Community Forums

jcbron · 02-09-2015, 10:18 AM

Just ordered a 35QBA Tiffin and am trying to decide on our TOAD. It comes with the standard gas V 10 and says it can tow 5000 lbs. We will be doing quit a bit of traveling over the passes in the north west. Am wondering if I can get some opinions of what weight toad I should aim for. Please help. Thanks much
John

Tha_Rooster · 02-09-2015, 10:28 AM

Since you just ordered it I'd call tiffin for specs. my guess 5,000# would be max.

Gordon Dewald · 02-09-2015, 10:31 AM

Obviously you should stay under the 5000 lbs. I would get a toad that is comfortable and something you feel safe in.

The MH will tow your toad well. You may not be able to race up the hills but for me that is not what it it all about. I am on permanent vacation and the journey for us is just as enjoyable as the destination. If you are climbing the passes there is lots of scenery to view, so a slower pace will let you see more of it.

Dutch Star Don · 02-09-2015, 03:36 PM

You need to decide how the toad will be used. We generally travel with another couple, so our toad needs to be comfortable for four adults. If it's just you, comfort for two adults is fine. I didn't want to have a bunch of cars at home since it's just the two of us. My wife's Lexus is not towable and I have a truck. I've had a truck my entire life and will probably always have one.

So.....my choice was a truck that was capable of being towed. There are several factors in picking a toad. My best suggestion is to tow the lightest thing you can find that you are comfortable with, Honda, Saturn, Mini Cooper, Chrysler 4x4's etc. I would try and stay around 3500 pounds or less. Jeeps are very popular, but heavy.

vsheetz · 02-09-2015, 04:53 PM

Lighter is of course better. That said, the toad must do what you want of it. People carrying, off-roading, etc. We tow a ~5000 pound jeep setup for off-roading with our large gasser. We go uphill ok, but won't win the race to the top. Usually can maintain 50 mph, less on the really steep climbs.

Cat320 · 02-09-2015, 05:37 PM

As a general rule, your towing capacity is normally the lowest of:

- GCWR minus weight of MH when ready to travel (loaded).

- Hitch capacity.

- MH tow capacity.

- Chassis tow capacity...some times the last two are different.

Tom3205 · 02-10-2015, 09:15 AM

Along with "towing power", there is "Stopping power". The toad should be one that meets several requirements. Comfort. Safety. Economy. and "BRAKES such as "brake-buddy.. As indicated, get the lightest weight that meets these requirements. "You can go uphill, "too slow", many, many times, BUT you can only go down hill "too fast", ONCE.....

jcbron · 02-10-2015, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Lighter is of course better. That said, the toad must do what you want of it. People carrying, off-roading, etc. We tow a ~5000 pound jeep setup for off-roading with our large gasser. We go uphill ok, but won't win the race to the top. Usually can maintain 50 mph, less on the really steep climbs.

Thanks much for your reply. I would like to go at least 40 -45 mph going up the steeper grades.

John

IdahoSRT10 · 02-10-2015, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcbron

Thanks much for your reply. I would like to go at least 40 -45 mph going up the steeper grades.

John

You have a heavy MH for a gasser so don't expect those speeds up steep grades while towing. You are about 5000 lbs. heaver than my rig with the same engine and transmission.