Community Forums

UncleTimmy · 11-17-2012, 07:38 AM

I just purchased a C Class 31ft Jayco, but have absolutely no idea which vehicle I should purchase to tow. Our current vehicles are not suitable, and I really want to tow a small vehicle. I want to flat tow, and I don't want to buy a new vehicle. I have researched and found that I need to find a car that is manual transmission... but finding a list of cars that are suitable to buy for towing just doesn't exist...can you all help me? Greatly Appreciated.

trackman · 11-17-2012, 08:42 AM

Hands down Saturns are the best tow

okmunky · 11-17-2012, 08:50 AM

I tow a 2012 Smart Car. It has a manual transmission and an automatic clutch. Only 2 pedals and it does the shifting. It only weighs 1840 pounds.

If don't need a ton of room, I highly recommend one. AND, they are fun to drive.

jzick · 11-17-2012, 08:52 AM

FMCA publishes a 4 down towing guide every year. Try here Dinghy Towing | Family Motor Coach Association

new2RVn · 11-17-2012, 05:55 PM

We tow a Jeep Wrangler 4 down. Light weight(about 3200 lbs.), easy to tow and a lot of fun when you get to your destination.

vsheetz · 11-17-2012, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by new2RVn

We tow a Jeep Wrangler 4 down. Light weight(about 3200 lbs.), easy to tow and a lot of fun when you get to your destination.

x2

Jeep Jeep

Mr_D · 11-17-2012, 06:56 PM

Honda Fit either stick or automatic would be good. Around 2,500#'s as I remember.

GNP99 · 11-17-2012, 07:10 PM

X3 Jeep, 2005 Wrangler TJ Rocky Mountain Edition, 6 cyl, auto trans. Easy to tow, fun to drive!

logansrun · 11-17-2012, 07:14 PM

Go remcotowing.com...type in the type of vehicle u want 2 tow & the info pops up!!!!

Arch Hoagland · 11-17-2012, 08:03 PM

Store : Remco

Remco knows their stuff.

njs42 · 11-17-2012, 10:10 PM

Lots of vehicles tow flat with automatic transmission. Honda CR-V is one and a great tow vehicle. We like ours.

The Jeep Wrangler is probably the easiest to rig for towing but a lot depends on if you have other needs for the vehicle, hauling stuff? Have kids? Have pets? It may not be the most practical but it has an almost cult following for a reason.

MAke sure you consult the owners manual for towing instructions on any thing you buy. Do not just take someones word for the proceedure.

wa8yxm · 11-18-2012, 10:02 AM

Replied to one of these in another thread it seems.

There are a few considerations, These mean the answer may be different for you, me and the others who respond.

First I like JEEP, and JEEPS for the most part have manual transfer cases which means they need little additional work to make them into a trailer (Towed cars are trailers) Add aux brakes, base plate, tow lights and in some cases remove a fuse or add a switch to the fuse.

Now, there is more.. Your hitch has a maximum rating, likely 5,000 for a gasser or 10K for a Diesel, and the motor home has both a Gross vehicle weight and a MCGVW The Gross weight is the weight of the Motor home loaded for travel with a full fuel and fresh water tank.

The maximum tow capacity is the lesser of the hitch rating or (MCGVW-GCVW) so if you have a max combined weight of 26,000 and an actual weight of 22,000 and a 5,000 hitch, you can tow 4,000 (my figures) provided you do not need a drop hitch or extension hitch (Those reduce hitch capacity big time)

So pick a ride that is less than the max

Now the other consideration is bumper height. Some jeeps will tow behind my Damon Intruder with no drop hitch, others need a drop hitch since they are more "Car like" with a lower bumper.

On a friend's DP, that is reversed, The ones I need a drop hitch for he can tow straight, The one I want he needs a RISER on this hitch.

So the other consideratin is try to get one where th bottom of the bumper is within a few inches of the receiver height on the motor home, again WHEN LOADED for the trip.

Now, that said, You don't have to tow a jeep, IN my case due to the high receiver hitch, My choices for towing without a dorp adapter are limited.

UncleTimmy · 11-18-2012, 11:01 AM

WOW--I've been looking for a site like this for a year! Thanks again for the help.

EDALLSAILS · 11-18-2012, 11:02 AM

We towed a Jeep for a while. Wanted more room. found several people towing Honda Elements (last year 2011). honda owners manual says they are NOT towable. We've towed our over 45,000 miles. it is lite 26-2800 lbs. Was told by Honda tech that the Element has the same transmission as the CR-V. We are currentley looking at a newer Honda CR-V cause we have 145,000 miles on the element. good luck...ed