Ideal Dinghy Vehicle?

The Equinox is a good toad. We have 2 of the best IMO, Wrangler and Equinox.

Wrangler !!!!!!!

Correct here - first find out the wieght the hitch supports. Start with the Motorhome magazine towing guides (by year) to check what vehicles can be towed four wheels down. Many automatics used to be towable and now the list is VERY short on newer models. Check check check the owners manual before you buy a tow vehicle and be sure you can obtain a baseplate (attachment for towing bar to car)for the toad.

Once purchased you will need to get a tow bar, strongly recommend and non binding bar. You will need a base-plate for your vehicle installed and recommend a supplemental brake. Look for a plug and play style where all you do is connect the normal electrical umbilical cord from RV to toad.

If you or your husband are handy costs can be kept down. Otherwise, you are looking at something from $3000 and well up to get all needed equipment purchased and installed for the most common setups. Others may have ideas on how to reduce costs.............

That being said, it is EASY to connect and disconnect. One person can do it easily. Takes less than five minutes after some times connecting., moments to disconnect! Happy Trails

For a toad braking system, consider :ReadyBrake.

We have a 2012 Ford Fiesta - manual transmission and with what the dealership called in jest "the Amish package!" No frills, not even an ignition lock. Literally all we must do to tow it all 4 wheels down is to make certain the transmission is in neutral and that the emergency brake is off - don't even have to put the key into the ignition! Takes us less than 5 minutes, start to finish, to hook up and less to separate! Have been using it since we bought it new almost 5 years ago and never had a problem.

2008 Chevy Colorado 4 wheel drive pickup is what we tow. Easy to tow. No supplemental braking system on any toad that I'm aware of.

Before you jump at a truck you need to know your ratings for towing for your motorhome. Hitch rating is your first step, depending on the motorhome this could be as low as 3,000 lbs. on up, many in the 5,000 lbs range, and much higher for some Diesel pushers. Once you know your motorhome limits then you can start to shop for a dingy/toad. An F150 can run 4,049 to 5,236 lbs, so knowing your weights really matters.

A good start is to read the Dingy Guide, click here

Older Suzukis, and Jeeps all make great toads.

Almost any truck that is four wheel drive and has a Neutral position in the transfer case will be towable four down. Always check the Owners Manual for recreational towing instructions.
Of course, weight is a consideration. Your motorhome likely has a towable weight rating of 5000 pounds. While this is a RATING, not a firm limit, exceeding that rating is not advisable.
IMO, the best towed vehicle is a Jeep Wrangler. I like the Unlimited for the longer wheelbase and better ride.
I do not know of any vehicle that is manufactured with a braking system for being towed. NSA makes the Ready Brute integrated towbar and braking system that does an excellent job according to all reports.