words of wisdom for a new toad tower!!

[hal-3 gunner]

I've just purchased a used 2004 Storm on a F-53 chassis. After 30 years of 5th wheeling I'd like some advice on gear for the toad. I plan on getting a low milage Ford Ranger, extended cab, 4x2 with an automatic. It looks like I'll need a Remco driveshaft decoupler for the auto. I just purchased a new US Gear Unified brake kit for $350 from Monaco. Hints on tow bar, mounting plate & lights????

[doc]

Couple or three words of advice > Check things twice!! (before you start the trip)

[becks]

Just another thought. You may want to consider getting a (4x4) automatic. 2005 and newer can be towed with the neutral tow kit installed by Ford. I tow a 2008 Ranger (4x4) auto. Tow kit was only $156.00 installed by my local Ford garage. No need for Remco. I installed Blue Ox brackets myself and separate bulb sockets in tail lights, both were an easy install on the ranger.

[hal-3 gunner]

What kind of milage?

[porscheracer]

A couple of other options - both of which are flat-towable with no additional hardware:

Dodge Dakota 4x4 - our '03 Quad cab gets 18 Hwy / 15 overall. The newer ones supposedly get 20 or so. LOTS of people tow Dakotas. At 4500#, however, it msy be a bit heavy for your MH.

'08 - '09 Ford Escape AWD. 3200#, 24 EPA Hwy. Although we took delivery of ours last week, and according to its trip computer, it got 30.4 on the trip home.

[BBBEEBOP]

Check out the Roadmaster and Blue OX Web sites for Tow Bars, Baseplates, and light options, both are good companies to work with.
Also check out the Motorhome Mag site for towables, it will make your life easier in the future.
http://www.motorhomemagazine.c...utput.cfm?ID=1073647

[joneldbrat]

I chose Demco Aluminator Tow Bar rated 6500 lb but is very light in weight to carry, and Demco Tow Bracket. Two inch Drop Bar, Brake Buddy and Magnetic light mounts at present. But it is wise to research before you buy. We all think that what we are using is the best. But I can't say about Roadmaster or Blue Ox. Because I never used them, I'm sure there all comparable quality wise. I laugh the other day while researching 2009 Jeeps. JD Power and Consumers Digest didn’t have much good to say in favor of the Jeeps. But in reading the reviews listed buy the owners on different sites the majority said they were totally satisfied with there Jeep. Good Luck in your search.