Towing a car behind your camper
What is your experience towing a car or truck behind your camper. It is worth the hassle and expense? Do you find it better than unloading your camper and driving the truck? Pro's and Con's ?
Forum Discussion
I flat tow my Samurai most of the time. No where have I camped has it been an issue. I have had issues when I wanted to unload my TC at a campground. I also have found it much easier go sightseeing in my 12-foot long Samurai than my 22-foot truck (without TC). Definitely true when I go sightseeing in San Francisco. If I am going to a function that requires extra equipment, the Samurai serves as my trailer also. I typically lose 1 MPG of fuel when towing.
I have a 11.5 foot TC, and use a 48-inch extension (home fabricated) with the OEM truck receiver. I have used my setup since 2004. I do not have a tow brake setup. I tow back and fourth across the Sierras. I have considered a ReadyBrake™ Supplemental Brake Systems ($480), but have not yet ordered it. I would also add their Readystop Towed Vehicle Break Away Kit #RS-5000 ($110). My tow bar is a StowMaster, cost less than $50 at a swap meet. I towed without a rear camera for many miles. The camera was not really necessary, but a valuable asset, with or without the Samurai.
Entering and exiting the TC with the Samurai has never been an issue. Actually, I use the tow bar as a step. It is worth noting, you cannot back up while flat towing. It has never been a major issue, but I have had to disconnect 2 or 3 times over the years, just to back up.
I have had trailers over the years, and have access to a couple now if I need one. The fact is, it can be awkward to store in campgrounds. Usually, it cost far more to modify the hitch setup to support the tongue weight, than it cost to set-up for flat towing. There are advantages to both methods, but my preference is to flat tow.
Wayne
I have a 11.5 foot TC, and use a 48-inch extension (home fabricated) with the OEM truck receiver. I have used my setup since 2004. I do not have a tow brake setup. I tow back and fourth across the Sierras. I have considered a ReadyBrake™ Supplemental Brake Systems ($480), but have not yet ordered it. I would also add their Readystop Towed Vehicle Break Away Kit #RS-5000 ($110). My tow bar is a StowMaster, cost less than $50 at a swap meet. I towed without a rear camera for many miles. The camera was not really necessary, but a valuable asset, with or without the Samurai.
Entering and exiting the TC with the Samurai has never been an issue. Actually, I use the tow bar as a step. It is worth noting, you cannot back up while flat towing. It has never been a major issue, but I have had to disconnect 2 or 3 times over the years, just to back up.
I have had trailers over the years, and have access to a couple now if I need one. The fact is, it can be awkward to store in campgrounds. Usually, it cost far more to modify the hitch setup to support the tongue weight, than it cost to set-up for flat towing. There are advantages to both methods, but my preference is to flat tow.
Wayne
