Community Forums

gary276 · 12-20-2013, 07:50 AM

I was looking through the threads looking for a discussion on whether to tow or not. I realize it will be a personal decision but just wanted to get opinions on the need for a vehicle vs the additional cost and restrictions associated with an additional vehicle behind the MH.

I will transition to full time summer 2014 and we have run the full spectrum discussing bikes to scooters to golf carts to a small car. And when we are out and about we see about as many MH's towing as not.

**pasdad1** · 12-20-2013, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gary276

I was looking through the threads looking for a discussion on whether to tow or not. I realize it will be a personal decision but just wanted to get opinions on the need for a vehicle vs the additional cost and restrictions associated with an additional vehicle behind the MH. I will transition to full time summer 2014 and we have run the full spectrum discussing bikes to scooters to golf carts to a small car. And when we are out and about we see about as many MH's towing as not.

This would solve your problem. :smile

JFNM · 12-20-2013, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gary276

I was looking through the threads looking for a discussion on whether to tow or not. I realize it will be a personal decision but just wanted to get opinions on the need for a vehicle vs the additional cost and restrictions associated with an additional vehicle behind the MH.

I will transition to full time summer 2014 and we have run the full spectrum discussing bikes to scooters to golf carts to a small car. And when we are out and about we see about as many MH's towing as not.

I just ran thru the same process myself. As you said, a very personal thing and possibly also related to your location(s) and camping style. I take a road and mountain bicycle wherever I go (and ride them pretty seriously). In addition to recreation, they have served as my transportation for errands. However; my limited experience has taught me that a car would be a nice addition. Particularly if full-timing (which I am attempted to achieve). The short runs to the store, laundry, etc... are not terribly easy in the motorhome and most people don't like hauling groceries on bicycle (though it really isn't that bad). Of course, some people stay at places that have these stores very close by, I do not. So, I elected to go with a Jeep Wrangler partly because of its ease of towing but also because I am out in the west and really enjoy getting way off the beaten path. Or, occasionally getting from the motorhome to where the really good mountain biking is - but that's just me.

Probably obvious but just in case, one does have to be somewhat more cautious when towing as your inability to back up really plays havoc with getting turned around in tight-ish places. However; I may be the only one that is able to regularly find dead-end streets and/or other spots that are 'too snug'.

CampDaven · 12-20-2013, 08:21 AM

If you go without a toad long enough, and secure everything to leave camp enough times, and park your MH in town enough times, and get stranded on the road without a toad for any reason JUST ONCE.........

Chiefbvfd · 12-20-2013, 08:26 AM

Just my opinion, but if you are going Full Time, I would think that you would have to have a toad of some sort....

MattC · 12-20-2013, 08:40 AM

We have found that so much depends on so many things that this is a really tough question.

It cost me a couple grant to set up a toad properly. It pretty much has to include TPMS. Four-down still needs lights, brakes and the tow hardware. Dolly tow need the dolly and the patience to deal with it.

Most of the time, we are travelers and now have a small A. We don't tow anymore. It was too much of a restriction as to where we could go and/or park the rig. A larger rig without a toad still has restrictions where you can put it. A larger rig with a towd is not very maneuverable, so those things have to be included in any plans and we try not to plan more than the next hour. As we seldom stay in one place more than a week, we rent if it is a planned or becomes a long stay, other than that, we provision effectively and use bicycles for the short runs.

Matt

Glenn and Kathy · 12-20-2013, 09:04 AM

The only restriction is on backing up. If you pay attention that is easily avoided. Other than that I have found that anywhere my coach will go the toad will go also. I could never give up the convenience of having my car handy.

Glenn

OutAround · 12-20-2013, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn and Kathy

The only restriction is on backing up. If you pay attention that is easily avoided. Other than that I have found that anywhere my coach will go the toad will go also. I could never give up the convenience of having my car handy. Glenn

With some practice and driving skills backing up is possible. Takes a lot of practice.

OutAround · 12-20-2013, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattC

We have found that so much depends on so many things that this is a really tough question. It cost me a couple grant to set up a toad properly. It pretty much has to include TPMS. Four-down still needs lights, brakes and the tow hardware. Dolly tow need the dolly and the patience to deal with it. Most of the time, we are travelers and now have a small A. We don't tow anymore. It was too much of a restriction as to where we could go and/or park the rig. A larger rig without a toad still has restrictions where you can put it. A larger rig with a towd is not very maneuverable, so those things have to be included in any plans and we try not to plan more than the next hour. As we seldom stay in one place more than a week, we rent if it is a planned or becomes a long stay, other than that, we provision effectively and use bicycles for the short runs. Matt

I wouldn't bother w TPMS. I've worn out (3) toads and never seen a need for TPMS. Check your tires the old fashioned way and glance at the camera every now and then. If you get a flat you will feel it in the rig.

CampDaven · 12-20-2013, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OutAround

With some practice and driving skills backing up is possible. Takes a lot of practice.

Really? How do you back up without stressing stuff?

OutAround · 12-20-2013, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CampDaven

Really? How do you back up without stressing stuff?

Do not let the front toad wheels turn to the stops. If the toad wheels turn to the stops...max left or right front tire movement....then you risk damaging the suspension. However, if you back up without allowing the front wheels to bind all the way to the right or left there is no stress at all on the toad or towing equipment. It takes practice and good driving skills.

bdickson · 12-20-2013, 09:22 AM

We have been full timing for two years in a 38 foot MH and I could not imagine being without a toad.

flaggship1 · 12-20-2013, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OutAround

Do not let the front toad wheels turn to the stops. If the toad wheels turn to the stops...max left or right front tire movement....then you risk damaging the suspension. However, if you back up without allowing the front wheels to bind all the way to the right or left there is no stress at all on the toad or towing equipment. It takes practice and good driving skills.

And a willingness to replace your tow bar when when your skills are defeated by the laws of mechanics.

Video Please!

smiller · 12-20-2013, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OutAround

I wouldn't bother w TPMS. I've worn out (3) toads and never seen a need for TPMS. Check your tires the old fashioned way and glance at the camera every now and then. If you get a flat you will feel it in the rig.

I haven't had a need for a seat belt either. And I doubt that you would feel it in a large rig, or at least you sure can't count on it. I can't imagine why anyone would risk the expense of the potential damage to save a few hundred bucks on a TPMS, but YMMV.