A good toad

stans02 · 09-13-2017, 09:04 PM

I think a lot of the Class C motorhomes are like mine with a Ford Chassis. I have a 26 ft Grey Hawk. I have been pulling my 08 Ford Edge. With the V10 it does a fairly good job, except when a long up hill grade comes along. Leaving death Valley on the east side I had to unhook the Edge. I have been looking for something a little lighter, maybe a Suzuki Sidekick. I don't want to buy a new car. Anyone have a suggestion on a light older vehicle? Thanks Stan

Dustdevil · 09-13-2017, 09:21 PM

Don't know if a Jeep Wrangler is any lighter, but they make great toads.

t18skyguy · 09-13-2017, 10:32 PM

I'd be surprised if the Wrangler is lighter, but I'm confronting the same issue. I see some really cute small cars, but all of them new. I was thinking of an old classic beetle, but would need to be wrenching on it which I don't wanna do. It may have been real hot in Death Valley, which robs some of the power. Engines like the air cool.

WaltW · 09-14-2017, 09:47 AM

My other toad is a 2012 Kia Soul with manual trans. I added heated leather seats as only the base model is available with manual trans. About a ton lighter than my Jeep.

LkptRvPilot · 09-14-2017, 10:57 AM

We've always had good luck towing our Honda CRV. Makes for an easy toad but still fits a family. 2013 was the last year they make the transmission flat-towable, so you'll have to get a used one at this point.

foglght · 09-14-2017, 12:03 PM

Why did you have to unhook the toad climbing up hills in death valley?

Mark S · 09-14-2017, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dustdevil

Don't know if a Jeep Wrangler is any lighter, but they make great toads.

My 2014 Jeep Wrangler 2 door, soft top with stick weighs in right at 4,000 pounds.

Camper_bob · 09-14-2017, 12:53 PM

I have a '95 YJ (Wrangler) that I intend to use as a toad when we get a MH.

I haven't weighed it yet (only owned it a few months), but I'd be thoroughly surprised if it came in even close to what the Edge weighs. If I had to guess right now, I'd say it's probably close to 3500 lbs.

I towed it with my truck about 6 weeks ago, and at speeds up to 80, it did fine. I got crappy fuel economy, but that's expected in my truck. LOL!!

This makes me want to go weigh it!

Boudreaux · 09-14-2017, 03:59 PM

We tow a '16 Subaru Forester (3,300 lbs) behind our '16 Jayco 29 MV (Ford E450). We now have 18,000 miles through Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, California, Arizona, & New Mexico.

We have not noticed any tow issues with this toad.

dhauser · 09-14-2017, 04:34 PM

I really want to get a Fiat 500L to tow but have not done it yet

rgolding · 09-14-2017, 05:51 PM

We tow a 2016 Chevy Traverse. I am always looking and wondering what we will replace it with. So the question is always on my mind and I'm always looking at what other people are towing.

My requirements are comfortable seating for 2 or 4, plus the ability to haul about 1000 lbs of ride on 1 1/2 inch scale steam engines and associated rail cars. The Traverse does this, but we have to remove the railroad stuff to carry 4 people.

I'm thinking of a 4 wheel drive, quad cab Chevrolet 1500 pickup with a shell. That way stuff wouldn't have to come out of the back when hauling people.

Always interested in these conversations. Good Luck with your search.

GeorgiaRV · 09-14-2017, 06:02 PM

We tow a Nissan Versa Note with manual transmission. It weights about 2300 lbs. Pulling it behind the 2017 29MV you dont even know its there. Great little car with lots of room for storage and hatchback and four doors if you have guests.

Cheers

thatsme · 09-14-2017, 06:33 PM

I tow a 2002 Saturn L200. weight is about 3000 lbs. tows very nice. Got it from my mom & dad they used it behind their Lazydaze motorhome, has 100,000 mi. everything works on it even the a/c.

tom463219 · 09-14-2017, 07:23 PM

We pull a 2016 Chevy Equinox, Automatic, 6 cylinder, AWD. Weights about 4000. We have pulled it about 8000 miles with no problems. Vehicle has a top speed of 65 mph when being towed to prevent transmission damage.

Lillys Pop · 09-14-2017, 07:43 PM

I have towed a 06 Honda CRV over 50K miles with the ford e450 v10 and
satisfied with it. the v10 performs well on hills at the higher rpms.

stans02 · 09-14-2017, 07:52 PM

I don't know the name of the road leaving death valley on the east side, but it was very steep. My v 10 was struggling. I could have made it, but no need over heating the engine, and trans. Stan

bansai · 09-14-2017, 09:09 PM

Title of this thread sounds like a childrens book... but I digress.

I vote for a 2014+ Ford Focus, hatch back unless you need a 4x4 toad.

GeorgiaRV · 09-15-2017, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bansai

title of this thread sounds like a childrens book... But i digress.

haha

foglght · 09-15-2017, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stans02

I don't know the name of the road leaving death valley on the east side, but it was very steep. My v 10 was struggling. I could have made it, but no need over heating the engine, and trans. Stan

OEMs test worst case grades at full GCWR, otherwise they can't rate it as such.

It may be struggling, but it shouldn't be an issue for the RV.

t18skyguy · 09-15-2017, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgiaRV

We tow a Nissan Versa Note with manual transmission. It weights about 2300 lbs. Pulling it behind the 2017 29MV you dont even know its there. Great little car with lots of room for storage and hatchback and four doors if you have guests.

Cheers

I read that the Versa is one of the least expensive cars you can buy. and very light. Sounds like a great choice.

You may also like: