Community Forums

JohnLoves2Sk · 12-19-2019, 05:35 PM

I would suggest you get whatever toad you like, put a hitch on the back, get a nice bike rack, and good locks and bike bag style covers.
If you are truly that concerned about weather and security, look for a minivan or SUV with 'fold flat' rear seats, but still get the covers. If someone really wants to steal your bikes, breaking a car window is easier and quicker than cutting 2 cable locks per bike (lock the front wheel and frame with one, and the rear wheel and frame with the other. Yes, both cable locks go through the frame, also both go through the carrier)

Cheers!

Vongreg · 12-19-2019, 07:23 PM

I agree, look towards a quality bike rack, or folding e-bikes. There are many out there. Unless you are just looking for a new toad.

ME for Maine · 12-19-2019, 07:48 PM

We are indeed looking for a different toad, new or used, because our 2 current toads are only 2-seaters. The Rubicon has a storage box in lieu of the rear seat and is getting long in the tooth at 16 years old. And of course the Miata has only 2 seats.

My plan is to sell or trade the Rubicon to get something that will seat 5 or haul the bikes with the rear seats stowed. Logic and economics say to replace the full sized bikes with folding bikes, but I am averse to that for no defensible reason.

HJLowell · 12-19-2019, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnLoves2Sk

They are doing research. They are asking experienced RV'ers. - US!

Your certainly correct John
A hundred different opinions from those not writing the check. [emoji41]
The ops going to do what makes him happy Regardless [emoji6]
To bad they discontinued the Honda Element that he likes.
My son inlaw put 100,000 plus miles on his.

JpalmerCass · 12-23-2019, 08:06 AM

Recent Ford Explorers up to and including 2019 tow flat if they have the 6 cylinder engine. (The all new 2020 Explorer does not tow flat). We put a pair of tadpole recumbent trikes in the 2019 Explorer we tow flat behind our coach, I think 2 bicycles would fit if laid flat.

okcnewbie · 12-24-2019, 08:09 AM

Something like this might work;

https://bellingham.craigslist.org/ct...042804038.html

It looks like it's stow n go. Not enough pics to be positive.

From the info on here it seems like it's possible to set up for flat towing.

Store : Remco

Unplanned Tourist · 12-24-2019, 08:24 AM

Have you tried a Honda Fit?

I have a friend that puts two full size bikes with the front wheels removed in his.

I don't know if they are flat towable, but a dolly would work.

Happy Glamping.

ME for Maine · 12-24-2019, 09:56 AM

Thanks for all of the input; there are some good suggestions here that I hadn’t previously considered. Given all that, I’ve decided to go with a used Jeep Wrangler 4 door as it meets all of my criteria - easy to set up and flat tow, and will seat 5 or carry 2 bikes upright with the rear seat folded.

My aux brake and tow bar I already have will work well. All I need is a base plate, wiring for the lights and brakes, and a battery charge line and I’m ready to go.

This Jeep will not see more than easy/moderate trail use, so a base plate will work. After 16 years with my trail-prepared ‘04 Rubicon I am going to miss the off-road action, but times change and I’m not as young as I used to be. Now I will have room for passengers, including our grandson.

TriMoot · 12-24-2019, 10:05 AM

(Oops! After posting this I see you have already settled. Oh well, maybe this will help someone else.)

I don't know about towing it but our older Chrysler minivan held both our bicycles straight up. You'd have to tip them to the side to get them in, but after that they could lean on their kickstands. What was nice was we were able to lock them in with the seatbelts. It was probably a 2008 or later, didn't have storable seats..we had to remove them, but that was easy to do.

We also have had two kayaks inside and they fit perfectly. Even a queen size blow up bed...although with only one person it turned into a taco...but even so, it was comfortable!

The problem with the newer minivans is the roof height is lower and with our current 2012 T&C we always use a bike rack. (But we don't tow that one)

Good luck, and let us know what you went with...I certainly would prefer to carry the bikes inside and out of the weather too.

ME for Maine · 12-24-2019, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TriMoot

(Oops! After posting this I see you have already settled. Oh well, maybe this will help someone else.).

[emoji106] Thanks, I did search quite a bit and didn’t find info specific to my needs/wants. Maybe this will help someone.

paul65k · 12-25-2019, 09:40 AM

I think you'll be very happy with the jeep. We have a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon and carry 2 Lectric Folding bikes in the rear. They fold and fit almost perfectly in 40GA containers we found at Home Depot and keeps them solidly in place and even though we could easily put them on a bike rack off the back we much prefer how nice and clean they stay inside our Jeep.

Good luck!