frankdamp
Anacortes, or wherever we've gone.
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Joined: 05/04/2005
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We just got a new-to-us 32' Class A. based on previous experience, we don't see a need for a toad for short-ish trips, which will be our first year.
Next sseason, we may do a trip to the Palm Springs area from NW Washington and a toad would be useful. We are considering renting a dolly and taking our existing car (an 03 Kia Sedona) as a toad.
How do "dolly towers" handle the braking of the dolly and toad? The Sedona is a fairly big (pronounced "heavy") car, and I wouldn't want to rely entirely on the MH brakes.
Frank Damp, DW - Eileen
Anacortes, WA
'02 Georgetown 325, F53, V-10
Dog - 1 Male Yellow Lab (Bailey 9 next July).
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mowermech
Billings, MT
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Joined: 06/28/2003
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Dollys are available with:
1. No brakes
2. Surge brakes
3. Electric brakes
Some states require that the brakes be controllable from the driver's position. Surge brakes do not qualify, IMO. However, surge brakes do not require the installation of a brake controller.
Ultimately, of course, the choice is yours.
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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sc3283
St Louis
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Joined: 01/15/2008
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It is what is preferred b the TV driver/owner..Each have advantages and disadvantages
to all that tow 4 down and think your NOT putting mileage and wear and tear on the 4 down vehicle while towing..your right but wrong!
Just because the odometer does not register towed miles...suspension, tires, axles, differential wear is still occurring. Along with the normal bumps on our smooth road systems...the unibody is getting wear also(squeak and rattle, wind noise all are possible). Yes your engine is not running..so it is not getting wear, your water pump isn't turning so it isn't getting wear...but don't ever think your vehicle while being towed 4 down is not getting any wear
04 D-Max Crew Dually
96 Monaco Dynasty 36'
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Bobbo
Wherever I park
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Joined: 09/16/2007
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mowermech wrote: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.
My Subaru Forester tows very well 4 down. Of course, I bought the manual transmission so it would be towable. Just unlock the steering wheel, put the transmission in neutral, release the parking brake, and go. I don't even have to pull a fuse.
rockhillmanor wrote:I'll go one step further and tell you that when you buy your toad that you can tow 4 down get the automatic brake system where all you do is flip a switch vs the brake buddy. Bypass that learning curve, I didn't and I am sorry I didn't listen to the seasoned ones here on the forum.
Or, better yet, get a Ready Brake and just hook to the loop. No switches to flip, or forget.
* This post was
edited 07/30/10 10:42pm by Bobbo *
Bobbo, Linda and the furry kids (1&1/2 German Shepherds)
2007 Winnebago Outlook WF331C on a Ford E450 Super Duty Chassis
2010 Subaru Forester w/BlueOx baseplate & Ready Brute Elite towbar
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tatest
Oklahoma Green Country
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Joined: 05/14/2005
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It is about inconvenience at each stop, vs. initial setup. Look at the situation when you stop.
A) Arriving at the campground 4-down:
Disconnect the towed vehicle at check in. Drive the motorhome to the site, drive the towed vehicle to the site or the visitor or overflow parking area.
B) Arriving at the campground with vehicle on a trailer.
Drive the vehicle off the trailer. Move the trailer to an overflow parking area or campground rental storage (maybe using the motorhome, maybe using the vehicle). Move the motorhome to the site, drive the towed vehicle to the site or the visitor parking area.
Reverse procedures when you leave.
Tom Test
Itasca Spirit 29B
2001 Ranger Edge
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Nomadac
Columbus, IN
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Joined: 11/22/2004
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rvten wrote:No tongue weight for down.
With a trailer you have tongue weight. Correct
Some states you have to license the trailer. All car trailers require licensing.
All car trailers require licensing.
Not all trailers come with large wheels. All car trailers come with 15" STT (Special Trailer Tires usually 6,8 or 10 ply depending on GCWR).All car trailers come with 15" STT (Special Trailer Tires usually 6,8 or 10 ply depending on GCWR).
Have to have a place to store when not using the trailer. Depends on the Campground, with a pull through site, leave it connected.
Depends on the Campground, with a pull through site, leave it connected.
Have to hitch up the trailer than the toad on the trailer. Yes, but you also have to connect the toad,etc. but it will not take as long as loading a trailer.Yes, but you also have to connect the toad,etc. but it will not take as long as loading a trailer.
You forgot to mention an enclosed trailer provides additional storage space,and security in addition to your vehicle and protection from hail and severe storms.
Arnie
2003 Travel Supreme MH
38KSO1 Cummins ISC 350HP
2004 Honda Pilot w/SMI Air Force One Brake Sys.
1963 Pontiac Grand Prix 20' Enclosed Car Trailer
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