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Old 05-21-2015, 01:55 PM   #1
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Towing vehicle behind FR3

Can anyone give suggestions on what type or make of vehicle would be good to tow behind a FR3 30DS? I am considering purchasing a vehicle for our motorhome. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also any type of problems I would be facing in the distant future. Thanks for all of the replies in the past to my post.
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Old 05-21-2015, 03:38 PM   #2
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The answer depends on what you want the toad for. Im sure you will hear from the mud slinger crowd on this one. Like a buckboard ride, high cost of operation? Then Jeep is for you. Want a grocery getter and eco tour vehicle? We chose the Fortwo. Then there is the Fiat 500 and Honda Fit. Maybe a 2014 or older CRV. If you like a stick, the field opens wide up. In that case, I'd look at a Subaru.
The list goes on and on.
Do consider that almost anything you flat tow will need a brake system at about $1000.
Lots of posts on that.
Want to dolly tow? You can tow just about anything on a dolly.
You can pull a trailer too. That Bimmer Z4 will fit on that!

Bottom line is you really did not give enough info to make a reasonable recommendation.
Soooo at this point, the biggest problem you will face in the future is making a decision.
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Old 05-21-2015, 06:20 PM   #3
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I tow a 2012 Hyundai Veloster, manual. Only weighs 2,400lbs, seats 4, and gets 38 MPG. I can't even tell it's back there.

I do want to get a jeep though. I love off-roading and that's not an option in a Veloster.


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Old 05-21-2015, 06:27 PM   #4
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You just need to keep in mind, other than what Duckogram listed, is that whatever you choose as a "toad" you'll either need a tow dolly, trailer, or tow bar & base plate. Most will also need a wiring kit for turn signals & brake lights that wire into the tow plug.
The 30DS has a towing capacity of 5000#. That weight also needs to be figured in on the total overall weight capacity of the coach
We chose a 2014 Honda CRV. Can't even feel it behind us.
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Old 05-21-2015, 07:31 PM   #5
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We flat tow a 2013 ford focus with push button start. I mentioned the push button because it has a little different set up for towing. The only draw back to it is no towing over 70 mph if that is what you do. We keep it at 65, and honestly I can't even feel it. We do keep the back up camera on so I can see it if I pass someone I can see when I clear them. Just read the owners manual or hit Google. Oh and because you don't have battery connection during tow, no mileage racks up.
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Old 05-21-2015, 08:00 PM   #6
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We tow a 2014 5 speed Fiat sport. It too racks up no miles when ignition switch is off. No key needed in the ignition because the steering wheel doesn't lock. You don't know it's even back there.
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Old 05-21-2015, 08:58 PM   #7
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We flat tow a 2014 Jeep Wrangler so we can
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2014 FR3 30DS


2014 JEEP WRANGLER WILLYS
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Old 05-21-2015, 10:34 PM   #8
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Jeep Wrangler all the way!!! (OlllllllO)Click image for larger version

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JeNNY (2015 FR3 / 30DS)
2000 Jeep TJ Moab Rock Crawler
2013 Jeep JK
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Old 05-22-2015, 11:29 AM   #9
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Fiat toad

We also tow a 5 speed manual Fiat 500 - easy to hitch, easy to squeeze into small campsites, easy to run around & see stuff.
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Old 05-24-2015, 03:55 AM   #10
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We flat tow a Fiat 500L with manual trans using a Blue Ox tow system. It's a light vehicle, and is good on gas.
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Old 05-24-2015, 03:58 AM   #11
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We bought a 2014 jeep tow.. sold it after one year... miserable to drive and worst than the motor home in a crosswind... it was doing 16 per 100 km. Lol almost as bad as the motor home. Anyways we just traded it in for a 2013 crv... really enjoying that 8.2 around town .
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Old 05-24-2015, 09:49 PM   #12
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JeNNY (2015 FR3 / 30DS)
2000 Jeep TJ Moab Rock Crawler
2013 Jeep JK
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Old 05-25-2015, 10:30 AM   #13
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I use a acme tow dolly and pull my 2015 Honda CRV. You hardly know it's there
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Old 05-25-2015, 02:18 PM   #14
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Here is a good list Dinghy Towing 2015 | Towing Behind a Motorhome or RV | Dave Smith Motors

Full disclouser, the artical is not biased towards any manuracture, but I work for General Motors
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Old 05-26-2015, 07:27 PM   #15
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Since you're looking for a Jeep I assume you're fine with a manual? Even with a manual I believe that the newer Jeeps have a transfer case that will not spin when the trans and tcase are in neutral but you might want to consider that trailer. Someone up on the newer Jeeps can probably put you straight on that one. I am from the CJ / Wrangler generation so I'm sure that my info is out of date.

Jeep Parts, Jeep Accessories & Jeep Soft Tops From The Jeep Parts Experts - Quadratec

That being said we flat tow a 2012 Ford Escape w/ a 5 speed. It pulls 30 MPG and can do some beach combing but I wouldn't take it rock crawling or mudding that's for sure. It is not a trail machine by any stretch of the imagination. My Ford weighs about as much as a TJ (3500 lbs empty, ~3650 with a full tank). I don't notice it back there except when I hit the mountains. Then I lose 5 mph on the grades.

The new Escapes cannot be flat towed according to Ford and I wouldn't even think of trying to go off the pavement with one so if you're stuck on new and trail riding then a jeep and a second toolbox are in your future.
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