Advice on Toad?

[mhopkins]

I have a 2014 Sunseeker 3170DS. We are thinking about a tow vehicle. I am thinking that a tow bar (4 wheels down) is the way to go. What tow vehicle might you recommend? And, why? Thanks for any input!

[Hoglou]

Newer JK jeep or older CRV with an automatic, or maybe even a stick shift small truck....

[sgtlm17]

I just bought a jeep jk for my toad. Don't have it setup for towing yet as I'm still researching tow bars etc. But boy I really love the JK

[bikendan]

Title changed from tow vehicle to toad, for clarification.

[757Dave]

We have a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Needed a toad and a 4x4 for driving on the beach.

My advice is to do your homework and then just like Santa, check it twice!

Here's a link for the Motorhome Magazine Dinghy Guide...

Downloadable Dinghy Guides | Motorhome Magazine

Good luck with your search!

[gmacklem]

I have two toads, a 2013 Honda CR-V and a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. I love the Jeep and hope to always use a Jeep as a toad from this point forward. The thing I like about the Jeep is you can pull the key and lock the doors while you tow. The CR-V requires the key in the ignition to lock the steering and the pulling of a fuse to stop the radio from draining the battery.

BTW, the CR-V starting in 2015 cannot be flat towed anymore due to switching to the CVT transmission.

If you are interested, I have a video on flat towing the Jeep.

How to flat tow a Jeep Wrangler

[Garrette]

We tow a 2014 Subaru Outback, 6 speed, 4 down. No issues. Gives me the street, everyday driver and some off pavement capabilities. I understand that 2014 was the last year for 6 speeds. I find it a no hassle tow and a good everyday driver.
Listed in order of popularity of flat tow based on my personal observations in CG's.
Jeep, CRV, Satarn, Fiat, Subaru.
Good luck in your search. Let us know what you chose and why.

[DaGrinch]

I'm towing a '06 Jeep Liberty 4 down. Don't even know it's back there until I check my monitors!
NSA Ready Brake, Blue Ox Alpha bar and a Blue Ox baseplate.

[deurban]

Originally Posted by mhopkins

I have a 2014 Sunseeker 3170DS. We are thinking about a tow vehicle. I am thinking that a tow bar (4 wheels down) is the way to go. What tow vehicle might you recommend? And, why? Thanks for any input!

We tow a GMC terrain. Works great. Key on acc. Pull fuse 32 inside. Easy to get to. Only problem is make sure break assist has sufficient 12 volt power. Had to run a direct line to battery.

[Hoglou]

Consider a brake buddy of somesort. Hopkins 39332 BrakeBuddy Towed Vehicle Battery Maintainer. It only allows power to flow from the coach to the toad, and not back to the coach.

[Steeljag]

I like the JK !

First, because I already had it prior to our class C ...lol........and they are fun to run around and explore new areas! Towing is simple, and no key is required in the ignition (check year of Jeep) to free the steeling wheel or power a 12 volt outlet for a braking system ( I have the Patriot). Hook it up, lock it up, and your on your way.

The 2dr JK small, fun, easy to park, and somewhat lite (I'm at 4300 lbs) with me and a 1/2 tank of fuel.

So many options out there, so find what's best for you !

Good luck !

[Sandiegodoug]

Another vote for jeep jk Wrangler
Just a fun vehicle to have along on a camping trip. Ours is a stock rubicon that goes anywhere

[Nancyc7]

We just bought a 2018 Subaru Forester. Manual transmission because you can’t toad a CVT. We needed a lighter weight vehicle that could hold kayaks and bicycles. I wanted to buy the Crosstrek which could do everything we needed but we found acceleration dismal, at least the manual version. The Forester is a very nice vehicle so far. Lots of visibility with big windows, high ground clearance.

[n-e-d]

We tow a Jeep Cherokee w/ active transmission. Dw used it as a daily driver till she retired,replaced her automatic Forester(great car in the snow but only manual is towable). Thought about a Wrangler but DW didnt want a "jeep" comprise was the Cherokee

[kins83]

I tow a 2003 Honda CRV AWD behind my 3010DS. It tows really nice. I hardly know it's back there and because it's a Honda it never needs repairs and will last forever.

[gmacklem]

Originally Posted by kins83

I tow a 2003 Honda CRV AWD behind my 3010DS. It tows really nice. I hardly know it's back there and because it's a Honda it never needs repairs and will last forever.

Hate to bust your bubble on the Honda. My FIL has my 2005 Honda Accord which is still going strong at 220k miles. My 2013 Honda CR-V popped the motor at 64k miles. I had all the service done on schedule at Honda. They did not tear into the motor to see what happened. Fortunately Honda America stepped in and covered 90% of the costs. Hopefully it was a fluke. Generally I do believe Hondas last a long, long time. Mine is probably the anomaly.

[lacrawgator]

I tow a 2014 Ford Edge. It is roomy, drives beautifully and easy to tow.

[WreakitRandy]

i️ have had many toads from a CR-V to Suburban, F-250 8” lift with 39” currently thinking of F-450 as the new toad. back to where someone said make a list and check it twice Good Advise !

[poppytoymaker]

If your looking for a vehicle exclusively for towing 4 down and can be purchased used cheaply than a Smartfor2 is he way to go. It's 1900 lbs doesn't increase your gas mileage, and although this is going to bring a lot of heat it doesn't need a Aux brake just a break a way cable.

[Fisher72]

We love are 5 spd 4 door Toyota echo
Only weighs 2000 no brake buddy needed
I have one in trunk so if In states that require it I can throw it in there .
We get 45 mpg the 1.5 motor is bullet proof
Has timing chain no belt to worrie about
We have had it on the beach it’s so light
Just floats on top of sand .
Lots of room for a compact and you don’t
Know your towing it . The echo 5 spds
Are on the tow registry . Also wife drives
It she grew up on farm learning driving sticks .