Community Forums

paulchinnici · 03-05-2016, 06:54 AM

Hi guys my wife and I are new to the rv life and last year we had a blast but the problem was when we went places we were stuck there with no car and we missed out on a ton of stuff to do. This year we are looking into getting some sort of tow system for our car but are not sure what to get. I have herd people say that pulling your car can kill the breaks and adds milage and using a dolly puts added weight. just looking for some direction before the RV season starts. Have a great day everyone.

jenandjon · 03-05-2016, 07:01 AM

We don't have a RV yet but will be getting one. I bought a front wheel drive Chevy Traverse that can be flat towed. I don't want to mess around with a dolly. I got the car on sale after a hail storm so im not worried about dragging it around the country behind an RV.

pushtrk99 · 03-05-2016, 07:08 AM

towing is different for each person by what their need are-we tow with a used Demco kar-kaddy since we have more than one car we use for towing and get new cars every 3 yrs, that being said it is an indivdual decision because we all have different needs, we like the tow dolly and even though I am 71 and don't get up & down like I used to-our tow dolly has served us well and can not see a reason to go 4 down-Rich
pauperspride.blogspot.com

Mich F · 03-05-2016, 07:12 AM

Can your car be towed 4 wheels down, does it require a tow dolly, or does it have to be towed on a trailer.

nothermark · 03-05-2016, 07:20 AM

Dollies work, are often available used at less cost than a towing setup, and allow a lot broader range of towed. We are happy going that way. ;-)

dieselclacker · 03-05-2016, 07:22 AM

What make and model will you be towing, and what will you be towing it with?

Rockwood27 · 03-05-2016, 07:26 AM

As far as brake wear is concerned, supplemental brakes in the toad or on the dolly will solve that problem. A dolly will add around 500 lbs to the tow weight. Most newer cars won't have milage added while towing.

tomwalt · 03-05-2016, 07:30 AM

Basics of pros/cons for each:
Tow dolly = less initial cost and any FWD car, but you have to move/store it and secure car on it (little extra work).
4 down = easier to hook-up/un-hook, nothing much to store, but you are tied to using one car and it cost more to get set-up.

Only you can decide.

JMonroe · 03-05-2016, 07:31 AM

You don't say what it is you'd like to tow. You may or may not be able to set it up for flat towing, that would take more information and research. If 4 wheel drive and equipped with a transfer case that has a neutral position, its almost certain that it can be, otherwise, it depends...

If front wheel drive it might be flat towable, but most likely can be towed on a dolly.

If rear wheel drive it would need changes to the driveline to be towable (driveshaft disconnect).

We'd agree a toad is necessary for maximum flexibility and convenience when travelling. I prefer not to have to mess with a trailer or dolly and we own a Jeep for its ease in setting up as a toad, its ruggedness and its ability to take us off the beaten path for exploring.

Grey Ghost I · 03-05-2016, 07:47 AM

What you want is opinions from someone who has done both. I bought a tow dolly and used it a few years and came to hate it. There is sometimes a problem finding somewhere to park it at a campground. It was wider than my coach and I did not like that. The lockdown straps were dirty and a real pain to install, And it was a must to stop in about 30 minutes to retighten the straps. The biggest pain of all is when you get in a place where you can not back up or turn around so you must unhook the tow dolly so you can get out. That happened to me twice and was the last straw. It will happen sooner or later. Ten years ago, I bought a Ranger pu in excellent condition with manual shift. Installed the baseplate myself, bought Demco towbar and have been very happy with it ever since.

**TonyDi** · 03-05-2016, 07:55 AM

If you have a choice, and can tow with all four wheels down, tow it. We have it down to a science and are able to hook up in about 10 minutes. No worry about storing it, or it being in the way at your campsite. The odometer does not operate when towing so there are no "added miles". When you mention killing the brakes, are you talking about the brakes on the towed vehicle or the motor home?

paulchinnici · 03-06-2016, 05:59 AM

The car we will be towing is a 2010 Honda Civic front wheel drive. We have a forest river Georgetown xl 2015 37 feet.

paulchinnici · 03-06-2016, 06:01 AM

The towed car breaks

smlranger · 03-06-2016, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulchinnici

The car we will be towing is a 2010 Honda Civic front wheel drive. We have a forest river Georgetown xl 2015 37 feet.

Since you already have the Civic front drive car and want to use it, I would get a tow dolly and use it and see how it works for you. If you later want to consider towing four down, you can shop for a car that is flat towable and sell the dolly. I would get a dolly with brakes for maximum safety.

We started out with a tow dolly towing a front drive car. I grew to hate using the dolly and sold it in 6 months. I have flat towed 5 different vehicles and would never go back to a dolly.