Community Forums

Mr_D · 07-07-2012, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matchayan

But you must realize that all Us states and Canada require by law supplemental braking systems and breakaway components on the toad, otherwise your insurance is not going to cover you in case of an accident involving the towed.

Not true, some states do but not even most!

However, if you go into a state that does require brakes then you must be legal there, your home state laws don't apply.

Mr_D · 07-07-2012, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric_H_E

Off road tires will wear bad on the road towed or driven.

But, usually towing won't increase the wear over just being driven.

ssimmons23 · 07-08-2012, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandpiper

Don't go by curb weight or anything a dealer tells you about weight - especially if you are thinking your towed vehicle will be close to your limits. The only sure way to know is to weigh the vehicle as it will be loaded in tow mode. Don't forget the weight of the towbar and base plate.

Thanks. I agree with what you and Amanda H are saying. We also want to put our kayak on top and the gear inside which will add another 75 pounds.
I found a place in Sacramento and took the RV down there to weigh it and plan to do the same with the Toad. But I want to do it again when both are stocked and ready to go.

ssimmons23 · 07-08-2012, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HabitatGuy

If you are looking at older Jeep Wranglers try to stay with the '98 to '06 TJ models. They have coil springs and a little wider wheel base. Much more stable driving and towing. We have a 2000 model since'03 and have pulled it behind 3different motor homes . I don't think you can go wrong with one. Good luck with your research and buying.

Thanks! I am also finding that models prior to 07 are lighter for the most part.

Darwin · 07-08-2012, 08:06 PM

Just purchased a Chevy Equinox 2WD auto trans. which is approved for flat towing. So far easy to set up and tows well. I think the weight is under 4000. I have been towing since 1983 and the equinox is less trouble to set up than other vehicles we have towed. Hook up shift to netural, pull fuse 23, key in one click and go. I do start before leaving and at lunch. I understand older model Equinox are not approved for towing.

ssimmons23 · 07-09-2012, 06:31 AM

Great. I will take a look at them.........

howdja · 07-09-2012, 08:09 AM

ssimon23, there are many choices available, and we have researched a lot of them. Our original choice was our 2000 Tacoma 4wd, standard shift, manual hub pickup. It served our purpose well for many years.

We decided that we wanted to have the convenience of being able to carry 4 people in our toad, and still have a vehicle capable of some minor off-roading. We decided to buy a used AWD 99 CRV and began to look for one. We were fortunate to find a 2 owner white 99 AWD CRV with 140K miles.

It has turned out to be the perfect choice for us. I have even tested it on some mild, but tough off road trails and it performed flawlessly.

ssimmons23 · 07-09-2012, 09:05 AM

We have looked at the CRV but are still leaning towards the Jeep... Maybe because it gives us the feel of the convertible...

I will have to look at the Tacoma again but I was thinking it would be too heavy. Thank you!

howdja · 07-09-2012, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssimmons23

We have looked at the CRV but are still leaning towards the Jeep... Maybe because it gives us the feel of the convertible...

I will have to look at the Tacoma again but I was thinking it would be too heavy. Thank you!

We found the jeep, which is an awesome off-roader, to be uncomfortable and difficult to get in and out of with our senior bodies.

If you look into the Tacoma, you will have to have a standard transmission, and manual hubs. Toyota does not recommend towing 4 down, even with that model. but we have towed ours 4 down for thousands of miles with no ill effects. Just FYI, not a recommendation. Ours tips the scales at a little over 4K.

It would be nice to have a drop top, but as I mentioned, we went with CRV for the dependability, 4 person capacity and ease of towing. Plus it's nice to have the cold A/C without the air intrusion leaks of the drop top.

Old Dude 66 · 07-10-2012, 06:28 AM

We love our Jeep Wrangler but we are tiring of the difficulty of getting into it, plus you can't carry hardly anything in it. I am seriously thinking about getting an extended cab 4 wheel drive GMC Canyon. Most of our camping buddies have four wheelers and I could carry one in the pickup bed.

skstrickland · 07-10-2012, 09:40 AM

We haven't towed much but our experience with the 2002 Jeep wrangler with AT is that its easy to hookup, easy to tow and serves our purposes well.
Good luck!

phil57 · 07-10-2012, 02:26 PM

Curb weight is the weight of the car with all fluids gas oil trans. Dry weight is empty of all fluids gvw is what the car can weigh at max load.
The difference on weight with a full tank of gas and a empty is 6 lbs per gallon. So a 20 gallon tank empty to full Would change the weight 120 lbs. not going to make the difference between being safe or not.

bronk · 07-10-2012, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skstrickland

We haven't towed much but our experience with the 2002 Jeep wrangler with AT is that its easy to hookup, easy to tow and serves our purposes well.
Good luck!

Second on the Jeep Wrangler! We have towed one for maaaany miles and nary an issue. It is light, easy to hook up and unhook and just plain fun for those off road adventures, when they occur.

Bronk

aschuller1 · 07-21-2012, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssimmons23

We are looking for a lightweight 4wd under 3500 lbs that can be towed 4 on the ground. We are interested in purchasing a used vehicle that will also be used for daily commuting. This vehicle will be towed behind a 2003 Georgie Boy Landau. The hitch is rated for 3,500 pounds. We would also like to know the best (and most economical) equipment used to tow the vehicle. This will be our first time towing a vehicle. We understand that we also should take into consideration the cost of replacing the tires in the whole equation. All advice is welcome.

If you are not opposed to a manual transmission, look at Subaru. They have an excellent rep for their AWD systems and the newer ones are roomy and comfortable. My 2012 Outback has a curb weight of 3360 lbs so even with fluids and a tank of gas you should come in under 3500. The Forester and Legacy would be even lighter.