To tow or not to tow that is the question

[retired 58]

hi my wife and I are planning to head to warmer weather next winter but we cant decide if we want to tow a vehicle or rent a car a few days a week when were there. I have towed a car before and not fond of it. but think it might be better than renting. we will be down south for 3 months so its not like we will be driving the motor home around once we are there. just checking if anyone has any idea how expensive it would be to rent a car or if there are any other options I haven't thought of . you help would be greatly appreciated.

[aether_one]

It would probably be much cheaper to rent a car by the month rather than a few days a week.

[retired 58]

never thought of that thanks. I'm going to check into that. not very good at the haha. so slow to get info

[FIRE UP]

Well Sir,
You're more than likely gonna get the phone book in answers here. We're one of those with the train of thought that, moving that motorhome, without a toad, is just not safe with us. Toads can cost a thousand dollars or, they can cost $50K or more, depending what your taste is. But, it's not only when you arrive at your destination(s) or are at a temporary parking area, but it's also ON YOUR WAY THERE that's also a concern.

Motorhomes are not infallible. They can, and have been known to, break down ANYWHERE. And, they do it for any number of reasons. But, to be stuck, in the middle of NOWHERE and, maybe late in the evening or the weee hours of the morning, or blistering sun in the desert etc. WITHOUT any form of transportation to go get help or a part or parts for the motor home, (that if you're the type that does a lot of DIY type stuff like me), IS NOT GONNA HAPPEN.

We have been broken down, more than once and, without a doubt, having that toad has been a life saver. Depending on uber, or any form of a taxi, or trying to rent a car from any agency that's maybe miles or hours away from your location, AT NIGHT or any time they might be closed anyways, DEFINITELY is not something I would even THINK ABOUT!

To us, the cost of a toad is just not in question. First off, any vehicles we buy, ARE FLAT TOWABLE in the first place. So, we gotta have a vehicle anyways so, why not make it a flat towable one so that, when we travel, hook the thing up to the coach and take off!!! I don't fret the setting up of a tow bar, the wiring and all that, it's plain and simple to me. And, once it's done, it's done FOREVER!

It takes the wife and I about 45 seconds to a minute, to either hook up for towing or, unhook from towing, it's just that simple. Now, we've got OUR OWN vehicle to drive around, go get dinner, parts, explore, go to an urgent care if an emergency exists and more. It's your choice. We'll NEVER BE WITHOUT ONE.
Scott

[RickNC]

We have a small motorhome (23’) At that size we haven,t needed a towed. But I did reserve/prepay for a small car during our month in Colorado this summer. Cost was just under $600 for one month through Budget Rent-a-car.

[lrgomez1976]

We have a 36' RV and we have rented cars spending $200 - 300 everytime. I bit the bullet and purchase the equipment to toad my F-150 and figured it would pay for itself. Granted we don't always take a toad but it just depends on activities or where we are going. My toad is NOT for that purpose only... it's an everyday driver and did not cost me 50k. My last trip was to Arizona to visit our grandkids for Christmas pulling the toad nearly 3000 miles at around 65 mph without issues. Best of luck!!

[cwit]

I don’t leave home without my toad. If you check on this forum they sell toads all set up and ready to go.

[ga traveler]

I bought my first motorhome in 1974. No toad. We drove it everywhere we went.I was never relaxed parking in town with all my goodies in it. In 1993 we bought our first toad. It was a 1993 Mazda 2300 pickup. I would never go back. We do so much more sight seeing with the toad. When we went out west, we put 5500 miles on the motorhome but we put 6400 miles on the toad.

[Divingbiker]

We have done it all....

Brought our bicycles: Rode them everywhere we went. Limited distance, sucks when its raining..

Brought our motorcycle: Fun.... but again, sucks in the rain

Rent a car by the week or month: Figure about $600 per month.

UBER: Cheap but sometimes a long wait depending on where you are.

Pulled our own vehicle (Toad) PREFERRED METHOD. I like the backup for emergency transportation while on the road and really nice to have our own wheels when we are staying in one place for a while.

We drive a CHEAP Chevy Spark. Tows great and easy on the wallet...

[retired 58]

Well looks like I’m goi g to be towing.thanks everyone for the input.already have a small car so I will probably just pick up a car dolly.I had one before but got rid of it 😬. Have to get another one.

