Totally NEW to Toads...Where do I begin?

[sedaliaterry]

Originally Posted by TriMoot

So, it's obvious I have some work to do:
- check the hitch as to what it will tow
- decide WHAT toad to purchase
- figure out what connection I have in the back
- determine if I can do the install
- decide which bank to rob to pay for all of this
- or....win the lottery

TriMoot, to be clear, it is not just the hitch rating that you need to check. You need to check the current weight of your loaded MH and see how much leeway you have left weight wise on your rig for towing a toad. Your MH has a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) rating (weight limit for MH with all options, fuel, water, occupants, belongings, and any hitch weight).

Your MH also has a GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating). It's important to remember that the GCWR is not an actual measurement of the weight of a tow vehicle and a toad, but rather the combined maximum weight limit that the manufacturer has set for the two vehicles once attached.

In my case, my rig has a GVWR of 22k lbs, and a GCWR of 26k lbs. This means that if my rig is fully loaded with all options, fuel, water, belongings, people, dogs, and hitch weight and it weighs 22k lbs with all of this, then I am only rated to tow a 4k lbs toad (the difference between the current loaded GVWR and the rated GCWR). Even if my hitch is rated at 5k lbs (which it is), I can only pull a 4k lbs Toad. If I am pulling a Toad that weighs 4k-5k lbs, then I need to lose some of the carried weight on the MH (usually in the form of dumping some of the 80gal of fresh water and/or some personal items to get the GVWR down).

Your GVWR and GCWR stickers should be posted in your rig somewhere.

Regards.

Terry

[TriMoot]

Thanks so much Terry! (I should have responded sooner). Very helpful info.

[Arch Hoagland]

Store : Remco

Remco will tell what cars can be towed and what you can do to make them towable if they don't come from the factory towable.

[TriMoot]

Awesome, thanks.

[Randm Musing]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

Store : Remco
Remco will tell what cars can be towed and what you can do to make them towable if they don't come from the factory towable.

Thanks for the link. Very useful. I bookmarked it.

When I got into the moho business, I did so with the idea that I do not want to do a toad, but I may not have a reasonable option. And according to your link, my 2006 crv is towable 4-down. Still resisting .... Besides, I have always been told that touching a toad can cause warts!!!

[jlr44]

The first thing is look in the manual to see if they say it is towable and what it takes to set it up for towing. If you are willing to do as they say than talk to a mechanic about any issues you can think about. You are correct to stay away from Jeep we bought a 2017 Grand Cherokee and could not stop the death wobble problem. We traded for a 2018 GMC Acadia and it is easier to tow than the Jeep. CHECK THE BOOK

[fottip]

Originally Posted by jlr44

You are correct to stay away from Jeep we bought a 2017 Grand Cherokee and could not stop the death wobble problem. We traded for a 2018 GMC Acadia and it is easier to tow than the Jeep.

Thanks for the humor - I needed a laugh.

I researched the Jeep "death wobble" extensively before we bought a new '17 Wrangler to tow - I had to reconcile the few reports I've seen of that, and the sheer number of Jeeps I see being towed nowadays.

The "death wobble" exists, all right, but it happens when the towing setup is incorrect, or with Jeeps with worn out or damaged front end components. ANY automobile will exhibit steering issues if front-end maintenance or damage is ignored. Google "jeep death wobble" - you'll quickly see numerous returns like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncTgYl7P_TE

If you don't want to watch the video, the explanation offered in it is:

"Our JK's case of death wobble was caused by 3 factors. The steering gear was loose, and in the footage, you can actually see the sector shaft moving side to side. The driver side front upper control arm bushing was damaged at the rear mount, caused by the heat from the exhaust pipe, which runs right next to the arm. The caster was also not in spec."

At least half, if not more than half, of the vehicles I see being towed behind motorhomes now are Jeep Wranglers - and I don't see any of them "wobbling".

[TOMPT1]

That's very helpful.

[TriMoot]

Oh my GOSH! That is VERY SCARY! Wow!

[Bearii]

Try this link: Dinghy Towing | Motorhome Magazine, lots of helpful info. I'm in the same boat and am finding it very helpful.

[doc]

Suggest you pick a list of possible candidates and then go to the internet and search for the owner's manual for each and then check for recreational towing. That will give you the answer you seek

[HighDesert]

We tow a Jeep Wrangler Sahara, ourselves, but prefer that as we don't stay on paved roads and like to get back to fishing, hiking and hunting areas. For paved Roads, Jeep is still good, but I'd also give strong consideration to CRV and manual transmission Subarus.

[TriMoot]

Hmm, yeah... I have a 2000 Rodeo but it’s automatic, so I don’t believe you can tow it...BUT! Man can it climb rough roads! I’m thinking a CRV would be a good compromise, secure 4x4 with a smooth ride on normal roads.

Thanks again for everyone’s help!