?

I look forward to everyone's comments.

35 Replies

  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer III
    For 10 years we drove a Class C and pulled a toad. This year we traded and now drive an F-150 towing a trailer. For me, it is six of one and a half dozen of the other.

    The only issue for me is now, while I am driving DW can not get up and go to the restroom anymore.
  • We had TT's for many years during my working life when they could only be used on weekends or vacations. When I retired though, we knew we wanted a motorhome since we would be using it a lot more and moving around frequently. We started out with a small 21' Class C that we bought cheaply as a "fixer upper" project that was small enough to use for grocery and sight seeing runs. It worked well enough, and taught us a lot about what we wanted when we moved up to a larger motorhome, but there was never any doubt in our minds that a motorhome was the way we wanted to go. Three years after we bought the Class C, we sold it at a small profit, and bought a finance company repo 33' Class A with no slides. After the confines of the small Class C, it seemed quite roomy to us! That's also when we started 4-down towing the 2002 RAV4 that we already owned, and like the others, never considered a dolly or trailer. I had hauled cars with both behind trucks over the years, so it was an easy decision to make. That 33' coach taught us that it was a good length for us and many of the state parks we favored, so when we moved up to a newer coach, we only went up to our current 34' Class A, but one with a single long "super slide" in the living/dining area for a more spacious feel. And we're still 4-down towing a RAV4, although we did move up to the then new 2011 that we still have. Now that we're in our mid-70's and living pretty much full time in our coach, I don't know if there will be another RV in our future, or what it might be if there is. I suspect if we decide to "pitch our tent" in one place for months at a time, a 5'ver or large TT could certainly be a possibility.
  • TT and pick up truck. Wanted ability to separate the house on wheels from the vehicle moving it. Wanted a TT over a 5er so have complete access and use of the bed of the truck and TT is on a single floor and fewer steps. No motorhome with toad. Too much engine maintenacne on 2 vehicles. And can't do "dirty" jobs with a motorhome like you can with a pick-up truck.
  • From the beginning we planned on towing my daily driver 4 down. No trailer or dolly for us. All Terrain tow bar MH mounted is quick and easy to hitch or unhitch. The original box brake got old after a few years so it was replaced. Short or long trips we don't leave without the toad.
  • Not the clearest post but I prefer towing a TT with an SUV. DW thinks SUV more comfortable and dignified. lol