Community Forums

k turf rv · 09-02-2013, 02:15 PM

We just got a 2001 national tropical 35 foot powered by a v10 ford looking to have a car pulled behind any ideas on a car dolly or pull car on its own

palehorse89 · 09-02-2013, 02:20 PM

Hello, and welcome to IRV2, 4 down with a tow bar is the easiest way to tow, I have done both, car dolly and now a tow bar........tow bar hands down! Nice looking Coach! Good job!

k turf rv · 09-02-2013, 02:27 PM

thanks but whats the major difference ? does the car being towed have to be a manual transmission or can you also pull an automatic?

nakerr · 09-02-2013, 03:25 PM

I have a 32' gas Class A and pull a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. They can be flat towed with either manual or automatic transmissions.

Cheers

burfurd · 09-02-2013, 03:32 PM

It really depends on the vehicle, weight, and preference. Anything can be towed if you want to spend enough money to do it.

burfurd

SMRDNR · 09-02-2013, 03:34 PM

HI and WELCOME to the forum. we had the same decision to make this year as you, we decided 4 down was the way to go, don't have another trailer to deal with, register or find a place to park it. takes about 5 minutes to hook up and unhook ( I do the bars and DW does the Brake Buddy) what are your current vehicles- see if one of them can be towed 4 down. our toad is an automatic, had the dealer verify it could be towed 4 down

Selah · 09-02-2013, 04:15 PM

You'll find lots of different opinion on 4 down, vs tow dolly, vs trailer. Most people prefer 4 down as it is the simplest and easiest. Depending on what breaking system you use, 4 down is probably more expensive that a dolly. For me, 4 down far outweighed the hassle of a dolly and a trailer was not even a consideration.
That said, if you have a particular vehicle you want to tow there might no be a choice. Google Motorhomes Dingy Towing Guide of a good comprehensive list of vehicles and what is needed to,tow 4 down. The Remco site also has good info on towing various vehicles.

SuperGewl · 09-05-2013, 11:45 PM

First you need to find out what your max tow rating is. That will determine what and how you will tow. Myself, I prefer 4 down. Yes you can tow an automatic but only certain ones without any modifications. Almost any stick can be towed 4 down, myself I have 2 automatic 4X4's that are designed to be flat towable.

Jus Cruisin · 09-06-2013, 03:02 PM

I'm going to be in the minority as I think I will use my open trailer. For one, I already have it. Two, I can easily back up with it. And finally, I don't think I will have too big of an issue finding parks that will be able to accommodate me with trailer in tow. With the trailer I will have have a choice of vehicle I want to bring with me.
I do hope to get a stacker after I fully retire in a couple years. That's my ultimate goal, anyway.

Easyrider · 09-06-2013, 04:08 PM

Good advice here and more to come I'm sure. As has already been said, find out how much weight you can tow, if you decide to go with 4 wheels down decide what type of vehicle you want to do it with, such as automatic or manual, 2 door or 4 door, etc, etc, etc. After doing this start looking for your vehicle of choice. Then again if going with 4 wheels down start looking at tow bars, brake systems, and how you want to do the lights on the toad. It's all kind of fun and interesting and as you go you will learn some new things and decide what's best for you! Good luck and enjoy!