Toad help

[mparus1]

Just got a Forest River Forester 3011 DS. It is on an E450chassis . We have a Cadillac XT5 and a 2016 Jeep Renagade. I would prefer to flat tow. I have no idea what to consider or even if dolly towing is as safe as flat towing? Any suggestions or help on where to start my research? Thanks

[WinnieView]

We have done both over the years dolly and flat towing, we prefer the later. No dolly cost, hookup, or storage (at a campsite or home). However flat towing requires the installation of a base plate on the towed vehicle, a tow bar to connect the towed and towing vehicles, and don't forget to budget for a supplemental braking system for the towed.
The initial investment in equipment is greater for flat towing, but convenience is key if you choose a towed and always want to take it with you.

Step 1: Check your vehicle's owners manuals for the proper procedures for dolly or flat towing.
Happy trails!

[l1v3fr33ord1]

mparus1-

According to a recent brochure, the ratings for your coach are as follows:

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): 22,000 pounds
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): 14,500 pounds
GAWRF (Gross Axle Wight Rating, Front): 5,000 pounds
GAWRR (Gross Axle Weight Rating, Rear): 9,600 pounds
Hitch Rating: 7,500 pounds horizontal, 500 pounds vertical (that is, tongue weight)
CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity): 1,720 pounds

If you are unfamiliar with these terms, see this link for definitions.

Since you own the coach already, the "real" values should be shown on a label in your coach. You should review that label.

One of the problems with long Class C coaches such as yours is that they can't carry much cargo (low CCC or OCCC). You should weigh your coach loaded and make sure the Gross Vehicle Weight and Axle Weights are within the limits listed on the label.

Weights and ratings affect the decision to tow flat or use a dolly.

If you tow flat, you should be able to tow up to 7,500 pounds.

If you dolly-tow, the tongue weight of the dolly (with its load) must be 500 pounds or less AND your coach has to weigh no more than 14,000 pounds (loaded, without the dolly attached) AND the rear axle weight must be less than 9,100 pounds (with the coach loaded, without the dolly attached) to stay within the ratings.

I hope this helps.

[JONWisconsin]

Weight of a dolly and a car is very little. Most of the weight goes on the dolly tires not on the unit. I use a dolly with no problem. You need to check with your car manual to see if they can be flat towed. Neither my Patriot or Cherokee can be flat towed.

[twinboat]

I have lifted my loaded dolly off the hitch by hand so maybe 50 to 70 lbs of tongue weight.

My 2017 4×2 Renegade is not towables 4 down.

[Robmat]

The Motorhome dingy guides, in addition to telling you what car can be flat towed and what can't be towed, has information on what other equipment you need to tow a vehicle. Here is the link to the guides which can be downloaded for free: Downloadable Dinghy Towing Guides | MotorHome Magazine

[Arch Hoagland]

Store : Remco


Remco will tell you what you need to know.

I prefer 4 down.

[l1v3fr33ord1]

I made a mistake in my prior post. The text of the next-to-last paragraph should read:

"If you dolly-tow, the tongue weight of the dolly (with its load) (let's call it 'TW') must be 500 pounds or less AND your coach has to weigh no more than 14,500 minus TW pounds (loaded, without the dolly attached) AND the rear axle weight must be less than 9,600 minus TW pounds (with the coach loaded, without the dolly attached) to stay within the ratings."

[Bukiman]

I have flat towed without any problems, I just towed a car on a dolly 1500 mi and will never do it again, in fact, I will sell my car and dolly in the spring so I don't have to tow it home !

[Stevegd007]

Well you have some good valuable info for your question! I have the exact same RV! Flat tows fine. I flat tow a 2010 Honda C-RV. You really don’t “feel” the car behind you...unless you HAVE to brake hard! Very good reason for a Supplemental breaking system for the car! The Honda weight is around 3400 pounds. Honda no long makes a flat tow car. It stopped when they went to a CVT tranny. I think that was in 2015. So older C-RV’s are good to tow flat! Consider a mount bracket for the car, a tow hitch, wiring & a breaking system your looking at $2500 to $3000.
Never messed with a tow dolly. Seen them in RV parks. They eat into your camp space. There OK, but you see way more flat tows than dollies!
Look at back issues of the Motorhome tow guide to see older cars approved to flat two. The newest guide is only going to list the current newest cars approved. They come out yearly!
Best of luck...& Happy Trails!

[Curiosity]

I own a 2013 XTS. Manufactue states you cant flat tow OR use a dolly. One is the transmition on front wheel drive and the other is the electronic suspension. Especally the air suspension in the back.