Toad Pickup Truck?

[TRebel]

I have had fifth-wheels for years, so we always had the truck to drive when we arrived at our destination.

A few months ago I became a Class A owner.
I am just starting my research for the best options for a "toad".
Looks like the Jeep Wrangler is one of the more popular options, for mechanical reasons.
And, since the Honda CRV is also a popular choice, I guess there are similar mechanical benefits.
I wouldn't mind owning a Jeep Wrangler, but would really prefer a pickup truck.

So, my question is: Are there any small to mid-size pickup trucks that are a great choice? Any without towing speed restrictions or otherwise?

Thanks in advance

[vsheetz]

FMCA has dinghy towing guides, as does motorhome magazine. Current year if new and previous years are available if you are looking used. Many pickup trucks with 4 wheel drive are flat towable due to having nuetral position in the transfer case. Also for consideration are driveshaft disconnects and automatic transmission pump kits that can make many flat towable. Check remco's site for these.

[RobbieH]

We were looking at the Chevy Colorado 4WD, with automatic trans. No towing limits at all.

I used this guide.

http://webcontent.goodsam.com/motorh...inghyGuide.pdf

[Hurricane1]

I pull a 2010 GMC Sierra SLT regular cab with no problem.

[Slice]

You said mid size but also think about 2012 and up f150 4x4. Plenty out there and are towable 4 down. Tow bars, brake controllers etc available.

[Badlands Bob]

I was actually reading the phone book of an owner's manual on my 2015 F-150 4x4 and it is 4 wheel down towable.

[38Chevy454]

Most any 4x4 pickup that has a transfer case that is capable to put into neutral is flat-towable. The process to put the transfer case into neutral varies. I would stay away from the driveshaft disconnect since it requires additional parts to be installed and is also not the most convenient. Avoid transmission pump even more, if it fails you have just bought a transmission rebuild.

I do have a driveshaft disconnect on my old hot rod 52 GMC that I flat tow. Only way I can do that and I live with the hassles. Biggest hassle being re-engaging the driveshaft once at the location, I end up jacking up the truck and lining up the disconnect sleeve by hand and then it pops right in. Dis engage is easy, just pull the cable and it is done. Re-engaging is more hassle, does not work so good using the cable, hence my get under and line up manually.

[twogypsies]

It would be helpful for you to create a 'Signature' at the bottom of your post which would pop up every time you make a post. In it, include your RV description. It depends what you can tow on what you have for a RV. Weight is important.

[Boostable]

I tow my 2016 GMC Denali 3500 CCSW w/Duramax all that time with my golf cart in the back without any issue. As stated previously, almost an 4x4 with a N transfer case position can be flat towed. I did tow my previous 3500 dually for awhile, that I would not recommend.

[PanJH]

I had a Ford Ranger as a toad and now a Ford F-150 . Both are 4x4 automatic tranny and just require you put the transfer case in neutral.

[Cudda]

My parents just went the same way you are looking and since they needed somthing that fit 6'4" larger man the mid sized and dinky vehicles didn't cut it. It was a chore helping them find something that worked (they eventually found it on their own) but that's because even the dealerships don't seem to know if their vehicles are able to be toad. (all 4 down) One of the dealerahips we went to actually told us they had no vehicles that were capable of this...so I sent them a link I had found explaning their mistake. Between my parents choices and what we researched it eventually came down to the 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4. The trick is that it MUST be the 4x4! All 4x4 Dodge Rams 2016-17 are viable as far as I am aware. We didn't look at anything earlier as they were pretty set on a newer vehicle and they did prefer a truck.

Going this route you'd have to get one with the tow hooks in the bumper and install (or have installed) the tow receptacles. The Blue Ox were fairly easy to install with the directions they came with as long as you have a good corded power drill, sharp bits, ratchet and sockets and the right sized open end wrenches. Once the plastic shield is off the front bumper there is enough room that you won't need tonjack the vehicle up to do the work.

Went a little further on this reply than was likely warranted but better to be thorough than leave important informatiom out.

Hope this helps in your decision making one way or another!

[JCleary]

I like my Ram. So easy, hook it up, transfer case in neutral, trans in park, install brake and lock doors.

[TRebel]

Thanks for all the insight and wisdom. This is what I love about this forum; folks that are willing to share their experiences.
Lots of help in pointing me in the direction I want to go, in choosing a toad.
PanJH, thanks for sharing the pic. That is exactly what I have in mind... hauling my scooter in the bed of a pickup.

I originally mentioned a mid-size pickup truck. Now I am convinced that a full-size half-ton will better suite my needs.
I currently have a 3500 Dodge Crew-cab long-bed 4wd. That's going to be more than what I will want to tow. So, I will be shopping for either a Ford F150 or Dodge 1500.

[Cudda]

I can't remember if the F150 is as easy to hook up and go with but I can vouch for JCleary ...the ram is really just that easy. Whatever you pick, ENJOY!!