Which dinghy do you tow?

[Viajante]

We are looking to get a used dinghy, but not sure what to look at. We're in a 2024 e450 (redhawk 26')
Any help would be appreciated.

[Vicr]

We towed a 2014 Honda CRV (the last year they could be towed) for several years with absolutely no problems. We had it all equipped with the Blue OX baseplate, towbar and Patriot brake controller. We now tow a 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with the same set up. The Trailhawk gets us places the CRV could never go.

[Viajante]

Thank you! We were considering both models.

[mini4mw]

Make sure you think about what you want out of a dinghy, then you should be able to narrow it down a bunch.

Ever want to go off-road?
Just need to fit 2 people and pets comfortably?
Gas mileage an issue?
Want something small to make maneuvering easier after getting out of that big RV?

Weight of the tow vehicle is important too. I've pulled an Odyssey, a Pilot and now a Jeep. All of these are over 5000lbs. I think the new V8s make around the same HP and torque as the old v10, or at least comparable. For the most part the rig pulls nicely and doesn't have any issue until you get around those big inclines, 5%+. It'll keep slowing down, but mine doesn't over heat. Trans starts getting real hot on the long inclines, 2+ miles, and we'll slow down to 40mph or so, but it makes it.

I suppose the point of that is, get the smallest you need for your purposes, more so if its mostly just for towing. It makes the drive much easier; drivability, braking, acceleration, wind and getting around in gas stations.

[Viajante]

Excellent questions for us to consider.

[mini4mw]

You've probably seen this, but lists vehicles that can be towed that doesn't void warranty and is allowed by the manufacturer to tow all 4 wheels down.

https://www.roadmasterinc.com/produc...ghy_guides.php

[Viajante]

Wow. That helps! I was going year by year
..

[LukeDagny]

My observations are that Honda CRVs and Jeeps are very popular toads. I happened to have a Jeep Wrangler, so my choice was easy.

I used BlueOx for tow bar and brake system, and Hopkins for wiring. E Trailer and Amazon were my sources.

[Sanford Fl camper]

We flat tow a 2021 Chevy Spark. Weighs less than 2300 lbs, cost less than a golf cart, gets us to stores attractions, great gas mileage enough space for the 2 of us, back seat folds down for addition capacity

[Viajante]

Sounds like something we should look at. Yesterday we also saw some 2015 Velosters that can be towed...appreciate your feedback!

[Ann-Marie]

Delighted with our Ford Fusion Hybrid. A medium size comfortable car with 43 mpg. Average that with 8.2 mpg on the Greyhawk, = 26.2 mpg

[Viajante]

Wow! That is great mileage. The Fusion is a nice looking car too. Thanks.

[youracman]

I've towed my 2016 Kia Soul (bought new for a toad) about 23,000 miles now. No problems whatever ............ however it is anything but an off-road vehicle.

I believe too many Kia Souls have engine problems at higher mileage .... even though many do have 120K or more on them without any issues. Then there's the easy to steal thing with some Kias and Hyundai models. It's been a great toad, but I would probably pick another brand if I had it to do over.

Good luck in the hunt, and safe travels to ya.

[Viajante]

Appreciate your sharing your honest feelings. When we had a class A, we pulled a Ford Flex
And it was great except for the weight! We're trying to go smaller and smarter this time.

[EricM22]

I'm flat towing a 2010 Kia Soul with manual transmission. Here's what I like about it.

- Its very lightweight and can seat 4 people
- No brake assist needed, its that light. You don't even know its back there. I put an emergency brake-away cable system on it, though.
- With its roof rack, I can carry 3 kayaks on it while towing.
- The towbar system didn't require me to cut anything/surgery to install myself, it was super easy to mount.
- I purchased it used for very cheap. I can sell it a few years later for what I paid for it, for sure.
- I'm a big guy over 300lbs, and I fit in the drivers seat with plenty of room.

Do I trust its longevity over years as a MAIN car? No. But for an occasional use tow car it fits the bill for me just fine.

[Viajante]

Thanks for your post. Sounds like you found a great dinghy!

[l&mtripp]

We have a Mini Cooper S Countryman that we pulled behind our 25ft Tiffin class C before we moved to our 5th wheel. We will be selling the mini when we go full time in Oct.

[Viajante]

I didn't think they were towable! Great choice then! What year is your mini? Guess it's a manual? Congrats on going full-time!

[l&mtripp]

It is a 2013 manual and yes it was extremely easy to pull... did not even know it was behind us. Thanks!

[Viajante]

Thanks! And again enjoy!