Shopping for a toad

[Sky_Boss]

John,

We decided on the CR-V for a few reasons. Low weight, reasonable fuel mileage, Auto Tranny (Sandee said that was a MUST) and size to carry our 2 GSDs too. We don't see a need for a more aggressive 4-wheel drive like a Jeep. Speed is limited to 65 MPH and 8 hours of driving between starts.

Obviously, if you are looking for strong 4WD capability like an FJ or Jeep, then you will probably not be happy with either the CR-V or Edge.

[glenda1908]

Originally Posted by johnmbeard

We have gone full circle and back again...twice, in our search for a "toad" and we have had yet another change of mind (happy wife, happy life). We will be test driving the 2013 Ford Edge and the 2013 Honda CR-V tomorrow. With any luck we'll have a deal done in the next few days...

I would've thought finding a car to tow behind our motor home would have been an easy and fun task...so far it has been a ton of research trying to find something that is sensible, affordable (), and tow-able .

Just for information, we towed my 2011 Edge for awhile....until it was totaled by a cell phone user.... I was sitting stopped when she hit me from behind in a truck. Yes it totaled the car, but my granddaughter and I were fine. So it is a well built car for sure My DH is a disabled vet and uses a scooter for getting around. Since his Ford Flex was already set up with a lift for his scooter, we just had it adapted for towing. It also tows great and now we don't have to lift his scooter into the tray of the rv.

[Oscar Mike]

Well...the Honda CR-V was a strike-out...although it is a nice car and all around good engineering, my wife said no to the feel of the Honda, and it will be her daily driver...tomorrow it's the Ford Edge test drive.

[Sky_Boss]

Originally Posted by johnmbeard

Well...the Honda CR-V was a strike-out...although it is a nice car and all around good engineering, my wife said no to the feel of the Honda, and it will be her daily driver...tomorrow it's the Ford Edge test drive.

Having come from a Camry Hybrid, any car that keep the engine running at a stop bugs me. LOL That being said, I like the CR-V so far but it does vibrate a bit at idle. This was true of all CR-Vs regardless of trim and anywhere from 2010 to 2013 models we drove.

Good Luck.

[lass]

Originally Posted by Sky_Boss

Having come from a Camry Hybrid, any car that keep the engine running at a stop bugs me. LOL That being said, I like the CR-V so far but it does vibrate a bit at idle. This was true of all CR-Vs regardless of trim and anywhere from 2010 to 2013 models we drove.

Good Luck.

About 3 months ago I bought a CRV to tow and don't experience any form of vibration at idle. Mine is working well and the 27 MPG is just a bonus.

[TJPro351]

Not to steal the thread but those who have a CRV as a toad, did you install a brake system or is the CRV light enough that does not require breaking. What is the max weight that does not require a break system...thanks.

[Sky_Boss]

Originally Posted by TJPro351

Not to steal the thread but those who have a CRV as a toad, did you install a brake system or is the CRV light enough that does not require breaking. What is the max weight that does not require a break system...thanks.

Tricky question. Towing a car is not the same as towing a trailer so in many states there isn't a requirement, per se, to have aux braking but instead there is a performance test on stopping distance.

I wouldn't tow any vehicle without a braking system. There are other issues that have to be considered. Not having a brake system can cause damage to the toad, especially if the tow bar is not properly aligned. Front end alignments can get messed up then. Of course, there is the longer stopping distance too.

[Oscar Mike]

We did a test drive on the Ford Edge today and found it to be a comfortable car. A bit on the heavy side; I am trying to keep the curb weight of the toad under 4,000#. The Ford edge is on the North side of 4,300#. The Jeep Wrangler is around 3,750#.

[Oscar Mike]

Originally Posted by TJPro351

Not to steal the thread but those who have a CRV as a toad, did you install a brake system or is the CRV light enough that does not require breaking. What is the max weight that does not require a break system...thanks.

From all of my research I found that towing anything in Nevada over 1,500# requires a braking system. So any car that I would tow would fall into that category...besides is $1,500.00 worth the risk...not in my estimation.

[TJPro351]

I agree, not worth the risk.
We just purchased a 2013 CRV and I noticed in the front behind the fender, the transmission cooler is right in the front. How will the base plate be install? Also, will the plastic bumper have to be drilled with big holes to allow the connection post to stick out? I was thinking about doing this myself but I don't think it is as easy as I thought.

[becida]

All it takes is one time to NEED the brakes on what ever you are towing, not have them and live thru it. You won't ever do that again.
Brakes are good, spend the money.

[Sky_Boss]

Originally Posted by TJPro351

I agree, not worth the risk.
We just purchased a 2013 CRV and I noticed in the front behind the fender, the transmission cooler is right in the front. How will the base plate be install? Also, will the plastic bumper have to be drilled with big holes to allow the connection post to stick out? I was thinking about doing this myself but I don't think it is as easy as I thought.

Have you seen the instructions yet? Not that bad.

http://blueox.com/Uploads/Docs/BX2258.pdf

[PTJeep]

I have a 2008 Jeep Wrangler X as my toad with an NSA Ready Brute tow bar, I average 18 to 20 mpg most of the time unless I'm in a strong headwind. I couldnt be happier with it, and I've never had to do anything with it except customary maintenance, oil and filter changes, and if I decide to GeoCache, or hunt for Ghost towns then I can do that as well, and with the 4-door option I can take friends. It serves the needs, drives nice, is rugged, and comfortable and it has roll bars built in for protection. I'm 6'3" tall and cannot see myself selling out and cramming myself in a foreign car just to keep it under a certain amount of weight, my Jeep weighs 3900lbs and tows effortlessly, but get what fits you, if it fits, and feels good, its a good choice, for me that was the Jeep, and mine was used and like new for $18K. Just last week I had an offer of $20K for it and I turned it down, simply because I didnt want to have to switch out the tow system so soon.

Good Luck !!

[bcbrowne]

We flat tow a 2012 Taurus and dolly tow a golf cart or gold wing with a 2012 vw routan if we have the kids