I have a fleetwood Discovery w/ 275HP CUMMINS Turbo Diesel with Allison 6-Speed Electronic Transmission. I want to get a tow dolly for my 2012 Ford Fusion which can run 4 down. The MH can tow 5000 lbs, and the ford is about 4500 lbs. I am confused as I checked at CW and was told installation is about $3500. for what they said I needed.I am not cheap, but thrifty as I saw tow dolly's on Ebay for around $500. What else do I need to complete a tow package, and how should I start and what are my possibilities. All and any input is acceptable I am not sensitive to good and bad comments as I am an Insurance salesman.

With a tow dolly, you will still need brakes, and a light package (either tied into the vehicle, or magnetic type that are placed on the trunk or inside window).If you know that you will be using the Fusion as your toad for the next few years, it may make sense to go with the 4-down, as it's much easier to operate once you have it installed....taking a couple of minutes to hook-up, compared to all the work involved in putting the car up on the dolly.......a big thing, when it's raining out:(I will probably go with a dolly myself, but because I want the ability to tow different vehicles, depending on what we need for a particular trip.Your diesel should have no trouble with any option you go with!Happy Camping:)

Actually, I think you may be confused. You mention 4 down and installation charges, and you talk about a Tow Dolly. A Tow dolly is a small trailer like object that the front tires of the vehicle ride on. It is not 4 down towing and does not require any installation.You sound like what you want is a tow bar and that does require installation of base plates on your towed car as well as installed lighting on the towed car. $3500 for the full package seems about right for Camping World, but they are very expensive.

I should add, last time I set a vehicle up for 4 down towing was my Dodge Dakota truck and I installed the baseplates myself. They weren't that difficult on a truck. I don't know how hard they are to install yourself on a car. The time before last I had a Jeep Cherokee. Just the install charges alone from the RV shop was something like $800 just to attach the baseplates. My local Jeep dealer had a body shop so I took it there. I showed them to the body guy and gave him the instructions and he installed them for $300. He had never done them before, but he was a regular body shop mechanic so was probably way more skilled than the workers at Camping World.

kidkasha wrote:I am not cheap, but thrifty as I saw tow dolly's on Ebay for around $500. What else do I need to complete a tow package, and how should I start and what are my possibilities... When I was looking for a tow dolly the cheaper ones that I found on eBay or Craigslist needed more work than they were worth. If you go this route make sure you check it over well, including tire manufacturing dates.I have a dolly that we certainly have established a routine to make it as short and simple as possible. But, having said that.... the biggest downside to having the dolly is that it requires two people to set it up, one to drive the car and another to direct that person onto the ramps and stopping points. Normally that's OK, but if one of you is not feeling well or doing other tasks, it sure puts a wrinkle in your set-up procedures.If you are mechanically inclined you can save on some of the labor by doing things yourself, but you still have the cost of the components. If I had to do it all over again I would more than likely choose 4 down. JMHODoug

I shopped used tow dolly's on craigslist around Austin TX for a few months. All the $500 ones weren't equipped with brakes. To get a TD with brakes put me in the $1000-$1200 range. I finally found a TD with brakes that needed some minor repairs for $500, so I snapped it up. Nobody wants to repair anything anymore, if you're at all handy you can find some very good deals.Steve

Tow dolly what do I need | Good Sam Community

kidkasha
Explorer
Jul 29, 2013
I was able to purchase a Roadmaster Towmaster from an individual with all the parts. Going on a trip LA to Coeur D' Alene ID. Will need to have installed when I return. Thank you all for your advise
PastorCharlie
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
Tow bars that use the hitch ball have to be removed and stored and those that do not use the ball can remain on the MH hitch once disconnected.

Counting pennies on a tow hitch can cost dollars or even lives. A truck pulling a trailer using a pintle hitch separated while crossing a bridge here locally and the trailer hit an oncoming car cutting off the roof and decapitating the driver.

A quality hitch is GOOD insurance. Not a place to skimp. Adjust the budget at other places.
jerseyjim
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
If you're talking about a telescoping towbar (with a baseplate)vs a triangular bar that bolts on to the car....
My preference is the telescoping one. Look around any RV park, I'd guess 99% of motorhomes that tow cars have the telescoping models. I guess there's a reason for that.
Check it out.
kidkasha
Explorer
Jul 20, 2013
Any commnt??
kidkasha
Explorer
Jul 20, 2013
Is the difference between the total bar And the one that slides in with the straight bar??
I have an opportunity to buy one With the ball, With the banking system For under $600 Input please as I may be looking at in the next day or two
JaBob
Explorer
Jul 19, 2013
The question of brakes being required always brings out the people who state the law. The question is in a quick stop do you want a 4000lb vehicle pushing you or helping you to stop. The answer is obvious, either option should have a brake.
Happy safe travels.

Bob
Effy
Explorer II
Jul 19, 2013
kidkasha wrote:
According to owners manual it states that it can be towed 4 down in nuetral. Before anything will check at a dealershio.

I would NOT trust a dealership. Call Ford Mo co directly.
kidkasha
Explorer
Jul 19, 2013
According to owners manual it states that it can be towed 4 down in nuetral. Before anything will check at a dealershio.
PastorCharlie
Explorer
Jul 18, 2013
kidkasha wrote:
Got a qoute for a 4 down tow with everything except brake attachement (invisbake) for $1500. does it sound about rigt??

Depends on the quality of the equipment. Give us the brand name and model.
VinCee
Explorer
Jul 18, 2013
According to Remco Transmission Lube Pump towing experts, the 2012 Ford Fusion with the 2.5litre 4 cylinder engine and 6 speed 6F35 transmission IS NOT TO BE TOWED 4 DOWN. This can be looked up at Remco's website. The only Fusion I have heard of that are towed 4 down are the hybrid's which I do not know why there is a difference

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Tow dolly what do I need

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