[CapnDean]

Hey retired 58..... Get the toad, and skip the dolly. Tow Dollies are a total PITA. Don't believe me? Rent or borrow one, set a stop watch and pull up to a site with your car on the dolly. Click the stop watch and get out there and start unhooking. Unstrap the car, back it off the dolly, Park the car, unhook the dolly, roll the dolly out of the way, spot your RV etc.... My charming spouse will walk into the office when we pull into the RV park, when she has checked us in and walks out, I have the car unhooked and running and she will lead me to our site.... Just sayin

[38Chevy454]

Originally Posted by FIRE UP

Well Sir,
You're more than likely gonna get the phone book in answers here. We're one of those with the train of thought that, moving that motorhome, without a toad, is just not safe with us. Toads can cost a thousand dollars or, they can cost $50K or more, depending what your taste is. But, it's not only when you arrive at your destination(s) or are at a temporary parking area, but it's also ON YOUR WAY THERE that's also a concern.

Motorhomes are not infallible. They can, and have been known to, break down ANYWHERE. And, they do it for any number of reasons. But, to be stuck, in the middle of NOWHERE and, maybe late in the evening or the weee hours of the morning, or blistering sun in the desert etc. WITHOUT any form of transportation to go get help or a part or parts for the motor home, (that if you're the type that does a lot of DIY type stuff like me), IS NOT GONNA HAPPEN.

We have been broken down, more than once and, without a doubt, having that toad has been a life saver. Depending on uber, or any form of a taxi, or trying to rent a car from any agency that's maybe miles or hours away from your location, AT NIGHT or any time they might be closed anyways, DEFINITELY is not something I would even THINK ABOUT!

To us, the cost of a toad is just not in question. First off, any vehicles we buy, ARE FLAT TOWABLE in the first place. So, we gotta have a vehicle anyways so, why not make it a flat towable one so that, when we travel, hook the thing up to the coach and take off!!! I don't fret the setting up of a tow bar, the wiring and all that, it's plain and simple to me. And, once it's done, it's done FOREVER!

It takes the wife and I about 45 seconds to a minute, to either hook up for towing or, unhook from towing, it's just that simple. Now, we've got OUR OWN vehicle to drive around, go get dinner, parts, explore, go to an urgent care if an emergency exists and more. It's your choice. We'll NEVER BE WITHOUT ONE.
Scott

I agree. It's also a big deal for my wife as we travel with dogs. Not as easy to get a rental car or other transportation with the animals.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by FIRE UP

Well Sir,
You're more than likely gonna get the phone book in answers here. We're one of those with the train of thought that, moving that motorhome, without a toad, is just not safe with us. Toads can cost a thousand dollars or, they can cost $50K or more, depending what your taste is. But, it's not only when you arrive at your destination(s) or are at a temporary parking area, but it's also ON YOUR WAY THERE that's also a concern.

Motorhomes are not infallible. They can, and have been known to, break down ANYWHERE. And, they do it for any number of reasons. But, to be stuck, in the middle of NOWHERE and, maybe late in the evening or the weee hours of the morning, or blistering sun in the desert etc. WITHOUT any form of transportation to go get help or a part or parts for the motor home, (that if you're the type that does a lot of DIY type stuff like me), IS NOT GONNA HAPPEN.

We have been broken down, more than once and, without a doubt, having that toad has been a life saver. Depending on uber, or any form of a taxi, or trying to rent a car from any agency that's maybe miles or hours away from your location, AT NIGHT or any time they might be closed anyways, DEFINITELY is not something I would even THINK ABOUT!

To us, the cost of a toad is just not in question. First off, any vehicles we buy, ARE FLAT TOWABLE in the first place. So, we gotta have a vehicle anyways so, why not make it a flat towable one so that, when we travel, hook the thing up to the coach and take off!!! I don't fret the setting up of a tow bar, the wiring and all that, it's plain and simple to me. And, once it's done, it's done FOREVER!

It takes the wife and I about 45 seconds to a minute, to either hook up for towing or, unhook from towing, it's just that simple. Now, we've got OUR OWN vehicle to drive around, go get dinner, parts, explore, go to an urgent care if an emergency exists and more. It's your choice. We'll NEVER BE WITHOUT ONE.
Scott

My thoughts exactly!

[stevemoores]

It's free to try 'not' towing a toad. Go on a few trips without one. If you find it a pain not to have another vehicle, then at least you know what you have to do.


We tow a 2-door Wrangler. Been on a few weekend trips without it (just bikes), but it's so easy to setup and tow that we normally just take it now.


Steve