light weight towing package for woman

F1bNorm wrote:
I think I have the same problem. Because one arm is setting on the ground and the other you're trying to attach is at too great an angle. I have an easy solution. I have a cheap HF tote that has a rigid handle. I set one arm on the tote while attaching the other. Makes it easy. The tote I use for storing the wiring harness, safety cable, spare pins and a pair of work gloves. Before the tote I used a small step stool and then the cardboard box I use for the accessories.

Norm

Thanks Norm! While I don't know what an HF tote is, I think I get the idea. I've tried resting the 'other' arm on my bumper but always manage to knock it off. I will try with a large box I have - it will probably save me quite a few bruises!

Now, if you have a hint for the pin that won't come out...

dahkota wrote:
We have the ready brute elite. While I have no problems carrying it, hooking it up alone is another matter. If you are very close to perfectly aligned, you can hook one side then the other. If you are off a little bit, it is a struggle to do it alone as the arms are awkward. ---snip---

I think I have the same problem. Because one arm is setting on the ground and the other you're trying to attach is at too great an angle. I have an easy solution. I have a cheap HF tote that has a rigid handle. I set one arm on the tote while attaching the other. Makes it easy. The tote I use for storing the wiring harness, safety cable, spare pins and a pair of work gloves. Before the tote I used a small step stool and then the cardboard box I use for the accessories.

Norm

First, Suz, three words:

1. Welcome! I see this is your first post.
2. Condolences! Loss is hard.
3. Congratulations! You're choosing the light of living over the shadow of death.

OK, Towing... I'll join the group suggesting Ready Brute. I usually call it "Night Shift Auto" and you see "NSA" on their webpages. Same outfit.

It's MoHo-mounted towbar, in lightweight aluminum, about as easy as hookup gets. And their braking system requires only a hook where you're already connecting the towbar. You'll come up with tricks. Offhand, I was thinking of poking a stake in the ground, or a little pole on a base. Learn where it has to be for your car to be well enough centered on the MoHo, and within the right distance range, that you'll know the towbar will connect once you get out to do it.

Please develop checklists and use them every time. That way you won't be driving off with Antenna Up, Jacks Down, Shore Tie connected, Toad in Gear or Parking Brake On, Toad Ignition Key Wrong, etc. etc.

I see many women who RV solo. You can do it and you can find others who do too. No doubt there are groups you could throw in with for both support and enjoyment.

Welcome! Have a Blessed Christmas full of Wonder, and a New Year that's really Fresh, New, Healing, and FUN.

Before my Tiger, I had a Born Free Class C and towed a Honda CR-V with a Roadmaster Sterling AT towbar. It could not have been easier to use.

We have the ready brute elite. While I have no problems carrying it, hooking it up alone is another matter. If you are very close to perfectly aligned, you can hook one side then the other. If you are off a little bit, it is a struggle to do it alone as the arms are awkward. Being 5'6" tall, my reach isn't as long as others which may cause some of the awkwardness. I think the arms of any tow bar would also be awkward, but I have no experience with them.

Typically, DH does the dumping while I do the toad. With practice, I am getting better at aligning the toad to the motorhome (we have only had this set up for four months) and it is getting easier. But that is the key - putting the toad in the right place. Once it is there, hooking up the ready brute elite is very simple and quick.

When unhooking, it is much easier if the toad is perfectly aligned with the rv. If not, one may have to hammer out one of the pins, as it can be pinched.

Because the ready brute elite uses an integrated brake, I only have one cable to attach. there is nothing I need to put into and set up in the towed (such as a brake box).

As a smaller woman, I would definitely opt for one of the suggested, lightweight and/ or aluminum towbars that can stay on your coach all the time. We had a Roadmaster Stowmaster and it was way too heavy for me to handle.
I would also steer clear of the trailering. Dinghy is much easier to handle IMO.
Best of luck with your travels. Have a blast and be safe out there!

sch911 wrote:
Trailer better/easier than 4 down, I don't agree...

I use a Blue OX Adventa II tow bar. Just about anyone should be able to handle it IMHO. And it stays on the MH.

Good luck.

x2. The Blue Ox is easy to hook up and unhook. Stays on the RV. I do not think there would be any issues for you.

Be certain the Fit can be flat towed. 2014 and old can be but I do not think Honda has any 2015 models that can be.

I suggest any aluminum tow bar with telescoping arms. Then, have the seller instal and get a cover for it. Leave it on all the time. Lock it on with a locking pin.

The aluminum arms are manageable. I went through a period when I had no strength and serious hernia problems and still managed my Ready Brute Elite. I did not take it off the hitch during that time but could still hook up and disconnect just fine.

If you want to make that tow system even more manageable, you can buy the tow bar and surge brake system separate instead of as one unit. It will be 8 to 10 inches longer, but that shouldn't be a problem. You will also have another pin connection to lock up. Removal of this system should be easier. The tow bars and surge brake would disconnect separately.

Trailer better/easier than 4 down, I don't agree...

I use a Blue OX Adventa II tow bar. Just about anyone should be able to handle it IMHO. And it stays on the MH.

Good luck.

Suzettenc wrote:
Help please. Since my husbands recent passing I am going to have to travel alone in my 30 foot . I want to tow four wheels down.
I need the lightest weight but safe towing equipment that I can use to hook up a Honda fit. My husband always towed jeep , but I found that Honda fit is lighter and lower to ground so I can hopefully load my kayak on it easier.
I am 66 years old but not ready to quit living. Please help me choose best towing package for me.
Thanks!!

Look at Ready Brute Elite system.

http://www.readybrake.com/store/p4/ReadyBrute™_Elite_RV_Tow_Bar.html

All aluminum, weight just 40 lbs. has 8,000 lb capacity (more then enough for a Fit). I have used mine for 2 years. No problems. Just completed 6,000 mile trip thru Western State and mountains. And the Elite model includes a very simple braking system that will work fine for your Fit.
Good luck.