Dinghy Recommendation

[SinDee]

Hi!

This is my first post here. By way of introduction, I'm new to this forum but not new to RVs having owned 3 travel trailers over the past 25 years. This will be our first motorhome.

We're about to purchase a small Class A and I was hoping to get some help with the choice of a toad. Our requirements are:

1. New or used.
2. 4 years old or newer.
3. Under $15K.
4. Stick or automatic.
5. Must be able to be flat towed without jumping through a bunch of hoops or modifications.

I've downloaded the MH dinghy guides for 2011 through 2014 and have narrowed my choices to a Honda CRV, Ford Focus, Jeep Patriot, Chevrolet Cruze.

I'd be interested to learn your opinions of these vehicles and your experiences with them. Anything that will help me decide among these 4 vehicles would be much appreciated, including any specific years from 2011 to 2014 for these vehicles that I should avoid. I'd also be interested in hearing about any other vehicles that meet our requirements that I haven't considered.

Thanks!
-- Steve

[Healeyman]

Steve,

Sent you a PM.

Tim

[SinDee]

Very nice ride!

In the Corvette world we call what you have a restomod (i.e., old car modified and updated with more modern stuff).

OK, back to the topic at hand.

-- Steve

[Healeyman]

SinDee wrote:
Is it British Racing Green?

One more hi-jack, then we can stop.

No, not BRG. It is actually mid-90s Ford "Pacific Green". It is about the same color, but is metallic (not heavy metal flake) so that it sparkles in the sun.

I painted it in pieces in my driveway. 2 coats color, 3 coats clear. I get lots of comments about the paint. It looks a foot deep.

Safe traveling to you and yours.

Tim

[SinDee]

Wow, Tim. That is impressive! Is it British Racing Green?

In addition to the '59 Sprite I had in high school, I had a '67 BRG MG in college (Class of 1970). My roommate in college had a '59 Healey and another friend in college who had a '67 Healey. There was another Healey running around town with a V8 in it.

Looks like I've highjacked my own thread. Sorry, but I had to ask about your screen name.

Take care,
-- Steve

[Healeyman]

Hi Steve,

Yes, I do.

HERE is my Austin Healey

The pictures are kinda' small. Left over from the days when everybody used dial-up 1200/2400 baud.

Tim

[et2]

You left the jeep liberty off the list. Worthy choice compared to the patriot. No fuses to pull. Just put in neutral and press the little button. No fuses to pull or speed limit to towing it. Plus you'll have 4x4, and it'll go place off road the others won't have a chance of going, that is of course if your interested.

[SinDee]

Tim - I like Miatas. The problem with them is the same problem I have with my 1967 and 2012 Corvettes . . . no place for the dog to ride.

BTW, I see your forum name is Healeyman. You must have an Austin Healey. Nice cars. I owned a '59 bugeye Sprite in high school. Always wanted a 3000 but never had one.

Take care,
-- Steve

[Healeyman]

Steve,

It didn't make your short list, but maybe you just didn't consider it.

My All Time favorite is the manual transmission (5 or 6 speed) 2 seat Mazda Miata. It meets all of your requirements and is the most fun you can have with your cloths on.

Additionally, less than 2,500 pounds so no brake is really needed, 2007 and later comes in a Retractable Hardtop, Put in neutral and go.

We have dragged a 2000 and a 2010 through all lower 48 states.

I have all of the information needed to set up and tow.

Let me know if you want more info.

Tim

[tropical36]

SinDee wrote:
Hi!

This is my first post here. By way of introduction, I'm new to this forum but not new to RVs having owned 3 travel trailers over the past 25 years. This will be our first motorhome.

We're about to purchase a small Class A and I was hoping to get some help with the choice of a toad. Our requirements are:

1. New or used.
2. 4 years old or newer.
3. Under $15K.
4. Stick or automatic.
5. Must be able to be flat towed without jumping through a bunch of hoops or modifications.

I've downloaded the MH dinghy guides for 2011 through 2014 and have narrowed my choices to a Honda CRV, Ford Focus, Jeep Patriot, Chevrolet Cruze.

I'd be interested to learn your opinions of these vehicles and your experiences with them. Anything that will help me decide among these 4 vehicles would be much appreciated, including any specific years from 2011 to 2014 for these vehicles that I should avoid. I'd also be interested in hearing about any other vehicles that meet our requirements that I haven't considered.

Thanks!
-- Steve

Nothing could be any simpler for towing than a 4 x 4 Wrangler, auto or manual and especially with the later JK's without a steering lock. Also probably the best all terrain vehicle that also qualifies as a daily driver and in our case is DW's DD.
Can't help you with the other's, but would probably go with the Jeep for going off road and as long as it's a 4 x 4.

[WayneLee]

Smaller Class A would probably be a gasser which means that your dinghy would have to be less than 5,000 lbs. In terms of towing 4 down, the newer vehicles offer less choice than the older ones. Right now, it appears that GM offers the only cars with automatic transmissions that can be towed without any other add on items (drive shaft disconnects, transmission lube pumps, etc.).

I have had many different towed vehicles through the years and I always liked the Saturn for easy hookup and go even with an automatic transmission My favorite is also my current dinghy, the Hummer H3. The only vehicle that doesn't have a steering wheel lock, 4 wheel drive, and nothing extra needed to tow one with an automatic transmission. The only downfall on the Hummer is the weight which borders close to 4,900 pounds, which I did tow behind a gasser and I really felt it behind me. Of course, he Saturns and Hummers are not manufactured anymore.

Motorhome Magazine does a listing every year of all the vehicles and whether they can be towed 4 down. They may have previous years listings on their web site.

[Gjac]

If you are not planning off road excursions, and want the vehicle to be your daily driver also I would look at the small sedans that get upwards of 40 mpgs. I towed a 2002 Toyota Corolla to Alaska and other dirt roads in Canada and the lower 48 and would not buy a brand new tow car because of the stone chips. If you plan on staying in Fla or on highways a new car would be ok. Of the cars you mentioned the Focus and Cruse would be my choice. However I would look at the Versa, Elantra, and the Forte with the manual trans because I think they are a better value. You really have to think how you will use the car 90% of the time.

[SinDee]

Ezgoin - You might want to give this a try for your battery disconnect. I use one on my old Corvette's battery because I go periods of time when I don't drive it:

http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Terminal-Master-Disconnect-Green/dp/B00B2ATRGK/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1396656786&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=green+knob+battery+disconnect

I also use one on my current TT's battery when it's in storage.

Thanks to everyone for the toad advice. Lots of good information to help me decide.

Take care,
-- Steve

[ezgoin]

I just purchased a used 2013 Ford Fiesta automatic tranny to be used the same as you, only for towing on trips, for a lot less than 15k. Other than setting the tranny in Neutral, the only thing to do is disconnect the negative post on the battery. The Fiesta negative battery post is easily accessible (where the Focus is not) so it takes 30 seconds with a 10mm nut driver to disconnect the battery. There are no mileage limits on towing it, and max speed for towing is 70 mph. The Fiesta weighs only 2,600 lbs, so I doubt I will even now it's there. I'm still getting estimates on the tow setup, so I haven't towed yet, but from what I've read on this forum, folks love the little Fiesta.

Good luck with your search, and safe travels.

[tropical_ron]

X2 what cochise49 says...this is our second cr-v and it's my wife's daily driver...we also have the fusemaster, works great; required even without GPS. Lots of choices - people like what works for them. Not really saying amy one is the best. Whatever fits your needs and expectations. Is off roading in your future? Our cr-v is fine on the beaches where allowed; we don't climb trails, other folks like to.
Best of luck.