Community Forums

edsperfect · 03-06-2015, 12:49 PM

New to towing a toad but looking for a suggestion for a cheap light toad for 4 down. Will any manual work?

WV Bum · 03-06-2015, 01:16 PM

We just got a Fiat 500 ready to tow. It is light ( just over 2300 lbs ). I have just towed it a time or two. It is small, but I just wanted something to get grocerys and sight see . I drive it around town some, fun to drive ( Manuel ) don't think I would want to drive it across US. I removed the back seat for storage and to carry fire wood , Ice and groceries . I know that a lot of people tow some modles of jeeps.

Nick-B · 03-06-2015, 01:26 PM

edsperfect,

Please! You really need to define "cheap" and "light" for us a little better.

Vinster30 · 03-06-2015, 08:46 PM

We have a 2015 Jeep Patriot to be used only as a TOAD. The weight is 3100. The Patriot is cheapest SUV around. I was very surprised with how well it drives and pulls great. I purchased new so that we would have the warranty.

Sky_Boss · 03-06-2015, 09:00 PM

If you want an automatic tranny...Honda Fit

TeJay · 03-06-2015, 09:05 PM

Find a 5-speed Honda Civic. Fairly cheap, lot of them around and light. We found one for $5,000 and did some work on it. Gets about 38 MPG easy to drive and since it's a 2002 model I'm not concerned about having rocks chip the paint. It has about 170,000 miles on it and runs great. If it blows up while on a trip we'll just get rid of it and find another one when we get back home.

Yes, most manuals will work. When in doubt check with Remco. They supply a lot of TOAD stuff and know which ones can be towed.

TeJay

Cliffy · 03-06-2015, 09:06 PM

65 VW Bug? Had one once. Light, tow 4 down

sam60 · 03-06-2015, 09:18 PM

I never should have sold my Samurai. Little did I know that a MH was only a few years in the future, albeit modest. It would have been a good fit.

**CountryFit** · 03-07-2015, 12:14 AM

not sure if you need one with auto trans... if yes, basically there are only 3 options - 1) jeeps with transfer case; 2) honda crv; 3) honda fit. both honda's are dingy-able up to 2014. if you don't mind driving a standard shift, there are many smaller cars available.
for honda fit, setup is very easy.

FLYING BUTCH · 03-07-2015, 05:34 AM

2001 Honda. Never a problem

H. Miller · 03-07-2015, 05:41 AM

The Saturn Vue auto transmission is towable 4 down and is a "real" suv. Note ours is an '04 that 4 fifty+ pound "girls" fit nicely.
On anything you pick just plan on another $2500 to make it towable.
(hitch, base plate, brake system, lights)

ChallengerRN · 03-07-2015, 05:47 AM

We towed a VW bug at one point. It was a diesel. 45+ MPG. probably find a 2003. Or 4. for less than $4000. Ours was a standard shift.

Russell.

nctox · 03-07-2015, 05:50 AM

We've been towing a Honda CR-V for over two years with no problems at all.
You won't be able to tow the 2015 year model four down, due to a change in the transmission for this year.

**pasdad1** · 03-07-2015, 06:32 AM

2005-2012 Ford Escape HYBRIDS are automatic and towable 4 down. Note that the hybrid has a completely different transmission than the regular Escape which has a spotty track record of being towable. Escape is a "real" SUV.