Flat towing vs car trailer

FIRE UP wrote:

John & Angela wrote:
I guess it also depends on what you are towing. In this case the trailer stores mostly under the rear of the motorhome. Just sticks out from the wheel wells back.



If I do have to put it somewhere else the car has a hitch to move it.

There ya go John, showing off your perfect system again. Without a doubt, being able to maneuver your trailer around WITH your toad and or, by hand, definitely has merit. We've changed our setup from carrying our Honda Goldwing on the back and towing the CRV to, towing a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab and IT carries the Goldwing. So, we still have a toad, a bike, and lots of choices.

I've never been a fan of tow-dollies for my own reasons but, I guess they work for some. And, as far as a trailer is concerned, it too has issues of being able to find storage for it when in various campgrounds. It's a matter of preference. Four down has worked for us ever since we started camping and RVing, over 30 years ago.

You just have to do what's right for you.

Scott

Very true Scott. Every body has different needs. Funny how needs change though. Now we are trying to figure out how to bring the Kayak.

John & Angela wrote:
I guess it also depends on what you are towing. In this case the trailer stores mostly under the rear of the motorhome. Just sticks out from the wheel wells back.



If I do have to put it somewhere else the car has a hitch to move it.

There ya go John, showing off your perfect system again. Without a doubt, being able to maneuver your trailer around WITH your toad and or, by hand, definitely has merit. We've changed our setup from carrying our Honda Goldwing on the back and towing the CRV to, towing a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab and IT carries the Goldwing. So, we still have a toad, a bike, and lots of choices.

I've never been a fan of tow-dollies for my own reasons but, I guess they work for some. And, as far as a trailer is concerned, it too has issues of being able to find storage for it when in various campgrounds. It's a matter of preference. Four down has worked for us ever since we started camping and RVing, over 30 years ago.

You just have to do what's right for you.
Scott

Don't know what your tow vehicle is, but if you want to do various toads then the trailer is the only way to go. I didn't really notice any difference from the driver's seat in towing a Suzuki Sidekick 4 down vs. a GMC Sonoma on an open 16' car hauler. The main impact would be the additional load going up hill. I would definitely put TireTracker wheel sensors and a hitch on whatever you tow. If a tire blows on a 4 down toad it is difficult to notice.

Branchman, to fit my storage ability it is almost imperative that I tow four down. I have nowhere to store anothe toy and storage lots are spendy. I do have a lot of experience with trailers and they are nice but the three minutes I use to spend connection or disconnecting the towed (more now with aux brake) is miniscule in comparison to the trailer and I don't have to worry where to store on the sote.

What vehicles are you considering using?

ALot of vehicles are now setup for auto ALL WHEEL DRIVE. You have to be very cautious when using a DOLLY for these type vehicles. The jeeps in particular have to have all wheels on the ground to keep the oil flowing in both differentials... Just something else to watch for. There was a recent jeep on fire being towed on here recently probably due to the oil in the differential overheated because the front wheels were on the dolly not turning the pumps.

Myself the few times I used the dollys I was forever running the right wheel off the road and did not get very good life out that tire haha...

I prefer all wheels on the ground. Never used a full sized trailer which of course would the ultimate way to carry the vehicle I guess.

I guess it also depends on what you are towing. In this case the trailer stores mostly under the rear of the motorhome. Just sticks out from the wheel wells back.



If I do have to put it somewhere else the car has a hitch to move it.

Welcome to the forums. This subject comes up often and can be found hiding in the SEARCH box up top. Most of us end up flat towing 4 down although I went one step further and flat tow two down. Finding a place for the trailer can be a problem even when the car has a hitch for moving it. From what you have posted, I would probably start with a trailer and see how it goes. It's always nice to have a trailer laying around to haul things on even if you decide to go 4 down.

I almost always flat tow, but have an enclosed trailer that I sometimes tow. I don't use it often because it's a pain at a lot of CG's. When we are flat towing, my wife goes into the office to register while I disconnect. She then leads the way to the site and points it out.

I would set up your one vehicle to be flat towed. You can always buy a trailer later if you really need it.

I occasionally tow an enclosed car trailer, but generally flat tow a GMC Pickup truck.

The trailer can be an issue in many campgrounds as I frequently need to park it in a separate area when the campsite is not long enough.

Overall, flat towing is easier and faster to hookup and disconnect. The advantages to towing a trailer are the additional storage and the ability to back up.

Used a dolly for about 3 years, and now 4down towing for about 5 years.

Won't go back, although the dolly was manageable.

4down for us is simple, easy hookup, and unhook.

TPMS adds more relaxed travel.

It's personal preference. For us a car trailer would not be an option, even full-timing.

I like the KISS concept as much as possible.