Community Forums

Gummibear · 08-18-2011, 02:42 PM

Hi all,
my lady & I are trying to decide whether or not to bring the sedan along when we begin fulltiming. I recently purchased the RV & have yet to do any camping. Chances are we are going to make the toad/no toad decision prior to much travel, if any.
Before we make the desicion, we are hoping to get an idea of the main pros & cons of a toad.
Brendan & trina

Route 66 · 08-18-2011, 02:51 PM

If you're fulltiming, a toad is mandatory.

Otherwise, you'd have to break camp and take the motorhome everywhere you go.

Quite impractical.

ga traveler · 08-18-2011, 03:28 PM

Unless you are wealthy enough to rent a car everywhere you stay, a toad is really a must. It is just to hard to find a parking space for a large motorhome everywhere you go.

Cat320 · 08-18-2011, 04:22 PM

Without a toad, you will not be able to go anywhere, without taking the MH...what a pain. We did that with a pick up camper a number of years ago...what a pain.

Elkhartjim · 08-18-2011, 04:25 PM

Maybe you could go spend a week camping without a toad and then make your decision with some first hand experience. We once went for a weekend trip without a toad and regretted it multiple times.

Triker56 · 08-18-2011, 05:24 PM

And how big is your RV, feet wise long and what type class of RV did you buy?
That may make a difference in the answers you get.

Is you sedan towable 4 down. Where are you planning to leave it when full time?
If you don't tow it.

Route 66 · 08-18-2011, 05:27 PM

Click on his username to see his MH.

goldwingerx2 · 08-18-2011, 05:56 PM

We have met people that full time without a toad, they had electric bikes and a motor scooter that they use. The problem with that is if you get ill and need to go to the clinic are you going to feel like going on 2 wheels. The weather may not be good when you need to go grocery shopping also. I think a toad is a must. It sounds like you might still be working, as suggested above try going several days without a toad. They do not to be new or expensive, but reliable is a must. Good luck with your choice.

stearn · 08-18-2011, 06:00 PM

We tried not taking or toad and found we would like the convience having mobility. We are not fultimers, but we are snowbirds. We like to "explore" the area we are staying. Last year while wintering Arizona we put an additional 4700 miles on our HHR. Enjoyed many must sees, that would not have been possible without our toad.
The idea of towing a vehicle only sounds scary, before you do it. It becomes second nature! Just pay attention to weight, and get good equipment for towing.

Gummibear · 08-18-2011, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triker56

And how big is your RV, feet wise long and what type class of RV did you buy?
That may make a difference in the answers you get.

Is you sedan towable 4 down. Where are you planning to leave it when full time?
If you don't tow it.

It.s a 27ft chieftain 1984. The toad'll be either a 1999 Ford or 90s pontiac (sedan).

*i think now i just need to figure out toad hardware?

Mr_D · 08-18-2011, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gummibear

It.s a 27ft chieftain 1984. The toad'll be either a 1999 Ford or 90s pontiac (sedan).

*i think now i just need to figure out toad hardware?

First you need to find out if what you have is towable four down, if not you'll need a dolly, a trailer or a different vehicle.

Gummibear · 08-19-2011, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stearn

We tried not taking or toad and found we would like the convience having mobility. We are not fultimers, but we are snowbirds. We like to "explore" the area we are staying. Last year while wintering Arizona we put an additional 4700 miles on our HHR. Enjoyed many must sees, that would not have been possible without our toad.
The idea of towing a vehicle only sounds scary, before you do it. It becomes second nature! Just pay attention to weight, and get good equipment for towing.

What equipment is good?/typically used? (Our 84 winn chieftain already has a trailer hitch(?) (Looks like a ball...) installed from previous owner.

I guess a major question for me is... how much different will the driving become? 27' motorhome turns to... what?... 40' or so?
*how much does a toad affect braking?
*affect turns?

No matter what, I'm sold on the toading thing

Initially I said "NO!" to the idea (mainly because I was scared of driving with toad), but now im thinking its something I can realistically manage on the roads.
Thank you all for your imput

Mr_D · 08-19-2011, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

First you need to find out if what you have is towable four down, if not you'll need a dolly, a trailer or a different vehicle.

So, have you answered the question above?

Elkhartjim · 08-19-2011, 03:37 AM

I'm thinking you're 84 W is not rated to pull and stop either one of the possible toads. Toad brakes are required by law and towing with a 27' you'll certainly need them. You'll probably need a tow dolly (additional weight) to haul either of the toads or add a lube pump ($$$).

How many miles do you plan putting on that 27 year old mh annually? In your original post, you mentioned you hadn't done any camping yet...you sure everything works? A big one, how old are the tires? Not how much tread is left!