Cost of towing a toad?

[okmunky]

What is needed and how much should I expect to pay to have a 2011 Nissan Versa set up as a Toad? I'm considering a manual transmission Versa towed 4 down behind my Class C. Nissan says it weighs less than 2500 pounds and it can be towed 4 down with 2 minutes of engine idling every 500 miles. Will it require supplemental braking?

I looked on rvupgrades and found a tow bar for $200, base plate for $350 and wiring around $60. Does this seem right? It appears the supplemental braking system is the big ticket item.

My brother will help me install it provided there is not a lot of RV specific knowledge needed. Suggestions for brands of equipment would be appreciated also. And, I travel alone. How practical is it to connect and disconnect a toad without help?

At first I didn't think I wanted a toad, but with the cost of the Versa around $11K I could probably sell my '07 Prius (which is stored) and come out close to even. And I would be more likely to explore in my own vehicle instead of borrowing one.

Thanks!

[Mr_D]

Ford requires supplemental braking if you tow anything over 1,500#'s, at least that's on the Type A MH chassis to keep the warranty in effect. The Versa is a cutaway chassis so it might be different.
If you're looking for one person ease than DON'T get the cheap "A" frame type towbar.
We paid about $2,200 for all our equipment, not including installation. But we bought all new, top of the line Roadmaster equip. Roadmaster installed the brackets and I did the brakes and wiring.

[RickO]

I can't imagine traveling without a toad so I think you're making a good decision.

The price for the tow bar and base plate sounds pretty cheap to me and, as Mr_D stated, if you're hooking and unhooking alone be sure to do your homework on the ins and outs of whatever you choose.

Although laws might vary from state to state, you won't find much support here on the forum for towing without supplemental braking. I use a Brake Buddy Classic but would probably find another option if I were to replace it.

Good luck.

Rick

[bluepill]

Remember that road debris thrown up by your MH may damage paint, glass, radiator, etc. on the toad. Add in a few hundred for some kind of protector.

[njs42]

Readybrake products combine tow bar and a surge brake system---might actaully wind up new costing what you are getting used equipment for-----check it out. Lot of people have made positive comments about it in other threads.

Good to have brakes on the tow---makes you wise, and legal in all states in one move.

[JC2]

Here is a link with info on the ReadyBrake system. This is one system that you don't want to cut corners on when pulling 2500# + behind your rig.
ReadyBrake Supplemental Brake System for Towed Vehicles - NSA RV Products

[okmunky]

I really like the readybrake. Seems like a lot less hassle and no 30# box to have to lift out and store. One less gadget to hook up. Y'all have convinced me to add supplemental braking to my shopping list.

Thanks!

[JC2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by okmunky I really like the readybrake. Seems like a lot less hassle and no 30# box to have to lift out and store. One less gadget to hook up. Y'all have convinced me to add supplemental braking to my shopping list. Thanks!

Regardless of whatever auxillary braking system you decide on, you might want to consider whether on not to have the towbar that stores on the MH when not in use or stores on the towed vehicle when not in use. Personally, in retrospect, I would probably go with the storeing on the MH when not in use option if I were to do it over again. I will certainly give it serious thought the next time.

[mikron]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC2 Here is a link with info on the ReadyBrake system. This is one system that you don't want to cut corners on when pulling 2500# + behind your rig. ReadyBrake Supplemental Brake System for Towed Vehicles - NSA RV Products

It almost looks to simple, good site info.

[mikelm48]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikron It almost looks to simple, good site info.

I have been using the ReadyBrake for about 10 months and 6000 miles. No problems and it is relatively easy to hook-up. Still not cheap by the time you buy the MH and Toad-side equipment.

[Midniteoyl]

My problem is after all the setup and hookups and brakes, etc, you are still putting some wear on the vehicle and definitely wearing the tires... while doing nothing for you. Not to mention some lost mpg.. Me and the DW have figured we would be money ahead just bringing along a 2 person scooter and renting a car for a week if needed. Lot of times its less than $150 a week. Less if you shop around, shop early, and use a coupon. I recently rented a Ford Escape for $89 a week for 3 weeks Of course, with the scooter and nice weather, theres not too many time we need to rent anyways..

[Eric_H_E]

Why not tow the Toyota?

[WoodLark]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midniteoyl My problem is after all the setup and hookups and brakes, etc, you are still putting some wear on the vehicle and definitely wearing the tires... while doing nothing for you. Not to mention some lost mpg.. Me and the DW have figured we would be money ahead just bringing along a 2 person scooter and renting a car for a week if needed. Lot of times its less than $150 a week. Less if you shop around, shop early, and use a coupon. I recently rented a Ford Escape for $89 a week for 3 weeks Of course, with the scooter and nice weather, theres not too many time we need to rent anyways..

Just curious, what kind of scooter you use and how do you transport it?

[Midniteoyl]

Oh, just a Chinese Tao Tao.. Carry it with one of these modified a little for scooter tie downs.. PROHOISTS - Wheelchair Hitch Scooter Carrier and Ramp 500lb Medium