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Old 05-24-2018, 10:36 AM   #1
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Is there a toad that will meet my needs?

We are currently pulling a '12 Escape (~3500 lb) behind a 32' Southwind powered by the Ford V10 and life is good.
The problem is I want to be able to transport an 800 lb. quad (ATV) as well, so am thinking a light pickup might do the job.
The only candidate I've found so far is an '11 Ford Ranger. Can anyone think of any other vehicle that is light, towable, and capable of carrying a quad?


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Old 05-24-2018, 11:16 AM   #2
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Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon. 4x4 is flat towable.
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Old 05-24-2018, 12:05 PM   #3
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Nissan Frontier, manual transmission.
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Old 05-24-2018, 12:22 PM   #4
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What is the towing capacity of your motorhome?


The mid-size pickups have a curb weight of approximately 4500lbs. Throw in an 800lb quad, a couple of coolers, a few gas cans, a duffle bag or two of riding gear, etc and you'll be well north of 5000lbs.


Some people don't give two hoots about such matters. If you do, it's something to consider.
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Old 05-24-2018, 04:58 PM   #5
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Lots of them but the problem is you do not have a whole lot of CGVW There you are likely to gover the CGVW if not the hitch rating or both.
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Old 05-26-2018, 09:18 AM   #6
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Thanks to all of you. Yes, GCWR is a big consideration, which is why my first requirement is that the toad be light. The Escape is about as much weight as I'd want to pull over our mountain passes, regardless of what the sticker in the vehicle specifies.


The Colorado/Canyon option may work if I can find an older unit, but the newer versions are too heavy.


I'm surprised that the Nissan is towable as our local dealer said it isn't. I'll look into it some more.


Perhaps I can shave some weight by replacing the box with an aluminum deck. Box width between the wheel wells is probably inadequate for a 48" wide quad anyway. Then there's length... even a 6' box is going to leave a lot of weight behind the rear axle and may make the steering axle too light.


This could be a case of you can't get there from here.
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Old 05-26-2018, 11:22 AM   #7
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Don't rely on towability information from an RV dealer or vehicle dealer. Most don't have a clue. Look here -

Downloadable Dinghy Guides | MotorHome Magazine
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Old 05-28-2018, 10:08 PM   #8
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toad recommendations behind F 53

My Class A also uses a Ford V-10 (F53 chassis) similar to yours, and I just got done doing the winter "Snow Bird" style in Florida.. I trailered my Jeep Patriot behind me, and my V-10 powered gasser had the torque to handle the relatively mild terrain along the Michigan to Florida route, with that burden behind it, no problem. Just make sure to take it out of O.D. for the hills. But I sure wouldn't try going over the Rockies with it. That kind of terrain needs a diesel and a beefier transmission, in my opinion (like an Allison) So I guess, therefore, it might be good judgment to say "as light weight as possible, and within reason as far as terrain you will traverse" in answer to your question on recommendations. I am rather new as an RVer, but I worked as a trucker for decades so I speak with experience on that aspect of things. I know of many upgrades which can climb thousands of feet and are "many miles" long (out west) Since the F 53 transmission is actually comparable to a pick up truck's, for example, I would hate to abuse it.. might get expensive. $$$$.
Good Luck and Be Safe.
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Old 05-30-2018, 03:25 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BeenThereB4 View Post
My Class A also uses a Ford V-10 (F53 chassis) similar to yours, and I just got done doing the winter "Snow Bird" style in Florida.. I trailered my Jeep Patriot behind me, and my V-10 powered gasser had the torque to handle the relatively mild terrain along the Michigan to Florida route, with that burden behind it, no problem. Just make sure to take it out of O.D. for the hills. But I sure wouldn't try going over the Rockies with it. That kind of terrain needs a diesel and a beefier transmission, in my opinion (like an Allison) So I guess, therefore, it might be good judgment to say "as light weight as possible, and within reason as far as terrain you will traverse" in answer to your question on recommendations. I am rather new as an RVer, but I worked as a trucker for decades so I speak with experience on that aspect of things. I know of many upgrades which can climb thousands of feet and are "many miles" long (out west) Since the F 53 transmission is actually comparable to a pick up truck's, for example, I would hate to abuse it.. might get expensive. $$$$.
Good Luck and Be Safe.
The Ford V-10 on the F-53 has enough power to handle the Rockies and every thing else,
As long as you don't expect it to race up those hills like a sports car. Oh, you will hit some 30mph times but what the heck. That's why we enjoy RV'ing anyway, to see the sites
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Old 05-30-2018, 03:44 AM   #10
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Our F53 Chassis Bounder has a GCWR of 26,000 and a GVWR of 22,000. That leaves 4,000 lbs for a Toad even though the tow bar connection rated for 5,000 lbs.

Engine power is a small part of the GCWR and yet many relate that to what you can tow. Brakes, transmission, and many other chassis components determine GCWR.

A big thing to remember is that in determining GCWR, the assumption is that the trailered vehicle supplies its own brakes and that is not determined for the tow vehicle. That is for those who do not believe you need an auxiliary brake unit for the toad.

You want to tow too much for the F53 Chassis.
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