Know nothing bout towing a car

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

Cheapest way is with a dolly.

Especially if you change toweds often or tow a leased vehicle.

We have our '05 Odyssey set up to tow four down, but have towed it mostly on a dolly since Honda changed the Ody from allowed to be towed four down to not allowed after we bought it.

[clyon51]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Especially if you change toweds often or tow a leased vehicle.

We have our '05 Odyssey set up to tow four down, but have towed it mostly on a dolly since Honda changed the Ody from allowed to be towed four down to not allowed after we bought it.

Again, never towed a car, (except the son's Jeep for a 100 miles once), but it seems very apparent to me if you want to tow 4 down, you choose a vehicle that will do that and plan on using it for many years to off-set the extra cost in doing so. I guess if cost is never a consideration over some convienience, then it just doesn't matter.

[Arch Hoagland]

I really like Scarab0088's idea of renting a U-Haul dolly to see if you like it.

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

I really like Scarab0088's idea of renting a U-Haul dolly to see if you like it.

Thanks for the "props." It took me 4 rentals before I decided. Guess I am a little too cautious sometimes, but I was very sure when I decided.

Safe travels to all.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by clyon51

Again, never towed a car, (except the son's Jeep for a 100 miles once), but it seems very apparent to me if you want to tow 4 down, you choose a vehicle that will do that and plan on using it for many years to off-set the extra cost in doing so. I guess if cost is never a consideration over some convienience, then it just doesn't matter.

That's why we bought the '05 Odyssey in Dec '04. Honda wrote us a letter saying the '05 Ody WAS towable four down. (I can post it if you're interested.) In late 2006 or early 2007 Honda changed it so they ended up paying us about $2,200 to compensate us for the four down towing equip. Could have gone for a buy back too but really wanted the Ody for it's cargo capacity.
So, we did buy one that was towable four down at the time we bought it.

[Stan.Birch]

Originally Posted by 00DAME

What the least costliest way to tow a vehicle , tow dolly , tow bar ,etc. etc

The most ecomomical option is: DON'T tow!!

Nothwithstanding that on occasion, we have carried a light-weight motorcycle on the back of our rig, we have rarely visited anywhere that compromised the use of our 33' motorhome.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

I really like Scarab0088's idea of renting a U-Haul dolly to see if you like it.

The U-Haul dollies I've used are very heavy and have surge brakes. They're usually built by Demco who also makes the KK-460 we have. They don't fold and, as I said, very heavy so not a really good test but would give you some idea of how they work.
Towed my step daughters car on one behind a U-Haul truck from Duluth MN to WA some years ago. Five very long days and not cheap!

[Arch Hoagland]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

The U-Haul dollies I've used are very heavy and have surge brakes. They're usually built by Demco who also makes the KK-460 we have. They don't fold and, as I said, very heavy so not a really good test but would give you some idea of how they work.
Towed my step daughters car on one behind a U-Haul truck from Duluth MN to WA some years ago. Five very long days and not cheap!

I think it would give him a good idea of how loading the car and securing the vehicle tires would work.

[wyorancher]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

I really like Scarab0088's idea of renting a U-Haul dolly to see if you like it.

I read through Scarab0088's setup. Unless I missed it he didn't mention brake lights. If a vehicle on that dolly sticks out more and about 3 ft, I believe, you need additional lights on the tow vehicle. Many RVers with tow dollies use the portable lights which are fine.

My 4 down set up installed myself, including Patriot braking, Blue Ox car gard, tow bar, light kit, base plate etc. complete was about $2250.

[MSHappyCampers]

I highly recommend the ReadyBrute Elite towbars by NSA RV Products, which has the built-in braking system for the toad. I think I spent less than $2000 for a complete setup, including Roadmaster baseplate.

I personally would NEVER consider using a tow dolly!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by wyorancher

I read through Scarab0088's setup. Unless I missed it he didn't mention brake lights. If a vehicle on that dolly sticks out more and about 3 ft, I believe, you need additional lights on the tow vehicle. Many RVers with tow dollies use the portable lights which are fine.

My 4 down set up installed myself, including Patriot braking, Blue Ox car gard, tow bar, light kit, base plate etc. complete was about $2250.

Local laws vary (of course), but I have a lighted dolly - I have never used add'l lighting...not on my dolly and not on dolly's rented from U-Haul.

Extra lights are not a bad idea, but not required where my vehicles are licensed.

If you do add those magnetic lights that sit on the trunk-lid, be sure to use a soft material under the magnet to protect the paint and also secure the wires. Vibration and road dust/dirt can damage the paint (found in personal experience).


Safe travels

[zip0]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

I use a dolly...and have a suggestion. Why not rent a U-Haul dolly to see if you like it -or- hate it.
*If you like it, buy one of the many dolly's available based on your wallet and preferences - new can run from $1200-$5000 (used is a fraction of that).
*If you hate it, then you have not wasted much money and you can start building your set-up to flat tow.

Here's why I use a dolly...
~A dolly will carry any front wheel drive car/mini-van with no mods to the car.
~I can change cars to tow with no add'l costs.
~My car sits up high away from any rock strikes.
~My car has no wear and tear on the car's lower drive-line.
~There will be no issues at re-sale for those hidden miles on the driveline.
~My dolly has automatic and infinitely adjusting disc/surge barkes...no adjustment - no equipment to add to the RV - so EZE to use!

Also,
~Base plates of tow-bars sometimes need modifications to the car's front bumper to be installed.
~Getting brakes on a flat tow set-up is an additional cost with pieces/parts in the RV and the car.

Finally, I have friends that flat-tow and we hook-up in about a similar amount of time, but your experience may be different.

Best luck

I agree with "Scarab" on why he uses a tow dolly. I bought a used to dolly with electric brakes for $600, a set of magnetic lights for $30, and a 4flat connecter for a few bucks. I wired the 4flat into my 7round. the 7 round controls the lights and breaks on the dolly and the 4flat does the magnetic lights.That's it for cost.
I tow a jeep so it is easy to put it in all neutral, If you can tow your car 4 down then you can use a tow dolly. If I buy another jeep or use the DW or DD jeep I can do it without a thought of needing to get it set up.

[wyorancher]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

Local laws vary (of course), but I have a lighted dolly - I have never used add'l lighting...not on my dolly and not on dolly's rented from U-Haul.

Extra lights are not a bad idea, but not required where my vehicles are licensed.

If you do add those magnetic lights that sit on the trunk-lid, be sure to use a soft material under the magnet to protect the paint and also secure the wires. Vibration and road dust/dirt can damage the paint (found in personal experience).

Safe travels

You may be right as long as you stay in your own state. Most western states require lights on anything that projects past 3 ft. You would be cited in CA. That is the same reason I have braking on my toad. Not required in WY but I don't limit my driving to WY.

[wyorancher]

Originally Posted by wyorancher

You may be right as long as you stay in your own state. Most western states require lights on anything that projects past 3 ft. You would be cited in CA. That is the same reason I have braking on my toad. Not required in WY but I don't limit my driving to WY.

I just checked Uhaul requirements for renting their tow dolly. They require operational lights on the towed vehicle loaded on the dolly. You may want to re check your local laws just to be safe. I only mention that because I worked as LEO for almost 30 years.