Why have a Toad

[arobinson6]

I own the same jayco red hawk and been tossing it around for a toad. I own an electric bike and was thinking using UBER or LYFT if need be. I go camping to camp. Sometimes getting to the special area in a state park are far and taking my electric would be risking it being stolen. I really dont want the hassles of a dolly or buying another car with standard transmission, its just me, so what about share riding with UBER?

[Bayoutalker]

Originally Posted by arobinson6

I own the same jayco red hawk and been tossing it around for a toad. I own an electric bike and was thinking using UBER or LYFT if need be. I go camping to camp. Sometimes getting to the special area in a state park are far and taking my electric would be risking it being stolen. I really dont want the hassles of a dolly or buying another car with standard transmission, its just me, so what about share riding with UBER?

One observation. You are concerned about your electric bike being stolen in a state park but jumping into an unknown vehicle driven by an unknown person is not an issue? I don't understand the draw to Uber or Lyft these days. We were taught to NOT get into a random vehicle.

[Groveite]

We've had good luck with Uber over the last year...Obviously nothing since end of February. We have also on occasion (ie early February 2020 St. Augustine Fl)) chosen to stay in an urban park and buy a shuttle pass with hop on/off . That worked quite well too. I've towed trailers and cars since 1976 and I must admit that it is a more relaxing drive without towing but that may be due to advancing age. In the same vein I used to prefer night driving but now avoid it when possible (and it is usually possible as we have been retired for almost 20 years).

[arobinson6]

Originally Posted by Bayoutalker

One observation. You are concerned about your electric bike being stolen in a state park but jumping into an unknown vehicle driven by an unknown person is not an issue? I don't understand the draw to Uber or Lyft these days. We were taught to NOT get into a random vehicle.

They are increasing safety issues all the time to protect you

[cherv]

We use enterprize rental with great success. They pick you up and take you back. If enterprize is not avail just take the redhawk. The 22j is small enough to go anywhere. Have fun

[Bayoutalker]

Originally Posted by arobinson6

They are increasing safety issues all the time to protect you

When drivers are required to be commercially licensed, bonded and insured and vehicles undergo routine safety inspections I might consider using them. But wait, we already have that, they are called Taxis and are operated by legitimate businesses.

[Silvernelle]

Do uber and Lyft even go to state park campgrounds? I guess it would depend on how far inside a city they are..??? There are many state parks here in Nevada that are a wee bit too remote for those services, though a couple...maybe.
I like the bike idea!! Sure you cant go all that far, but certainly more exploring can get done with that than on foot. Fun!!

[SeventyGTX]

I have a Jeep Liberty we flat towed when we had our Class C. No tow dollie to worry about. Couldn't imagine going anywhere without it and being stuck in a campground or having to depend on anyone for a ride, namely rental cars. We try and be as independent and self sufficient as possible.

[RetiredOne]

Originally Posted by Bayoutalker

When drivers are required to be commercially licensed, bonded and insured and vehicles undergo routine safety inspections I might consider using them. But wait, we already have that, they are called Taxis and are operated by legitimate businesses.

In reality, life is all about risks. Do you ever worry about a texting teenager, coming at you from the other direction when going down the road, might just ruin your day... permanently?

Approximately 40,000 people die every year in car wrecks, and hundreds of thousands are permanently injured/disabled. Do you think about that every time you start your engine?

[Bayoutalker]

Originally Posted by RetiredOne

In reality, life is all about risks. Do you ever worry about a texting teenager, coming at you from the other direction when going down the road, might just ruin your day... permanently?

Approximately 40,000 people die every year in car wrecks, and hundreds of thousands are permanently injured/disabled. Do you think about that every time you start your engine?

Some risks are inevitable others are totally avoidable. Do you go out trying to get in the path of that texting driver or do you try to avoid them?

[RetiredOne]

Originally Posted by Bayoutalker

Some risks are inevitable others are totally avoidable. Do you go out trying to get in the path of that texting driver or do you try to avoid them?

Well, I would be more concerned about the texting teenager, as I have no idea if the next car approaching me is one...

I have no concerned about being raped and murdered by a Uber driver, since they've pass a background check, and are tracked during their complete journey... they are FAR from being an "unknown" car or driver.

But, I don't fear much, anyway...

[Bucket2]

Great question, we have a 28 foot class C so we can take it most places that you can take a car, and we do. But also see the other side for some folks.

