I've got a truck camper & also plan on buying the wife a Wagon/SUV?I'm thinking in about the $5K price range?& its gotta have room for 4 people a space in the back for our dog, that we will be putting up a divider to keep him from climbing over the seats.So it must be a Wagon or SUV, I'd like it to be light & if possible 4WD & so that being said I'm thinking an SUV with a transfer case that releases the front drive & is tall enough to allow me to just climb under without lifting it onto jack stands to disconnect & reconnect the rear drive shaft?The simpler the better.I'm thinking Explorer or maybe a Jeep Grand Cherokee?& wonder what you guys think & why?We are not buying it just as a dinghy but I figure if I'm looking to buy her another car, why not think ahead about this option?I'd be towing it behind this.

The most common vehicle used is the Honda CRV, which doesn't require any modifications to be towed. Since it is a SUV and will seat five, it shoud fit your needs. They have been built for many years and you should be able to find one in your price range. I tow a Hummer, but at 4,800 lbs it is too heavy for most to consider towing and still too expensive. However it also doesn't require any modications either. The Ford Explorer with an automatic can be towed but only after modifcations to the drive line system. The Jeeps can be towed (I believe) if they have a transfer case that can be put in nutral. Finding a Jeep that you would want as a dependable daily driver could be an issue since some have had a rough life in off road use. Good luck.

Fishinghat wrote:The most common vehicle used is the Honda CRV, which doesn't require any modifications to be towed. Since it is a SUV and will seat five, it shoud fit your needs. They have been built for many years and you should be able to find one in your price range. I tow a Hummer, but at 4,800 lbs it is too heavy for most to consider towing and still too expensive. However it also doesn't require any modications either. The Ford Explorer with an automatic can be towed but only after modifcations to the drive line system. The Jeeps can be towed (I believe) if they have a transfer case that can be put in nutral. Finding a Jeep that you would want as a dependable daily driver could be an issue since some have had a rough life in off road use. Good luck.1st off I doubt most Jeeps ever see dirt & no more than the Explorers, IMHO.I have considered a CRV & looked at them & they look like they might be large enough in back for our large dog, Probably close to 100 lbs when fully grown & small & easy to drive for the wife to drive & park & probably gets good fuel milage & the biggest bonus for me is that I'd not wanna hot rod that down the line & that would save me lots of money for my many other automotive projects, I've already be dreaming about fixing up the Jeep or Exploder if I got one of them...Now explain these mods or lack of mods needed for these you suggest?Does the CRV have 4x4 & if so a T-Case?I figure anything with a manual trans would be a better choice for flat towing...You've grabbed my attention, please give me more details... :h

I just did a search & found the CRV is either FWD or Full time 4WD & from what I understand neither of those makes a good choice for a dinghy?I DO NOT want to use a tow dolly for a FWD.

Blanco1 wrote:I just did a search & found the CRV is either FWD or Full time 4WD & from what I understand neither of those makes a good choice for a dinghy?I DO NOT want to use a tow dolly for a FWD.I don't know where you searched, but the CRV is one of the most towed dinghys. I know several that tow them. In fact, when my Cherokee wears out, that is what I will tow.

Chevy Tracker 4x4, 4 door.Seats 5 and still have small cargo area.Put down the back seat and have a larger cargo area.Do NOT have to disconnect drive train to tow four down.

So what have you found to be the best all around dinghy?

fcooper
Explorer
Jan 24, 2013
A 1999-2004 Honda Odyssey meets most of your requirements except 4 wheel drive. With the fold down rear seat and removable middle seats, it's the most versatile vehicle I've ever owned.
Fred
Community Alumni
Jan 24, 2013
Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Liberty; both are 'plug & play'.
rockhillmanor
Explorer II
Jan 24, 2013
Chevy Tracker 4x4, 4 door.

Seats 5 and still have small cargo area.
Put down the back seat and have a larger cargo area.

Do NOT have to disconnect drive train to tow four down.
rv2go
Explorer II
Jan 24, 2013
Blanco1 wrote:
I just did a search & found the CRV is either FWD or Full time 4WD & from what I understand neither of those makes a good choice for a dinghy?
I DO NOT want to use a tow dolly for a FWD.

I don't know where you searched, but the CRV is one of the most towed dinghys. I know several that tow them. In fact, when my Cherokee wears out, that is what I will tow.
Blanco1
Explorer
Jan 24, 2013
I just did a search & found the CRV is either FWD or Full time 4WD & from what I understand neither of those makes a good choice for a dinghy?
I DO NOT want to use a tow dolly for a FWD.
Blanco1
Explorer
Jan 24, 2013
Fishinghat wrote:
The most common vehicle used is the Honda CRV, which doesn't require any modifications to be towed. Since it is a SUV and will seat five, it shoud fit your needs. They have been built for many years and you should be able to find one in your price range.

I tow a Hummer, but at 4,800 lbs it is too heavy for most to consider towing and still too expensive. However it also doesn't require any modications either.

The Ford Explorer with an automatic can be towed but only after modifcations to the drive line system. The Jeeps can be towed (I believe) if they have a transfer case that can be put in nutral. Finding a Jeep that you would want as a dependable daily driver could be an issue since some have had a rough life in off road use. Good luck.

1st off I doubt most Jeeps ever see dirt & no more than the Explorers, IMHO.
I have considered a CRV & looked at them & they look like they might be large enough in back for our large dog, Probably close to 100 lbs when fully grown & small & easy to drive for the wife to drive & park & probably gets good fuel milage & the biggest bonus for me is that I'd not wanna hot rod that down the line & that would save me lots of money for my many other automotive projects, I've already be dreaming about fixing up the Jeep or Exploder if I got one of them...

Now explain these mods or lack of mods needed for these you suggest?
Does the CRV have 4x4 & if so a T-Case?

I figure anything with a manual trans would be a better choice for flat towing...
You've grabbed my attention, please give me more details... :h
Fishinghat
Explorer II
Jan 24, 2013
The most common vehicle used is the Honda CRV, which doesn't require any modifications to be towed. Since it is a SUV and will seat five, it shoud fit your needs. They have been built for many years and you should be able to find one in your price range.

I tow a Hummer, but at 4,800 lbs it is too heavy for most to consider towing and still too expensive. However it also doesn't require any modications either.

The Ford Explorer with an automatic can be towed but only after modifcations to the drive line system. The Jeeps can be towed (I believe) if they have a transfer case that can be put in nutral. Finding a Jeep that you would want as a dependable daily driver could be an issue since some have had a rough life in off road use. Good luck.

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