Hi All,First time Class A'er here. I have a 2014 Fleetwood storm with a 5000lbs towing capacity.Our lease on on our Toyota Sienna is up next month and we are looking to get a new vehicle that can double as a toad....We ideally would like something in 7 passengers (2 adults and 3 young kids still in car seats).We originally really liked the Honda Pilot & Odyssey however I know some do tow them we got too many mixed answers on if we would trash the tranny or not..So next we looked at the Dodge Durango... We really love it! However the only 4 down model available is the R/T with Hemi and 2 speed 4x4 with neutral. The only issue.. curb weight of 5330lbs.Now I understand everyone has their opinions and I am preparing to possibly get attacked at this question.. but will 330lbs really put me at risk?Only other option are a Ford Explorer or a Jeep Grand Cherokee.. the Explorer was laid out too small.. and the Jeep was super nice however realistically with kids they will eventually want their friends to go somewhere and there will be no room.Thoughts? I am not looking for any "legal" advice of any kind or you should or shouldnt. Just wondering if the ford chassis can handle and extra 330lbs. I mean I could keep a 1/4 tank of gas in it and cut the weight down considerably.

Check the owners manual on the Hondas they should be towable

The Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia has 3rd row seating for those extra kids. The curb weight is 4647 lbs.

Thanks for the responses. When I went to Honda orinigally the manual for the Pilot and Oyds both stated in the 2wd models must be towed on a dolly and on 4wd must be towed with 4 wheels off the ground.I know the GMC/Chevy fits the mold, however look wise we just arent fans. I hate to base a decision on how good something looks but I personally find it ugly.Who knows, maybe we will fall in love with the Jeep Cherokee... but for now I keep looking at the curb weight on the durango and am trying to figure out how to make it work....

See my reply in your other post on this same subject.Ron

gasser9 wrote:Check the owners manual on the Hondas they should be towableOn newer (05 and up), Honda only endorse towing 4 down for the Fit and CRV. If under warranty, Honda and the dealer may refuse any warranty claims on the transmission or front end if that model is not endorsed by Honda. Our dealer tried to refuse work on a defective front turn signal wiring, until I showed them at the 'toad' wiring was totally separate from Honda, totally separate wires from plug in front to separate bulbs in taillight housings. Beverley and Ken

New RV New Toad | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

Bobbo
Explorer III
Feb 23, 2014
Look at the base plate installation instructions for all 3 of the major manufacturers, Demco, Blue Ox, Roadmaster, and pick the one that looks the most secure.

The tow bar needs to be a Ready Brute Elite tow bar with built in surge brake. It can be had with connectors for any of the above base plates.
jeremywatco
Explorer
Feb 23, 2014
Ended up with a 2014 Grand Cherokee! Little small for the 3 kids but DW loves it.

Now to buy all the goodies and install them....
j-d
Explorer II
Feb 23, 2014
For the towbar, and ease of use, I'd say look at the Ready Brute line (NightShift Auto) since it's towbar and brake in one. Motorhome mounted of course. For the baseplate, I'd ask the Ready Brute people. I think they line up with Demco, but BlueOx and RoadMaster are the more popular. Study the features for ease of use and removal of stuff you don't want on the front of your car when you drive off the campsite. BlueOx used to have the advantage there, but I believe RoadMaster has come up with some more elegant designs lately.
Macevoyj
Explorer
Feb 23, 2014
I just purchased a 2014 Chevrolet equinox for dinghy towing. Now I need all the towing equipment. Does anyone have any thing to comment on which is better : blue ox product s or another brand? I want something easy and capable for a petite lady driver to hook up.
Snomas
Explorer
Feb 21, 2014
We towed an 04 Odyssey for 8 years (4400#) and never had trans problems. It had 130K on ODO plus 40K towing and the friends who bought it from us still say it runs great! we love our Ford Explorer!
j-d
Explorer II
Feb 21, 2014
Your E450 WILL tow 5000-lb. It'll tow 3500-lb more easily. My take would be find the lightest 3-row vehicle you like and look up its towability. It may well not be flat (4-down) towable but very likely will be dolly-towable if it's only Front Wheel Drive.
Our previous owners towed on a dolly. First a Honda, I think it was an Accord. Then a Korean Crossover. I forget if it was Hyundai or Kia. FWD "minivan" and it worked out OK for them.

An outfit called REMCO (remcotowing.com) sells "lube pumps" that render certain automatic transmissions towable. A number of us here have used them successfully. Personally, I want a toad that's rated by the manufacturer as towable. Warranty coverage is knotty enough as it is without REMCO and Manufacturer pointing fingers at each other.
jeremywatco
Explorer
Feb 21, 2014
I've been using the 2013 guide.

I'm going down tonight to the dealers with all the car seats, hopefully I find the perfect vehicle.

How is the reliability of Jeep/Dodge?
afrescopXx
Explorer
Feb 21, 2014
It seems as though Ford and GM offer the most four down towable models. You might want to check out the Motorhome magazine's latest towing guide.
Beverley_Ken
Explorer
Feb 20, 2014
gasser9 wrote:
Check the owners manual on the Hondas they should be towable

On newer (05 and up), Honda only endorse towing 4 down for the Fit and CRV. If under warranty, Honda and the dealer may refuse any warranty claims on the transmission or front end if that model is not endorsed by Honda. Our dealer tried to refuse work on a defective front turn signal wiring, until I showed them at the 'toad' wiring was totally separate from Honda, totally separate wires from plug in front to separate bulbs in taillight housings.

Beverley and Ken
lanerd
Explorer II
Feb 20, 2014
See my reply in your other post on this same subject.

Ron