Need help matching a MH and Toad

[keysbottles]

I'm a newbie so please have patience with my dumb questions. I bought a 1993 Brave 33RQ, 454, 33', P30. Recently retired and checking out the RV lifestyle. Made our first 2500 mile trip to the coast and loved it. The MH seems to be in great condition so I'm trying to decide the best way to take my car with me next trip. I prefer to not buy another car for a toad, so I hope to use my existing family car if possible. It's a 2010 Cadillac SRX that weights 4223 lbs. Will this MH be happy with this weight?? Any suggestions how to pull it. Thanks in advance. Don

[dnystrom]

Hi Don and welcome! In a nutshell No. That car is too heavy for the powertrain and I don't even know if it's towable without a bunch of things to do to the car to make it tow.
I would consider a smaller/lighter car to pull.

[Scarab0088]

No one can say yes or no without checking the numbers on your RV...but typically towing up to 5,000lb is easy to do with most any modern Class A RV.

The receiver should be a Class III or higher. Then check the GVWR and GCWR to make sure it will work.

Then, finally the car needs to be pulled. If the SRX is front wheel drive a dolly will work well for you. And either Flat or on a dolly, a car that heavy really needs brakes. Brakes on a towed car are not required in many states, but it is safer and smart.

Best luck

[keysbottles]

How well do surge brakes work on a dolly?

[skigramp]

keysbottles ...

Is it legal to tow the car?
1) Weigh the motorhome with your stuff in it
2) Find the GCVW (probably on a yellow card beside the driver or on a paper in in a closet ... if you can't find it call Winnebago
3) Calculate GCVW - weight of motorhome = max legal towing weight
4) Add weight of dolly to the weight of your caddy = actual towing weight

if the actual towing weight is less than max legal towing weight then it is legal ... otherwise if you have an accident a lawyer might be asking you some very difficult questions to answer in a court room ...

You also need to look at the owner's manual of your Caddy to see if it is towable ...

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by keysbottles

How well do surge brakes work on a dolly?

Well, I can only comment on Acme's EZE-Tow (surge disc brakes)...they work fantastic!
And will add that Master Tow and U-Haul are now also offering surge disc brakes on dollys too.

Surge brakes automatically adjust braking pressure from fully loaded to empty with no adjustment. Like...once when moving the dolly from storage to home while unloaded, I noticed the discs had a light rust layer from sitting a few weeks. The dolly towed perfectly while empty and when I arrived at home, the discs were shiney as new - showing that even unloaded, the surge brakes were working as needed to keep the dolly following the RV.

I have towed many different cars with the same good results -from a tiny 2 door Hyundai, to a midsize SUV, to a fullsize Ford van (dropped the driveshaft). The only way to go as far as I am concerned.

[skigramp]

See page 9-106 of your owners manual ... it tells you about towing an SRX behind a motorhome ... depends on the engine ...

[SarahW]

A 2010 SRX 2WD can easily be towed 4-down. However, I think it's too heavy for your Brave to tow. You may have a hitch limit of 3500 pounds, so there are lots of weight specs to verify. Good luck.

[Tha_Rooster]

If you add the tow dollies weight plus you car I am pretty sure you will know its behind you.

[DieselTech39]

Glad you're aboard. I'm sure you will get numerous replies to your query. Enjoy your adventures and be safe.