Which TOADS are worth owning ?

[Richard_999]

I am looking for a flat tow vehicle to tow behind my '98 Bounder 35.
I would prefer an SUV style, inexpensive , since I use it very rarely.

Problem is ... as I read about SATURN VUEs , I see the VTi transmission seem to be a guaranteed ( almost ) failure, and the Honda engine / transmissions are not far behind in failures and cost.

Jeeps seem to have MANY engine and A/C issues , according to CarComplaints website , and most of the others in the MotorHome mag. Tow Guides , are very heavy / large, or very SMALL , and that is not what I want either.

I would enjoy hearing from those who have had the same wants , and how they found their answer.

Thanks .... Rich

[jfskeet]

We are very happy with our 2013 Honda CRV. Tows great and matched with a SMI brake system

[jfskeet]

We are very happy with our 2013 Honda CRV. Tows great and matched with a SMI brake system

[lcharron]

I've been towing a Jeep Liberty 2009, automatic, 4x4, for 4 years and about 30,000 miles, with no issues. Not all Jeep models can be flat towed, so check the user's manual that you can download on line.

[mowermech]

dahkota wrote:

mowermech wrote:

If it wasn't for the fact that I want a pickup, and I don't want an extra vehicle, my toad would be a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2-door, Probably an '06 Rubicon. An '06 because I don't care for the '07 and later models. they have become to "civilized".

This is my dream jeep. I thought I was the only one. 🙂

You would have loved the one I used to have. It had aftermarket bumpers front and rear, two and a half inch suspension lift, one inch body and engine lift, tummy tuck, 30 gallon fuel tank, winch, custom roll bars, and, IIRC, 35 inch tires. CB and Ham radios, of course.
I towed it using a fixed-arm adjustable width towbar, with the brackets bolted to the front bumper. It towed great behind our ol Tioga Class C and our current Class A.
However, I wanted a pickup. So, the Jeep went away and I got a Dodge 1500. But, I wanted more towing power, so the 1500 went away, and I got the truck in my sig. I'm thinking about setting it up as a towed, but I think the 6900 lbs would be pushing the envelope more than a little bit!

[dubdub07]

dahkota wrote:

mowermech wrote:

If it wasn't for the fact that I want a pickup, and I don't want an extra vehicle, my toad would be a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2-door, Probably an '06 Rubicon. An '06 because I don't care for the '07 and later models. they have become to "civilized".

This is my dream jeep. I thought I was the only one. 🙂

Civilized, and yet they are still the most capable ever made. I love all Jeeps and would tow an '06 if I didn't need the rear doors, but ONLY because the TJ is a lot lighter for a toad. For off-roading, A JK will do what a TJ does. No doubt.

WW

[dahkota]

mowermech wrote:

If it wasn't for the fact that I want a pickup, and I don't want an extra vehicle, my toad would be a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2-door, Probably an '06 Rubicon. An '06 because I don't care for the '07 and later models. they have become to "civilized".

This is my dream jeep. I thought I was the only one. 🙂

[aerbus32]

Just had a service done on our 2010 C-RV. Just under 100k miles. Essentially only used as a dinghy. The dealership is in a well known snowbird area of So Cal. It is where I get the car serviced in this area. Knowing that the newer models cannot be flat towed, I asked the service writer about replacement engines, transmissions, etc., when & if the time comes. He gave me a look like I'd been smoking breakfast. He knew of a few very high mileage cars that they had put rebuilt transmissions into, but not a single C-RV engine. I suggested that I fully expected to get at least 200k out of the car. He suggested I was being very conservative knowing how meticulous I am about maintenance. Glad to hear it. We had recently come across the exact car we have at a CarMax nearby. It had only 25k on it. Thought about buying it as a back up vehicle.

[2gypsies1]

We towed our '04 Jeep Liberty with no problems and no engine/AC issues. It gave us great fun off-roading and was a comfortable 4-seater. We sold it with 185,000 trouble-free miles on it.

[tatest]

I consider the Honda Fit I've set up for towing to be a car worth owning. Not loaded with expensive electronic toys, initial price is low, making it a goot value. With manual transmission it as much fun to drive as my little BMW 1600-2 was half a century ago, with same weight and power, and none of the mechanical flaws that made the Beemer such a pain to own.

It is essentially a SUV, micro-size. If you want a taller version, there is the HRV, if they offer it with manual transmission.

[Two_Jayhawks]

avan wrote:
My Saturn Vue V6 has 187,000 miles on the OD with 10's of thousands more towing 4 down. Reading OP's post, it looks like the sky is falling. NOT!! Zero problems. Course I didn't go on some website to write about my frustration that I haven't had even the hint of a major or minor repair problem.

Why not find the car you're interested in and have a real mechanic check it out before buying?

Our 2006 Vue was a hall of fame toad also. DW's daily driver (130 round trip daily commute)as well as a great toad. The odometer showed about 200K and that didn't include the towed miles. We loved ours and had zero problems also.

[Richard_999]

i THANK ALL OF YOU.
i DID BUY A 2002 GMC ENVOY today. Got a good price on it and it already has a blue ox frame mount on front. I jest need the Attachment Tabs and tow bar now.

BYE BYE TOW DOLLY !

Richard

[F1bNorm]

We're happy with our Honda CRV, both as a toad and daily driver. This car does need a charge line or battery disconnect when setting up to tow.

Norm

[klutchdust]

I just did a search for "98 Bounder issues" and I don't know if I would be interested in one of those after reading that forum, anyway my 2008 Jeep Wrangler JK just turned 113,000 miles. I replaced the ignition coil,and last month the "clock spring" other than regular maintenance issues a great vehicle for 2 people.

[Richard_999]

THANKS TO ALL...........good info to have.
I do admit that reading many forums will only produce the negative side , and that is why I am interested in posting HERE , since I do see so many of the same vehicles being towed , and as such , they cannot be ALL bad.

Rich