[Flyrotor]

Originally Posted by RetiredOne

Well, I would be more concerned about the texting teenager, as I have no idea if the next car approaching me is one...

or a texting adult... it's not just the teenagers

[Vicr]

Another thread that's gone completely into the weeds. I thought this was about to Toad or not to Toad?

[Rose of Texas]

Yup, in the weeds it went.
I was actually trying to follow along with this particular thread as the toad idea is something we are now contemplating. We bought our 2020 37TS a month ago and have logged some 4,500 miles already. But the destinations were all familiar and arranged (family, friends, etc). Now we are thinking of heading to the unknown areas which will require a bit more planning and flexibility, hence the toad prospect. We currently own a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, not sure how I feel about modifying the front grill for this? Or do we get yet another vehicle? Anyway - who sells and installs these set ups for toads? We are in San Antonio. I see it is anywhere from $2500 to $4500 for the set up install (according to this post), but who? Where??

[Johnynorthland]

Originally Posted by Rose of Texas

Yup, in the weeds it went.
I was actually trying to follow along with this particular thread as the toad idea is something we are now contemplating. We bought our 2020 37TS a month ago and have logged some 4,500 miles already. But the destinations were all familiar and arranged (family, friends, etc). Now we are thinking of heading to the unknown areas which will require a bit more planning and flexibility, hence the toad prospect. We currently own a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, not sure how I feel about modifying the front grill for this? Or do we get yet another vehicle? Anyway - who sells and installs these set ups for toads? We are in San Antonio. I see it is anywhere from $2500 to $4500 for the set up install (according to this post), but who? Where??

Go to either Blue Ox, (which I highly recommend), or Road Master‘s website do a dealer search. You’ll find somebody in your area and ask around. I don’t recommend having an RV dealership install it. They’ll simply just rob you.

I’m in South Florida I had a very well trusted and experienced, private RV shop install it. They Let me buy everything on my own and I saved a lot of money.

Bought everything but the breaking system at https://www.blueoxtowbars.com/

Got my patriot 3 braking system off an authorized reseller on EBay.

[norty1]

Specialty hitch shops fo one. Call a Motorhome dealer for a reference.

[CAG]

Originally Posted by Rose of Texas

Yup, in the weeds it went.
I was actually trying to follow along with this particular thread as the toad idea is something we are now contemplating. We bought our 2020 37TS a month ago and have logged some 4,500 miles already. But the destinations were all familiar and arranged (family, friends, etc). Now we are thinking of heading to the unknown areas which will require a bit more planning and flexibility, hence the toad prospect. We currently own a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, not sure how I feel about modifying the front grill for this? Or do we get yet another vehicle? Anyway - who sells and installs these set ups for toads? We are in San Antonio. I see it is anywhere from $2500 to $4500 for the set up install (according to this post), but who? Where??

In this area it is the local tow shops that do/sell most of the equipment and do installs. You might check with your local RV dealer and see who they use or try Yelp. It really depends upon which unit/setup you use as to how much cutting and changing will be necessary to the front of the vehicle. With my setup you see nothing on the front, unless you get down on your knees and look, that indicated a tow package. I preferred it that way and did that part of the install myself. Because the 2019-2020 Wranglers went to a rather complicated electrical system I had the brake control and lights done at my favorite vehicle repair shop. The installer is a Jeep owner so I knew he would do it well and do it right.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by Rose of Texas

Yup, in the weeds it went.
I was actually trying to follow along with this particular thread as the toad idea is something we are now contemplating. We bought our 2020 37TS a month ago and have logged some 4,500 miles already. But the destinations were all familiar and arranged (family, friends, etc). Now we are thinking of heading to the unknown areas which will require a bit more planning and flexibility, hence the toad prospect. We currently own a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, not sure how I feel about modifying the front grill for this? Or do we get yet another vehicle? Anyway - who sells and installs these set ups for toads? We are in San Antonio. I see it is anywhere from $2500 to $4500 for the set up install (according to this post), but who? Where??

Around the San Antonio area, you may want to consider looking at the 4x4 and truck outfitters. There are MANY. It was a different job, but I had my bedliner and tonno cover installed by a shop in New Braunfels called Top Notch Truck & Trailer. They did good work, and did it pretty quick. I was happy with it. But I don't know if they do tow gear installs; just a thought on another option for an installer that might be a bit more reasonably priced than an RV dealer.

[315Precept]

I purchased our tow setup through etrailer.com