Community Forums

meant2shop · 07-23-2012, 11:32 AM

We have a 37ft Fleetwood Pace Arrow Vision. We already have a Roadmaster StowAway 5000 tow bar on our Suzuki Sidekick, which we've been using for our TOAD. We plan on giving our son the Suzuki and purchasing another used car to tow flat behind the MH, using the tow bar we have. Suzuki is a bit too small for us.

Any suggestions for the best used tow vehicles for TOADs? We'd prefer an automatic 4WD small SUV, but something just a tad larger than the Suzuki Sidekick that can be towed flat. Would we have more options if we considered 5 spds too? Looking at Honda CRV automatics w/2 or 4WD currently, but they are pricey unless much older w/high mileage.

Don't want to have to purchase an add'l lube pump or drive shaft "coupler". We were looking at used Troopers (automatics) but found that it would require us to disconnect the drive shaft - too much trouble.

Your suggestions are welcome. The easier hook-up/disconnect with least wear/tear to the engine/transmission, the better.

Thanks,

Jim and Susan
Merlin, OR

Perry White · 07-23-2012, 11:42 AM

Smart Car.

Never mind. I see you need 4 X 4. I'm towing either the Smart or my 2010 Ford Explorer.

Crabby Mike · 07-23-2012, 12:05 PM

Most Jeeps. We're partial to our 4WD automatic 2008 Liberty, which is both our Toad and daily driver.

bmerpaw · 07-23-2012, 12:11 PM

Our TOAD is a 2005 Jeep Liberty. Hooks up in less than 5 minutes & unhooks in less time. Other than the plug for the tail lights & the safety chains, nothing else need to be done.
Steering wheel lock is easily disabled so no key in the ignition.
With 4X4 & seeting for 5 adults, works great for us.

Gary RVRoamer · 07-23-2012, 12:21 PM

We towed two Chevy Tracker 4WD (Suzuki Grand Vitara twin) SUVs for a total of about 65k miles. Larger than the Sidekick and much more comfortable. The CRV is another good choice in the weight range your coach can handle. Jeep Liberty too.

No need to go for a manual tranny unless you want one. There are plenty of automatics that will flat tow without mods, especially in 4WD SUV class.

desobelman · 07-23-2012, 01:07 PM

If your need is to go off roading, then Jeep is probably best. If you are just looking for traction in slippery conditions, most All Wheel Drive vehicles will do.

It looks as though you are looking to buy used, so here is a list of those vehicles I believe are flat four towable.

Honda CR-V
4WD Jeeps
Saturn VUE AWD
Suzuki Samurai

Other towables are available, but these are the 4WD/AWD cars I am familiar with.

Happy Trails!

Darryl

Dav5942 · 07-23-2012, 01:11 PM

You won't beat used Cherokee XJ 4.0L, 3200 lbs. and plenty of room. Look for a 98-01, can be found with less than 100k miles at $5k and are good for another 100k miles.

Lued · 07-23-2012, 01:29 PM

I like my 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport, does a great job for us, on or off road.

Mr_D · 07-23-2012, 01:47 PM

The CR-V really has no off road capabilities, great for low traction on road conditions though.
I liked our '97 Jeep GC full time 4 wheel drive, easy to tow, but the fuel mileage was poor.

ahicks · 07-23-2012, 05:43 PM

The CR-V's are expensive because they're powered like the Energizer Bunny! They just keep going and going, seldom needing more than scheduled maintenance and gas - which they are great on as well. 200k with no major repairs, and 24mpg not unusual.

And no, I wouldn't take one rock climbing, or try crossing a river, but our average off road adventure wouldn't need that ability often? Wet grass and a little sand & gravel is about the most challenge we ever encounter. Ours is used frequently to explore 2 track trails, and it's awesome for comfortable sight seeing/day trips within a 100+ mile range of a base camp. Plus, sports car handling make mountain roads a blast....

daveshan · 07-23-2012, 07:45 PM

One more in favor of the venerable Cherokee. Bulletproof, great off road and fairly light. Not a mpg king but if left stock they can do respectably. There are many with over 250k on the clock going strong. '97-'01 are more refined but older isn't necessarily bad.

Prices do vary, in high demand areas like Colorado expect to pay more. We both have one, DW's is her winter driver and mine is a medium duty wheeler/winter driver and our main toad.

The Liberty was the replacement for the Cherokee, IFS puts it our of the picture for serious wheelers but it's a great little vehicle for light duty use.

meant2shop · 07-24-2012, 03:47 PM

Thanks for your responses.

We're considering a '99 Jeep Grand Cherokee, automatic, we saw on-line today. When I inquired if this Jeep has 4WD, the owner said has it has an "optional 2WD or 4WD" feature". Don't quite understand what that means - we'd prefer 4WD.

Question: When I check on the Remco website, and plug in the '99 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 2WD info, it says "A Drive shaft coupling or a LP-1 (lube pump) will allow this vehical to tow four on the ground."

When I plug in the '99 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 4X4 (4WD) info, it says, "If vehicle has a Neutral Position in the 4WD Transfer Case, then vehicle is "Tow-able as is". Just follow procedures in Owner's Manual. If vehicle does not have a Neutral Position in the Transfer Case then it is a "Trailer Only" vehicle and cannot be flat towed. "

We don't want to have to deal with either a drive shaft coupling or a lube pump. Do all older ('99-'04) Jeeps with either 2 or 4WD require this type of add'l equipment or "neutral position on the transfer case", etc., in order to tow four on the ground?

If so, I guess we need to stop looking at Jeeps and try something else.

Or - is there one particular style of older Jeep that doesn't have all these extra requirements and is just a matter of hooking up the tow bar to the tow brackets, plugging in the electrical, etc., and going......like our Suzuki Sidekick is now?

Help!

Thanks,

Jim and Susan
Merlin, OR

daveshan · 07-24-2012, 03:50 PM

If it has the option for either 2 or 4wd it's towable as is. The transfer case will have a 2wd-4wd high range-N-4wd Low range. Some have 2wd-4wd part time-4wd full time-N-4wd Low. They're towable as is also. Pretty much any Jeep with a transfer case that has a neutral position is towable.

This is a good thing. Put the transmission in P, transfer case in N, hook it up, put the braking system in and go.