Community Forums

cptgregger · 03-29-2014, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

Ah, the Flat-tow vs. Dolly or Car carrier thread.

Just use the search box at the top block of the page to see all the threads on this topic...flat towing is not always best.

I have a full set-up to flat tow (long story) but we use a dolly.

Since the OP is considering buying a car with towing behind the RV in mind, here's my wishes of luck at getting a car that can be flat towed.

But we, and many here use a dolly for many reasons, like because our car cannot be flat towed...no pump will make it OK. There are no miles added on the lower driveline of the car, there are no rock strikes on the car being safe up-high on the dolly, and no risk of lost value at resale of the car.

We've never had an issue with keeping the dolly at any campsite we've visited (can easily be pushed under the RV overhang), and we do not have to get on the ground for hook-up.

We can switch cars with no mods to the car or pricey/dedicated equipment and we added a small hitch on the toad to take the dolly anywhere needed (can also be used as a bike rack mount)

Which ever way you decide to tow, PLEASE get brakes on the set-up. It is not required by law in many places, but it is smart and safer...especially for a gas powered (lighter) RV.

Brakes on a dolly are part of the purchase and typically not too expensive. Flat tow brakes are a different story.

Safe travels

Hey thanks for that angle to the debate, Scarab. You bring up some solid points. I didn't realize the pump was less than reliable. I like the idea of using the dolly for easier hook-up and as a bike carrier as well. Hmmmm. THANKS for the input.

jeryan59 · 03-31-2014, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cptgregger

Hey thanks for that angle to the debate, Scarab. You bring up some solid points. I didn't realize the pump was less than reliable. I like the idea of using the dolly for easier hook-up and as a bike carrier as well. Hmmmm. THANKS for the input.

Scarab makes excellent points for the dolly, which I have used also. I have also towed 4 down, and currently use a trailer (enclosed).

I think an enclosed trailer may stretch your options on an enclosed trailer on a gas unit, but you really need to determine how you intend to travel to arrive at the best solution for you.

It shouldn't matter that someone else thinks 4 down, dolly, or trailer is the only option for them. To me the important thing is what is best for you.

I would research the advantages and disadvantages to each method, because from my personal experiences each has them. In addition, you need to evaluate the financial considerations to each method, as each has a different set of financial considerations. Then you need to determine what is most important to you and your situation to ultimately make an informed decision on the best method of taking a toad with you.

Incidentally, I have even went without a toad and rented from Enterprise since they would pick me up at the campground when most of my stays had great public transportation other than traveling between destinations with great public transportation.

Good luck with your decision making!

r2dillon · 04-01-2014, 05:34 AM

I second the comment on the brakes. Another way of looking at it - typically the toad weighs 4,000 pounds or more. This is on a 20,000 pound plus gasser. It is 20% additional weight when you are trying to stop. I am not trusting the motorhome brakes alone to stop that type of weight.

George Schweikle · 04-01-2014, 06:02 AM

I think you are already thinking of a toad; which is probably the best for ordinary RV'ing. I have an open car trailer, but that's because we usually travel with our dedicated autocross car that isn't really streetable and I don't want the very expensive race tires to wear from contacting the road if towed or dolly'd.

A trailer is much easier to maneuver than towing 4-down or with a dolly, since you can back up. I can't count the many, many, times I have been able to maneuver into or out of a situation or campsite that would otherwise require unhooking if I didn't have the trailer. However, whether an open or closed trailer, it is heavier, longer, and more expensive and is only better if your situation requires it (race car, show car, antique car, etc).

trode · 04-01-2014, 06:40 AM

I dealt with the same decision, although enclosed trailer was no a viable option for me. But toad 4 down vs. dolly was my final decision. Opted for the 4 down toad, found a nice Chevy Malibu, one of few vehicle can tow 4 down with no pump or starting every few hours, etc, just fuse to pull to keep battery from going dead and that now accomplished with use of a switch that was installed, it was set up and ready with BlueOx base plate and tow bar, wired for lights, etc.. I am basically happy with the decision, but I know if I traveled more, maybe full timing, I think I would go with the tow dolly. Reasons, well for one the drive train wear, tires, steering parts on toad, I only tow a couple thousand miles a year so not worried but if towed full time that would be issue for me, second the brake issue if, surge or electrics on dolly are more reliable in my opinion than the brake options on toad. So for me not just toad or dolly, but amount of use is a factor. Do however favor the ease of hook-up/un-hook on my toad. Literally seconds to accomplish, have even done it on the road in a pinch for a necessary u-turn, dolly would have be a major headache in that situation.

Best of luck with your decision.

carluv · 04-10-2014, 05:44 PM

If you tow 4 down, doesn't it put milage on the odometer, where it wouldn't on a dolly?

carluv · 04-15-2014, 05:52 PM

Is their a way to keep the odometer from racking up miles when towing 4 down, or are their some vehicles that doesn't happen to?

jeryan59 · 04-15-2014, 06:50 PM

I have never had a vehicle that I towed 4 down that accumulated miles. Most odometers today are electronic, so they shouldn't add miles to the odometer.