Forum Discussion

rjstractor's avatar
Aug 03, 2019

How much would you pay?

Imagine this- a small or midsize SUV, wagon or sedan equipped from the factory with a "toad package", including:

-Tow bar bracket receivers installed to accommodate major tow bar brands.
-Fully integrated braking that takes an input signal from your motorhome's electric brake controller. ABS on the toad would be fully functional.
-A factory installed 7 pin receiver in front for lighting, brakes and keeping the toad battery charged.
-A "connection mode" where after initial setup you pull up behind the motorhome, push a button, and your toad automatically positions itself perfectly for easy tow bar connection.
-All related components would be covered by the vehicle warranty, of course.
-No speed or distance restrictions for towing. Any procedures required for towing, such as shifting, etc., would be accomplished automatically when in "connection mode".

All of the required technology exists today. So, how much would you pay for all of this as an option? $3000, $4000, more?
  • Any such system from a manufacturer would assuredly also include an interface with the odometer that would record those miles the vehicle was towed. That would mean the warranty would expire much quicker for many owners Adding to the overall cost.
    With the current 360 degree cameras any alignment system is redundant. Towbar brackets are not universal, so any system would need to have either to have options for the different tow bars or require the purchase/ownership of specific brands and models.
    As for cost, it would need to be comparable at least to the cost of aftermarket, and likely less since you couldn't take the components with you when you change out to another vehicle. Finasly, for it to be practical for the RV market, it would need to be offered over a range of vehicles since different people want different types of toweds. Some want tough off road vehicles like jeeps. Some want small econo boxes, some want maximum people capacity, some want luxury, some want sporty, and some want to tow trucks with cargo beds filled with toys.
    That is my long analysis, my short version is it isn't even remotely going to happen.
  • Unless they could somehow dominate the TOAD market, you are probably looking at a $10k upgrade which would make it too expensive to be viable. Much simpler and cheaper to take it to a shop for after market outfitting.
  • The first three things as a package maybe $2000 to 2500.

    The Auto-align is senseless, just like parking assist. If you can't park a vehicle you should't drive.

    The last two things shouldn't cost a $1.00. They would just be words in a sales brochure.
  • IF there was one superior toad that most were buying...MAYBE.
  • No market in this family, simply because I have no intention of buying another vehicle for the rest of my life.
    In fact, I might just sell the Subaru Forester we recently bought. Great car, just don't really need it.
    The Jeep is, of course, for towing behind the motorhome.
    The PT Cruiser convertible is just fun to drive, and very capable in the winter.
    the truck tows and hauls nearly everything.
    The '66 Chevelle satisfies my desire for a car without computers and/or air bags.
    Nope, I just don't need a vehicle as described in the first post.
  • K Charles wrote:
    I think ford has neutral tow on the menu on the dash in some vehicles.

    Maybe it's because Ford vehicles are towed often? :B
  • I think ford has neutral tow on the menu on the dash in some vehicles. That's a start.
  • RedRollingRoadblock wrote:
    I doubt if the auto industry is interested in spending the money for R & D for such a limited market.

    X2. I don't think they would want the additional liability.
  • Come up with being able to use the toad as a helper engine for the hills and you might be on to something.

    I doubt if the auto industry is interested in spending the money for R & D for such a limited market.

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