Recommendations for a Toad??

[BernieCheryl]

I am going to retire at the end of this year. My wife and I (have had a popup or travel trailer for over 20 years) are going to buy a Class A at the end of this year. Budgetary considerations prevent us from getting a Diesel, and we are looking at something like a Jayco Alante or a Fleetwood Bounder.

We want to get a car to use as a Toad. Do folks have a suggestion as to what kind of car would make a good Toad? Keep in mind that I am 6'5" in height, so I can't be in a tiny car.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

[Ramair]

we just purchased a 2015 Ford Taurus and flat tow has a lot of room and it weighs in at 3900lbs, only the v6's can be towed 4 down and its a 6 speed automatic. Our towing max is 5000lbs on our GT.

[BUB1988]

We just replaced our 1999 Honda Accord Coupe V6-AT. With a KIA Soul 6Spd, so we could tow 4 down. It has quite a bit of room for 4 adults. It gets around 30 mpg around town. I don't know how it works for someone over 6 ft., but we know quite a few folks that have them. Fuel mileage on the road varies but the last trip we took, about 990 miles round trip the KIA got 990 MPG:W

[Bumpyroad]

Mr.Mark wrote:
Jim Norman, I've never heard of a toad that had a 50 mph limit. Our Honda CR-V has a 65 mph limit and 8 hrs. of towing before a restart of the engine.

I have never towed it that long in one day, 6 hrs. max. I have traveled at 70 mph a few times. The Honda doesn't care...... it's just a warranty restriction mumbo-jumbo.

We normally drive at about 60-65, 55 in California.

Even though I am considering a Jeep Cherokee for my next towed along with maybe a Lincoln MKX..... My two previous new Jeeps from '96 and '99 were less than favorable, I hope that they are better now. The two Honda's that we have had have been flawless. Wish they were still towable, it would be my next toad if it was.

MM.

yep I was wondering what ones are limited to 50 mph also. IIRC my tracker said 55 in some references and 60 in another??? and stopping every 400 miles is a "problem". that should be about every 8 hours and if you aren't stopping every 4 hours for a walk around you should be.
bumpy

[Mr_Mark1]

CA Traveler wrote:
MM,

You really drive 55 in CA? I just can't do that and drive 62-64 along with most truckers!

Yes, I really do. The speed limit is posted at '55 when towing', so , I go 55 mph.

I haven't had a ticket since 1985...... don't want one. LOL!

My insurance is so cheap with no wrecks or speeding tickets.... I'm riding the wave!

MM.

[CA_Traveler]

MM,

You really drive 55 in CA? I just can't do that and drive 62-64 along with most truckers!

[Mr_Mark1]

Jim Norman, I've never heard of a toad that had a 50 mph limit. Our Honda CR-V has a 65 mph limit and 8 hrs. of towing before a restart of the engine.

I have never towed it that long in one day, 6 hrs. max. I have traveled at 70 mph a few times. The Honda doesn't care...... it's just a warranty restriction mumbo-jumbo.

We normally drive at about 60-65, 55 in California.

Even though I am considering a Jeep Cherokee for my next towed along with maybe a Lincoln MKX..... My two previous new Jeeps from '96 and '99 were less than favorable, I hope that they are better now. The two Honda's that we have had have been flawless. Wish they were still towable, it would be my next toad if it was.

MM.

[Jim_Norman]

I am about 6-1, slowly shrinking, we tow a Jeep Liberty, 4 down, with an integral brake. Just bought a newer Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Quadra-Trac II, it has the neutral switch and can be towed 4 down. My opinion, Jeep is the way to go. Any alternative should have no restrictions on miles or speed. Too may require 50mph max, 400 mile then run engine for a time period. Most real 4WD with a manual can be towed, but fewer and fewer people can actually drive one any more.

[AAFD]

We use a Jeep Cherokee for a towed, I still have to drive it in the winter snow:) I also agree with getting a brake for any towed vehicle.

KC

[Bumpyroad]

OKSteve wrote:
Smart car! The way to go for me. Convertible was terrific for touring! So light no brake needed and toes on four wheels.

I wouldn't tow anything without a braking system with a break away function regardless of weight. a 1000 lb. object breaking loose and running head first into a minivan full nuns will ruin your day, and pocketbook.
bumpy

[OKSteve]

Smart car! The way to go for me. Convertible was terrific for touring! So light no brake needed and toes on four wheels.

[Bumpyroad]

BernieCheryl wrote:
I am starting to think favorably about a 2016 Chevy Malibu. The Dinghy Buyers Guide says you can tow one, even if it's an automatic (it'll replace my wife's car and she won't drive a stick - I drive a pickup that has a stick and is too heavy to tow).

Its weight is only a little ways about 3k lbs., so that's pretty favorable. I went out and looked at them on a lot today (it's Sunday, and the dealers are closed in Colorado on Sundays) and it looks like I'd fit in one.

Anyone have an experience towing a Malibu?

as has been said before, check the owner's manual for towing instructions. don't rely on word of mouth, towing guides etc.
bumpy

[BernieCheryl]

I am starting to think favorably about a 2016 Chevy Malibu. The Dinghy Buyers Guide says you can tow one, even if it's an automatic (it'll replace my wife's car and she won't drive a stick - I drive a pickup that has a stick and is too heavy to tow).

Its weight is only a little ways about 3k lbs., so that's pretty favorable. I went out and looked at them on a lot today (it's Sunday, and the dealers are closed in Colorado on Sundays) and it looks like I'd fit in one.

Anyone have an experience towing a Malibu?

[DSDP_Don]

I'm 6'2" tall with a long torso, so I sit like I'm 6'4" or 6'5". We tow a truck, but might be pushing the limits of a Class A. We've been looking for another car to tow on a 9 week coast to coast trip that is comfortable for four adults. Our friends found a 2011 Hyundai Tucson with a 4 speed manual. It's a nice little SUV that is very comfortable for my height and size. It's also plenty roomy for two adults in the back.

While looking for a used one, I discovered that the 2011 Kia Sportage is pretty much the same car, but comes with a 6 speed manual. Find one to sit in and you'll be pleasantly surprised with the room. They run about $12K used.

Lastly, our neighbor just bought one of the new GMC Canyon p/u's. It weighs in about 4500 pounds which would be right about the limit for a gasser. It's very roomy with a lot of head and legroom.

[D_E_Bishop]

You seem to have received some really good advice, being an experience driver you know that you have to test drive before you drive so I'll stay away from that.

We have two Suzukis, a 1995 Sidekick, which is my favorite but has limitations range wise and a 2006 Grand Vitara Premium. Both fit 6' 4" folks, are easy to tow and require only standard lights etc.

The Sidekick has no driving range as it has a small gas tank and yet it is very light. The GV is more refined and sometimes I feel funny driving off road in a luxury car.

My one word of warning, don't believe any resource on towing laws in your state but the DMV. All of them are selling something and quote out of context in order to make you think you need things you don't need.

There are several Suzies for sale in "Q" all the time, well very few during the summer. There are more than any other vehicle that is towable four down without modification.