Question for the group on trip to get MH.

[Rodallg]

This is a question for the group. I need to travel 1000 miles to pick up my motorhome, should I fly or drive my car and rent a tow dolly?
Pros and cons?
Cost may be about the same getting there. If I take my car I would have an extra vehicle just in case, if I fly I wouldn’t have to rent the dolly and have to have the extra weight and added gas.
Your thoughts

[wny_pat1]

bsinmich wrote:
For all of you who have towed an empty tow dolly I would suggest the info I got from the tow dolly maker when I bought mine. I had to tow it over 100 miles home and he said to just drop the tire pressure to 10# for towing alone. That did solve all problems. No bouncing, but you have to remember to increase the pressure before loading it up.

I was going to say the same thing. Drop the psi to about 10 to 15 lbs. You will never know it is back there, and the dolly tires will not be hot because there is no weight on them. But remember to air them way up before towing a car on it!

[bobkatmsu]

bsinmich wrote:
I have been towing with and without a dolly for so many years and never knew it was such a stressful job. If you can get the car on the dolly alone you have the biggest problem solved. It will all just follow.

You would think so...my first experience with my mh and a car in tow went fine for the first 20 miles. As I was about to turn onto the expressway I looked in the tv monitor and the car was gone. All I could picture was carnage some where behind me where the car had broken loose because I did not connect it properly. Then I realized I had my turn signal on and it had switched to the side camera. The car was still there I was looking at a different angle. When I explained to my wife what had happened and that I almost had a heart attack she laughed for the next two hours and has told that story dozens of times. Glad I can make her happy.:)

[bsinmich]

For all of you who have towed an empty tow dolly I would suggest the info I got from the tow dolly maker when I bought mine. I had to tow it over 100 miles home and he said to just drop the tire pressure to 10# for towing alone. That did solve all problems. No bouncing, but you have to remember to increase the pressure before loading it up.

[Mr_Mark1]

Rodallg wrote:
The MH was my dads so I'm confident in its mechanical state, I have purchased roadside protection from GS.
My biggest worry about taking my car is that the added length and weight with the dolly and car, I don't think it will effect the gas mileage much.
Coming back mostly on 2 lane roads if that means anything.

Why couldn't you have said this in your first post? You KNOW the RV, you most likely won't be stranded by a dealer with an unknown product. It's your Dad's and he wouldn't sell something that wouldn't run.

Fly up, get the RV and enjoy!

MM.

[2gypsies1]

You're concerned about the added weight and length for the MH and car. Aren't you ever going to take the car on trips?

If the car is towable 4-down, and you plan on keeping it a while and will tow it for your trips, get it set up before you go so it's ready for towing on your return. .... unless you really like to fly. 🙂

If you want to dolly it home, don't rent the dolly on the way there with the car. It'll be bouncing all over the place.

Having a car as a 2nd vehicle in case of problems is important for us. You never know....
Congratulations and happy RVing!

[Daveinet]

Rodallg wrote:
The MH was my dads so I'm confident in its mechanical state, I have purchased roadside protection from GS.
My biggest worry about taking my car is that the added length and weight with the dolly and car, I don't think it will effect the gas mileage much.
Coming back mostly on 2 lane roads if that means anything.

Entirely different situation than I perceived. Ya, your dad might be out there to really rip you off and leave you stranded... No seriously, that changes everything. Flying is probably not a bad option. I would assume your parents can drive you around. No need to waste time messing with a car. Keep it simple. At some point, you will want to get set up with a toad, but figure that out on your own time.

[okhmbldr]

I would fly. A 1000 mile drive to pick up a motor home is a really long day and at best a good day and a half. Flying would get you 1000 miles in just a few hours, and you're fresh when you arrive.
If you have a problem, use your road side service. They won't get there any quicker if you have your own car. Just be sure to load up on some food, water and snacks. If you have a delay at least you can relax, run the genny for air and have a snack.
After you complete your trip, you can report any problems and how you handled it, or hopefully you'll report a great ride home with no problems.
Enjoy the trip!

[Rodallg]

othertonka wrote:
I would not recommend that you tow a dolly empty from your home to the pickup spot. Empty dolly's bounce a lot and will wear you out towing one. Just my observation, I have towed one empty but never again.

If I use one I would rent from the local uhaul there in town.

[othertonka]

I would not recommend that you tow a dolly empty from your home to the pickup spot. Empty dolly's bounce a lot and will wear you out towing one. Just my observation, I have towed one empty but never again.

[Rodallg]

The MH was my dads so I'm confident in its mechanical state, I have purchased roadside protection from GS.
My biggest worry about taking my car is that the added length and weight with the dolly and car, I don't think it will effect the gas mileage much.
Coming back mostly on 2 lane roads if that means anything.

[J-Rooster]

Rod, I would drive also! You can rent a dolly or trailer at the nearest U-Haul dealer at the location your coach is at! If you should have trouble with your coach (new or used) you will have a vehicle and not be stranded, especially if your coach needs to be in the shop awhile (it's happened before).

[USARMYCW]

bsinmich wrote:
I don't think you could ever point to much savings or extra gas by haveing a toad behind the MH. I have not been able to tell any difference on the one short trip I took without a toad. We always have a toad with us.

X2

[Two_Jayhawks]

BobR wrote:
Fly. Get familiar with the motorhome and driving it before towing a vehicle. Get an ERS as suggested above and remember Walmart is your friend for basic supplies.

X2

[Daveinet]

I would drive, especially if the coach is used. Surprises are not uncommon, when making a purchase, let alone sight unseen. The most common will be that the motorhome is really not ready for you when you arrive. Dealers are notorious for slow service department response. That and there will likely be stuff that was missed during their vehicle prep. When making a purchase, you want to be in control of your situation, in case anything goes wrong, or is not satisfactory. There are good dealers and bad dealers, so you want to make sure you have the upper hand, if needed. You are going in on their turf, they are much more experienced at selling than you are at buying. "Plan B" is much easier to implement if you have your own car. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.