Community Forums

CSI · 05-06-2016, 05:38 AM

We are new to the RV world and are trying to get towing info. We have a 34ft. Georgetown and will be traveling for 3 weeks from MI to CA this summer. We want to tow our Honda minivan. Looking for direction on: what is most cost efficient- tow dolly, or tow bar. wondering about ease of disconnect? gas mileage difference? We also want to rent the necessary tow equipment because normally we will be pulling an enclosed trailer with our Gold Wing but for this trip we will have our 17 year old daughter and need a car, not a motorcycle. That's why we want to just rent equipment as apposed to buying car towing equipment. Thanks for anything you can teach us.

twinboat · 05-06-2016, 05:51 AM

If you want to rent the equipment, a dolly is about all your going to find.

To tow with a toe bar, the Van will need a base plate installed. That involves pulling the bumper and related front end parts off to get to something strong enough to secure it to.

You will also need to read your owners manual to see if the Van can be towed with the front wheels on the ground.

In you case, a dolly would be the simple choice.

Gary RVRoamer · 05-06-2016, 02:47 PM

Nobody rents tow bars cause they require a set of tow bar base plates that are unique and permanent to the towed vehicle anyway.

So, a dolly is your only rental choice, and probably the most cost effective way to tow that vehicle anyway.

vsheetz · 05-06-2016, 06:18 PM

Yup, tow dolly rental is the way to go. Unless you want to invest in the equipment to flat tow.

Dan_S · 05-06-2016, 06:33 PM

A tow dolly through Uhaul will be about $50.00 a day. Adds up fast.
Maybe rent 1 way and turn it in when you get there. Or rent a car when you get there ( less head-ache ). I bought a used Demco for $1100 and added a new set of straps and spare tire and rim.
Dan

Tha_Rooster · 05-08-2016, 08:47 AM

Can you weight wise pull your van plus the weight of dolly?

CSI · 05-09-2016, 04:30 AM

Rooster, Obviously we have a lot to learn. How do we figure out the answer to that question about if we can pull the van weight wise? We are so look green. Lol

CSI · 05-11-2016, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tha_Rooster

Can you weight wise pull your van plus the weight of dolly?

would this information be in the owners manual?

l1v3fr33ord1 · 05-11-2016, 12:40 PM

CSI-

The information should be in your owner's manual.

I looked up information on a 2010 Georgetown. The hitch rating was 5,000 pounds. See what your manual says.

Mr_D · 05-11-2016, 12:47 PM

I've towed our '05 Honda Odyssey both four down and on a KK-460 dolly with the same motorhome. Four down is somewhat easier but there is the possibility of transmission damage. Using all RoadMaster towing gear. The cost to set up the rig for four down was about the same as the new dolly, if you don't include installation cost for the brackets, wiring and brake system.
BTW: according to Honda the '04 Ody was a last year they could be towed four down. However, we have friends with an '07 that tow theirs and I've talked with owners who are towing theirs. The latest was a '10 model.
OP, in your case a dolly would be best. Might pay to buy a used one (with surge brakes) for this trip since you could sell it later.