Travel with Toad or without

[chuckbear]

We are on the downhill run on our 12,000 mile circumnavigation of the U.S. I would not even consider doing this trip without towing our car. In most places we have visited, rentals are not an option. To limit the trip to places where rentals are available would be a total deal breaker. Chuck

[EdInArk]

Our first trip of any length was to Colorado, and we drove our Class C without a car. We rented in Loveland when we got there and returned it a few days later. Even that one rental took more time acquiring and returning the car than we wanted, and we were in an area where rentals were readily available. We had thought we'd just rent when we left our area, but after that trip, never again.

[mrsportys]

On a recent trip out west, Custer state park, we were amazed to see 40+ foot dp’s traversing the hills and gravel roads in the park looking for buffalos. They had nowhere to park to watch the beautiful.
IMO. Take toad

[Jimmyb 73]

Well the consensus is to take the Ford. We are casually looking for another vehicle to use as a toad. Interested in a cooper mini or suzuki sx-4. Towing isn't easy on a vehicle and that was a concern with the Ford.
Busskipper, thanks for the detailed itinerary. Lots of valuable information. We know this won't be the last long distance trip. Just a trip with no particular schedule to adhere to, and no particular harbor to sail to.

[twogypsies]

Why are you concerned about towing your Ford Edge? If it's towable, why not?

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by Jimmyb 73

Well the consensus is to take the Ford. We are casually looking for another vehicle to use as a toad. Interested in a cooper mini or suzuki sx-4. Towing isn't easy on a vehicle and that was a concern with the Ford.
Busskipper, thanks for the detailed itinerary. Lots of valuable information. We know this won't be the last long distance trip. Just a trip with no particular schedule to adhere to, and no particular harbor to sail to.

Think you will find the RV to be so different from the Life on a Boat - Live in Annapolis so have some boating experience) IMHO - being a Sunset person, I have found that the Varied landscapes Add Sooooo much to the picture.

Also you will find that the RV is just Easier than a boat. As long as you stay along the edges of Winter - you will find that heating is easy (Propane -
Usually able to accomplish with just batteries, or very little electric) - this allows you to move about and Camp in many of the spots you visit without being in a CampGround. Think Boondocking.

One of the best features of the forum is the wealth of info available, as you plan your travels just pick an Area/Itinerary and pose a question - the member are good at giving varied and reliable/interesting info.

What we found with boating was it was just too limiting, and the RV lifestyle just opens up so much more Variety to you. Don't get me wrong, even in the RV we tend to try to get near water, just more like Lakes, Rivers, Streams and Creeks. The Ocean's on the East and West coasts and the Gulf are all great, just different than a Deep Blue Sky with an Ocean of color reflecting off the Rocks/Mountains of the West.

Will be fun to follow your adventure and hear your thoughts as you start this New Adventure.

As for the toad, just remember that often it will need to be able to go on a variety of terrain and setting up the toad is $$ so try to just do it once. As we have learned over the years - the Toad is used considerably more than the Coach for seeing and exploring so really think about this choice - If they tow, most do not wear out behind the Coach - My MDX has 300,000 miles on it and is still a daily driver.......

Check back in and keep us posted on this new adventure.

Best of Luck,

[Jimmyb 73]

The Ford Edge is 4300 lb. We use a brake buddy system. But I noticed the heavy load on getting up to speed with the Ford v-10. Our previous MH (Coachman) had a Banks power system installed with 460 cu. in. We are hoping to find a small Cooper mini Coupe or conv. to use as a toad. It would be a fun and lighter vehicle. If we don't find a suitable one before March, we will tow the Ford and possible have a 5 star tuner installed when we hit SC.

[Polyian]

If you break down you will be glad of the toad...I won't travel without the toad as my back up vehicle.