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02-26-2015, 06:31 AM
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#1
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Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 47
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Going to Alaska: take the toad or not
DW and I can not agree on taking our toad(mini cooper) along on our trip to Alaska this spring. We have discussed the advantages and disadvantages and would like to hear from folks who did the trip with a toad and without.
We tow using a dolly and not using the ferry. Opinions please and thanks in advance.
__________________
2011 Monaco Monarch SFS
2013 Mini Cooper Hardtop
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02-26-2015, 06:46 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 158
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dbray, I would not leave home without it. First, without the toad you are really stuck when it come to running out for supplies, running of the main road for sightseeing, etc. However, on a trip like that, it is also your emergency vehicle. What if you breakdown? Stuck for a week someplace waiting for a part? Can your DW drive the MH if you break a leg or something tripping over a rock? What are the advantages of not bringing it? If you are worried about damage, buy a beater to tow instead.
If you are traveling with a group, then these arguments may change, but then you are dependent on others that did bring their toad. That could get old for all involved.
Good luck with your decision and trip,
Jeff
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02-26-2015, 06:55 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 3,281
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we are also at that same cross road... we have a trailer that hauls our hhr...
I say.. what we gonna do with the trailer when it's empty,,, some places will barely fit the coach...
I'm say'n I wanna buy the tow bar and flat tow on the ground so we can un hook and not be bothered with the trailer..
I could buy a dolly , but already have a 2 trailers in the yard... 
I would think... IMO.... flat towing would be the way to go...
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02-26-2015, 07:01 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: New York
Posts: 473
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Take your car!!! You will not regret it. Keep all your travel options open when traveling far from home. We experienced a break down in Homer for 8 days while parts were delivered and problem repaired. Our car allowed us to continue our exploration while staying in motels. Remember trips usually have limited time schedules. Don't limit your options.
Safe travels and THE JOY IS IN THE RIDE
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02-26-2015, 07:49 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 158
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LVRVLUVR
we are also at that same cross road... we have a trailer that hauls our hhr...
I say.. what we gonna do with the trailer when it's empty,,, some places will barely fit the coach...
I'm say'n I wanna buy the tow bar and flat tow on the ground so we can un hook and not be bothered with the trailer..
I could buy a dolly , but already have a 2 trailers in the yard...
I would think... IMO.... flat towing would be the way to go... |
Flat towing is the way to go. Easier hookup and you don't have the hassle of finding a place for a dolly or trailer. Only advantage could be the ability to back up some.
Jeff
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02-26-2015, 08:29 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 3,281
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Spizzer
Flat towing is the way to go. Easier hookup and you don't have the hassle of finding a place for a dolly or trailer. Only advantage could be the ability to back up some.
Jeff
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thanks whats the best way to go tow bar wise... and where do you go to buy it???
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02-26-2015, 12:26 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 285
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LVRVLUVR
thanks whats the best way to go tow bar wise... and where do you go to buy it???
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The big three in tow bars are Roadmaster, Blue Ox, & Demco. There is also a company that makes tow bars with built in surge brake system. I think it is called Ready Brake, but not sure about that one. You will also need a baseplate on the towed car. This is what the tow bar attaches to.
You will need some kind of braking system. Both Blue Ox and Roadmaster offer several types and there are other brands like M&G and Air Force One.
Last thing you will need to do is allow someway to illuminate the towed vehicles brake lights, turn signals and tail lights. Or you can go with magnetic brake lights that attach on the back of your car.
Most RV service shops, including Camping World, can sell and install for you. These places can explain the variations in tow bars and braking systems and lighting systems and help you decide which is best for you.
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02-26-2015, 12:48 PM
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#8
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 76
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I've taken the trip many times with a tow dolly. You run the risk of some gravel damage in construction zones and on the stretch from Whitehorse to the border DON'T be in a hurry. Frost heaves can be bad!!!! As far as tow dollies....Acme seems good.
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02-26-2015, 12:55 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,328
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I'd be interested in hearing your reasons for NOT taking a toad.
__________________
Paul, Kathy, and Tux the Mini Schnauzer
2014 Tiffin Phaeton 42 LH, 2013 Honda CRV
"When the time comes to look back, make sure you'll like what you see"
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02-26-2015, 01:41 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Fulltime, USA
Posts: 16,706
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Selah
I'd be interested in hearing your reasons for NOT taking a toad.
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My Wrangler would cry!
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02-26-2015, 02:47 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: AB
Posts: 7,587
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Did this trip last summer. Definitely take your toad. We had the same debate to toad or not to toad and very glad we did take it.
Which ever towing method you choose, make sure you have protection for the toad against stones. We used a BlueOx Kar Guard and a custom windshield cover and faired pretty well. Others in our group without had broken windshields, broken headlights.
I ended up taking the rear mud flap off in Whitehorse because it was dragging when going through some of the low spots and throwing rocks up on the toad. Sounds weird I know, but it is fact.
I also used this armorall product on the mirrors and front end with great success. After the trip it peeled right off and the paint finish was unharmed.
Custom Shield | Armor All
__________________
2019 Unity LTV CB, pushed by a 2013 Honda CRV, BlueOx Baseplate, Aventa Bar & Patriot Brake
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02-26-2015, 03:09 PM
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#12
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Member
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: New Milford, PA
Posts: 44
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DW and I lived in Alaska for 5 years and then worked summers for another eight. We have traveled the Alcan 22 times. Think Jeep. Buy a used Wrangler,(or Liberty) simple tow bar, and light setup. Very easy to tow and hook/unhook. You don't really need brakes with a jeep BUT RCMP does enforce towed vehicle laws. Jeep would be easy to resell after you return home. Many places you may wish to visit cannot be done in a motorhome but easy to do in a Jeep. And allow enough time to visit and sight see. Several months would not be too much. Visit the North Slope oil fields, but fly rather than drive if you can. You can drive the motorhome up the haul road to Deadhorse but you'll cry when the windshield goes.
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02-26-2015, 03:11 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Floyds Knobs, Indiana
Posts: 499
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dbray
DW and I can not agree on taking our toad(mini cooper) along on our trip to Alaska this spring. We have discussed the advantages and disadvantages and would like to hear from folks who did the trip with a toad and without.
We tow using a dolly and not using the ferry. Opinions please and thanks in advance.
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We pull our Mini, which is an automatic, with the ACME dolly. After pulling the Mini about 8,000 miles there have never been any rock damage. I sort of figure that with the Mini raised in the front on the dolly, the rocks don't tend to hit it. However, going to Alaska I would want more protection. If your Mini has a manual transmission I have heard it can be pulled 4 down. A big disadvantage with this method and a Mini is how low the front end is going to be to the ground. Also, with a tow bar, to keep the bar level the hitch would be so low to the ground it would hit every so often.
The best option would be to pull something with 4 wheel drive.
__________________
Mike & Sue Jones
2020 Tuscany 45MJ
Jeep Gladiator
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02-26-2015, 03:20 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: So.Cal.
Posts: 297
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Bring a toad you can SEE the countryside..  (groceries are a bit challenging though) 
__________________
2013 Itasca Sunova 30A
2006 Crownline 250cr
2012 Ram Laramie Longhorn
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