Forum Discussion

bclan6's avatar
bclan6
Explorer
May 12, 2015

Do I really need a toad?

Traveling cross country for first time in RV (34' class A/gas). I'm driving myself with no help from another adult or driver.

I'd really like to NOT have to bring the car and would prefer to bike most of the places I stop to spend time in. I'm just not sure this is feasible.
Most of the places I'm staying is accessible by bike and not far from where I want to sight see. The main area I'm not sure how I'm going to do is Rapid City/Mount Rushmore, SD. I want to see things in BOTH, plus about 45 minutes south of Mount Rushmore. A toad would be great here because I can get a central campground and not have to move sites. The closest campground I can find in Rapid City is busier than I prefer and is still more than 5 miles away from the sites.

Is it worth the extra expense of buying the 4 down system (plus I have a rear wheel drive vehicle), the extra gas it'll take to pull it, and the extra hassle of it all just for one area on our trip?

Should I rent a car in that area instead (assuming they'll pick me up and drop me off)? Are there services that will take us to all the locations we want to visit?

I could bike 5-10 miles but not uphill or in wind lol.

What extra hassles does a Toad really put on driving? Easiest system for loading it myself?

So many questions, but keeps it all in one post instead of multiple.

Thanks!
Class A
  • mtrumpet's avatar
    mtrumpet
    Explorer
    May 21, 2015
    I always like the idea of having the towed vehicle along. I like the idea of having my own transportation along in the event of a breakdown with the motorhome. Also, as was previously mentioned, a quick trip to the hospital will be much easier and faster in the towed, as opposed to the MH or waiting for assistance.
  • ncrowley's avatar
    ncrowley
    Explorer II
    May 21, 2015
    I have gone on trips solo with the toad and I have not had any issue hooking and unhooking. So far, we have not been on any trips where I did not need the toad. Even if you have a small RV, I would not want to hook and unhook every day so you can drive somewhere. We really love having the Honda Fit with us on trips.
  • bclan6's avatar
    bclan6
    Explorer
    May 18, 2015
    Thanks for the pics! I'm going to toad. I just need to find a vehicle that can be now. I need a 3rd row but wanting to stay as small as possible. Maybe dodge journey or mazda5. Will have to check weight and if towable. :)
  • bshpilot's avatar
    bshpilot
    Explorer
    May 18, 2015
    bclan6 wrote:
    From what others have told me there is no backing in with a toad. I'd have to unhook first. Correct? I'm comfortable backing up the RV already. knocking on wood lol.


    unless the toad is on (or in) a trailer you won't be able to back the toad up for any considerable amount of distance (more than 5 feet).

    FREQUENTLY - I disconnect (aka drop) the toad close to our camping slot (i rarely pay the extra for a pull thru), back the coach into the slot and then go get the toad & put it in the slot (across the front of the coach).



    It depends on the campground or location of where were gonna camp - but its usually never a very far walk.

    Ive been known to drive around the campground loop to get a full lay of the land before i put the coach in the assigned slot (or to pick out the best slot for me).

    While its good to be informed & prepared you'll never have all the answers or be completely prepared for every trip - use caution & don't be afraid to try - its part of the adventure & gaining experience. Don't over think it !
  • bclan6's avatar
    bclan6
    Explorer
    May 18, 2015
    From what others have told me there is no backing in with a toad. I'd have to unhook first. Correct? I'm comfortable backing up the RV already. knocking on wood lol.
  • bclan6's avatar
    bclan6
    Explorer
    May 18, 2015
    2gypsies wrote:
    How old are the kids? If they're early teens they can help with anything needed. Otherwise, there are many, many solos using toads by themselves. It's not that hard to hook it up or disconnect. It doesn't require a lot of strength.

    It is not difficult at all to drive the RV with a toad. In fact, you won't even know it's behind you as it tracks effortlessly behind your RV. You just have to keep in mind about doing wide turns and keep your overall length in mind. You'd get the hang of it quickly and you won't even think about these things anymore.

    Since you want to camp in the boonies I really think a toad is necessary for you. Siteseeing will be easier and you can think of it as an emergency vehicle in case of breakdown with your RV. I think you'd love it!




    THank you! This eases my mind!
  • down_home's avatar
    down_home
    Explorer II
    May 18, 2015
    bclan6 wrote:
    tropical36 wrote:
    Kidoo wrote:
    As I read, some make it sounds like you cannot use the RV to go out the campsite. I did without a toad for the pass 40 years! I use to have a truck camper and when needed to go out, I would not unload the camper, I just disconnected and drive out the campsite. But I normally stay no more than a week at one place.

    I think a toad is nice to have when you are parked for long period because disconnecting every time you need bread and milk would be a bit frustrating.

    I do have a scooter and like it as a second vehicle to get around, it is nice to have but not a nessessity for short stay, like under a week or so. I was thinking at a toad but I am really concerne about the thing in the back like a pain in the ....back. When I travel, I like to be free, stop and go on a quick decision.

    Just wondering if you've ever towed for any length of time and don't understand why you'd see it as a pain in the back or elsewhere.
    On a different twist, you hear so much about wanting a smaller coach so that you can go more places. We've found this to be unfounded as well and no matter what size you have, the biggest pain is for disconnecting everything for getting underway and much like you've stated.




    So towing is easy then? I am concerned about gas stations and about doing this myself. I don't want to get in over my head, but I do like to camp in the boonies and like the idea of a toad to go to n from in. A scooter wont work as I'm traveling with kids. I'd do golf cart, but they cant go on main roads.

    Basically I need to know if it's too difficult to drive the RV and hook/unhook the toad while doing it solo?


    Wife has hooked up the towed by herself when I wasn't able to bend or even stand.
    It is not hard it is getting used to it.
    It is sometimes dirty, or at least on ours. I wash the hitch and tow bar when we park it. Gets a lot of road grime etc on it.
    As far as driving with it you have to just get use to it and not forget it is there and drive it like the towed was left, at home, around curbs, merging and so on.
    Planning fuel stops and getting out, of the station. One of us, that is not driving helps a lot.
    Stopping, at stations you know are RV friendly like Flying J or a big truck stop eases that issue.
    Until you get a lot of practice Campground hosts and most other RVers will help guide you on backing in, if a pull through is not your site.
    Good luck :)
  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    May 18, 2015
    How old are the kids? If they're early teens they can help with anything needed. Otherwise, there are many, many solos using toads by themselves. It's not that hard to hook it up or disconnect. It doesn't require a lot of strength.

    It is not difficult at all to drive the RV with a toad. In fact, you won't even know it's behind you as it tracks effortlessly behind your RV. You just have to keep in mind about doing wide turns and keep your overall length in mind. You'd get the hang of it quickly and you won't even think about these things anymore.

    Since you want to camp in the boonies I really think a toad is necessary for you. Siteseeing will be easier and you can think of it as an emergency vehicle in case of breakdown with your RV. I think you'd love it!

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