bill h
coastal reconquista
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Joined: 08/02/2001
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It is much quicker to unhook the toad from the MH in case we have to scout around. This avoids getting in bad terrain or just where we can't turn around.
Or, on entering a CG, the ranger at the gate booth says, "pick a spot and come back here to sign up and pay." This happens a lot.
A quick disconnect is really a convenience.
NOTE: Any incorrect spelling is intentional to prevent those annoying popups.
84 Barth 30Tag powered by HT502/Thorley/Weiand etc, Gear Vendors OD.
Siamese Calvin and Airedale Hobbes, 4WD Toyota toad
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robatthelake
Vancouver Island
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Joined: 08/24/2003
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If I was Hauling around a Show Car I too would have it inside an enclosed trailer!
I'm not though so in My case it makes more sense to tow 4 down!
To each His (Her) own!
Rob & Jean
98 Dutch Star Diesel Pusher ..92 Tracker 4X2
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javaseuf
California's Gold Coast
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Joined: 03/30/2005
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Another issue with a trailer is an extra DMV registration fee and insurance as well.
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Okie in Wyoming
Wyoming
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Joined: 02/22/2007
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In Wyoming you have to have license tags on every trailer no matter it's size or use. Our boat trailer has to be licensed as well as the boat has to be registered! And you can't get any of that without proof of insurance.
Seems towing 4 down would be cheaper in the long run!
Smiles across the Miles
Darling Husband
2 Wonderful Dogs
And Me
2007 Dodge 2500 Quad Cab(Diesel)
2010 Cougar 276RLS
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TN Tarheel
East TN
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Joined: 11/11/2005
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The vehicle to be towed,trailered or on a dolly can also make your choice for you. Started with Honda Prelude on a dolly,least expensive. Loading and strapping down can get nasty. Storage at site sometimes a problem. Next was Honda Civic on a car trailer. Car dolly tore air dam loading and unloading and was a real problem to store at sites. Bought a used Jeep to tow four down and have been happy since.
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mowermech
Billings, MT
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Joined: 06/28/2003
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javaseuf wrote:Another issue with a trailer is an extra DMV registration fee and insurance as well.
Some states don't have that problem. In Montana, ALL trailers are permanently registered. Same for boats and motorcycles. Same for all vehicles 11 years old or older.
My vehicle insurance covers the trailer, so that isn't an issue, either.
The trailer tires are a LOT cheaper than the 245/75R16E tires on the Jeep!
My trailer has brakes that comply with all applicable Montana laws.
I can back up anytime anywhere any distance, limited only by my skill level.
Yes, it takes a little longer to hook up the trailer, get the ramps out, load the Jeep, put the ramps away, and tie the Jeep down than it does to install the towbar, install the lights, hook the Jeep to the motorhome, test the lights, recheck everything, and go.
I'm retired. An extra 5 minutes is seldom all that important!
Then, there is the minor little fact that our Subaru Outback can ONLY be towed on a trailer, if we ever decide to take it instead of the Jeep.
In spite of all the naysayers, there ARE reasons why the trailer IS practical! (Same goes for a dolly, of course!)
CM1, USN (RET)
'94 Dodge 3500 4X2 CTD, 5 speed, 4.10 LS diff., Jacobs Rambrake, 275,000 Miles
'95 Tioga 29H Ford-based Class C
Daily driver: 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi
Toad: 2006 Jeep Rubicon LJ
"When seconds count, help is only minutes away!"
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wannavolunteerFT
South Georgia
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Ease is the reason my Mom bought a car that could be towed 4 down.. hook up a couple of pins, safety cables, plug in lites, turn switch to aux, pull fuse, and car in neutral... car is light so can be towed easily behind their smaller class C
BTW, my mom is 74 and my dad is 86 and they are still RV'ing..
Dad's arthritis keeps him from crawling around to hook up car on tow dolly or trailer..
I wouldn't want to crawl around hooking up.. my knees that have been
abused and pushed too much living life, don't need to be crawled on or squatted too much.
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TheBarbers
North Carolina
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Joined: 07/26/2010
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Great point on the weight. I didn't think of that because we can pull around 5,000 pounds. Even then I'd be hard pressed to find a 2,500 pound car.
2008 Coachmen 32' Class C
Check out our travel blog at www.tarheelcamper.com
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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Gale Hawkins wrote:Loading and unloading from a trailer is not everyone's cup of tea or the lashing of it down. 
Well... Gale has it right..
Let me describe towing 4-down the right way
Have dealer install either a lube pump, or better yet either an axle lock (Front wheel drive) or drive shaft disconnect (RWD) or ... Tow a Jeep with the transfer case in neutral.. I'm told current jeeps have an issue with the steering lock but older ones work fine. Don't know the cut off year.
Have Dealer install tow light diodes and US-Gear Braking system
Now we come to hook up
Drive up fairly close to where you need to be, extend tow arms to base plate point and pin, (times 2) hook up break-a-way cable (1 second) and lights (1 second) if not part of light harness brake controls (1seond) and Safety chains, (perhaps 5 seconds each) put transfer case in neutral or twist collar on axle lock or pull lever on drive shaft disconnect and you are good to tow.
Disconnect. Is even faster.
Trailer towing:
Hook up trailer to rig (Save for the axle lock or drive shaft disconnect or transfer case this is about the same as above, ONly it' harder because the weight of the hitch)
Now pull the car in.. EXACT, no about.
Strap it down'
15 miles later re-check it
WAY MORE WORK!!!!!
Plus as someone else said: Where do you put the trailer?
Advantage of a FULL trailer (not an open trailer)
Garage
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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69RoadRunner
VA
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Joined: 01/18/2008
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I do both, and there is absolutely no question that using a trailer is a much bigger hassle.
Let me give my steps starting with hooking up the trailer.
Need to have a much longer space available than doing 4 down to hook up the trailer.
Backing up the motorhome to the trailer requires much more work and precision thant driving the car up to the motorhome.
Lower trailer on to hitch ball. Tighten trailer on hitch ball. Do the chains, breakaway cable and connect to 7 pin connector.
Unlock both combination locks that secure the ramps.
Pull out ramps and put them on the trailer.
Remove driver's side fender on trailer because it's too tall to open the door with it on (not all trailers require this).
Line up car to the ramps. If doing this solo, I have to get out of the car to make sure I'm lined up.
Drive up on to the trailer making sure I'm in the right spot.
Set emergency brake and leave in first gear (4 speed).
Attach 4 tie down straps and tighten.
Reinstall trailer fender.
Check lights.
Do the reverse to unload.
09 Newmar Ventana 3942
Bunkbeds for the munchkins
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