Best tow vehicle (Toad)

[Nick2251SLE]

We would like to know what the best tow vehicle is to be able to tow behind our Forester on all four wheels. We have a Forester Class C-6.0 liters. Style number 2251SLE. Thank you

[bikendan]

Tow Vehicle is for towing a trailer. What you're asking about is a Toad.

[Nick2251SLE]

Sorry, yes, a toad

[llr]

Depends on your needs and the capabilities of the MH. There is a full range of choices but not all vehicles are able to be towed 4 down and even in a certain model it will depend on the options in a certain vehicle.

For me it would probably be a full size truck to carry dirt bikes and kayaks for some it is the smallest one they can find. In the past I towed a Jeep wrangler and a Saturn Vue, no issues with either.

If you have a brand, model or even class you will get better information.

[Trksr]

I suggest you get the good Sam guide to dingy towing.
Most popular are jeeps.
My toad is a Mini Cooper manual. Tows great but manufacturer doesn’t recommend it.
What ever you get make sure it’s able to be towed four down.

[Nick2251SLE]

Thanks for the feedback.
I was thinking to tow a Chevy Equinox.
Seems like one of the few that the dealers manual gives instructions on
towing with all fours on the ground.
If anyone has some info on this, it might help me make my choice.

[HYDROG]

I have been towing Jeep Wrangler 4-doors for about 13 years with no problems. They tow very well and are very versatile and a lot of fun when you get there. If you are going to be towing frequently, I recommend getting a permanently installed auxilliary brake system. I am currently using a Demco Stay-in-Play and am very happy with it.

[Open Road]

Same for my 2012 Wrangler Sport (2 door). Hook it up, transfer case in neutral, good to go. No fuses to pull, etc. Have towed it over 20k miles with two different motor homes. Use a Blue Ox Adventa tow bar and a Patriot Braking System.

[Cherin55]

Here is the link for the 2020 GS Dinghy Guide - https://images.goodsam.com/newmotorh...yGuide2020.pdf
and for the 2019 GS Dinghy Guide -
https://webcontent.goodsam.com/motor...inghyGuide.pdf

[scottrubarb]

Have towed for 15,000 miles. The good thing with this vehicle is the miles do not run up when towed

Electronic transfer case disengaged for towing 4 down. Sometime a tricky procedure sequence. Tow bar pins receivers a straight swap out with Jeep tow hook hardware. Used Blue Ox base plates and tow-bar. I have the SMI Stay and Play Brake system. Works very well. I typically get the car connected or disconnected in about 10-15 minutes, including safety check with my co-pilot. (All Lights and a pull test to be sure wheels not locked)

There were reports up to 2016 model year of steering issues when towed. The EPS steering system is un-powered when flat towed. In some circumstances the steering may get into shimmy state. FCA has a retrofit kit that can be engaged to keep power to the steering to maintain control. I never have had a problem and frequently travel with this kit disengaged. FCA shared the cost of this retrofit as I clearly told the dealer the use of the vehicle and they did not inform of this issue. FMCA forums and actions made this kit become available

at a bit over 4000 pounds, this vehicle is not the lightest choice but we like the off road capability when we camp.

Greg & Sue
Mission Viejo, CA
2017 Georgetown 270S
2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

[bob5560g]

Here's a link to the Dingy Towing Guide that "trksr" mentioned. It will tell you if a particular vehicle can be flat towed (all 4 wheels on the ground). It changes each year, so we'll need to search for the year model of any particular vehicle that you are checking on. Good luck!

https://www.motorhome.com/download-dinghy-guides/

[chroniekon]

I agree with HYDROG, Jeep Wrangler, handy at home for winter driving, great for exploring the back roads and beaches. Easy to set up for towing, automatic or manual transmission, your choice.

[retireearly]

It all depends on your level of funding. Last year I picked up a Jeep XJ which has a manual transfer case. These can be had cheap, but most need work. All vehicles will need some work to become toad ready anyway, our entire setup is around 5K in cost. The Jeep is no one's daily driver..if it breaks down we drag it home.

[tcrnfl]

We tow a 2016 equinox AWD and it is perfect vehicle behind our 2013 Forester 24m ft class c model 2251s

[Oltimer13]

Originally Posted by Nick2251SLE

Thanks for the feedback.
I was thinking to tow a Chevy Equinox.
Seems like one of the few that the dealers manual gives instructions on
towing with all fours on the ground.
If anyone has some info on this, it might help me make my choice.

We have a 2018 FWD LT 1.5L 4 banger that tows great. An AWD 1.5L can't be towed 4 down. There is another great guide by Remco. Input year, make, engine size and transmission. It will tell you if it can be towed 4 down and what's required.

[Blazer]

try a KIA soul with 6 speed manual mine is 012 purchased new have put over
40K on it behind 013 berkshire 39 bunk with 360 hp
just upgraded to 45Axlt 450 hp dont know its back there
very reliable vehicle have 65K on the clock 40K in tow
other then tires and filters have not put anything in it
still have same battery it came with also can fit in very small parking spaces
best part it gets 30mpg makes up for the 8 mpg the motor home gets

[TandM]

We tow a 2009 Subaru Forester (manual). One of the easiest out there to set up and tow. A big reason in our choice was a lack speed limitations and tow distances. In addition to the Motorhome dinghy guide make sure you look at the Remco towing guide for more restrictions.

[flyflotrtim]

As you can tell, lots of options. Choose what you want to drive at home and when you get to your vacation spot. For me it was a jeep wrangler.

[Remi]

Only certain vehicles can be pulled 4 on the ground. If the transmission does not lub the bearings when the wheels rotate the drive axle, it will burn it up. For that reason one finds almost all pickups have to have 4 wheel drive which have a "transfer case" between the drive wheels and the transmission. However pickups are heavy, over 5000#. The honda C-RV was known for being a very good towed unit. Until they changed the transmission in 2015 to a different type. Thus 2014 and before are often found reliable and if this is a "second car" one my be very satisfied. MOST gas RV's have 5000# hitch limit and using all that on my Coachman would reduce my total weight capacity by 1000#s (5, 150 lbs persons with 50# luggage ea). Not wanting to loose that capacity I looked for vehicles near 4000#s like the CRV. My wife DEMANDED automatic (and one can see many mentioned in this conversation are manual) thus I settled on the FORD EDGE. also 4000#, its lighter than the Ford Explorer by about 1000#. I know through 2014 RV towing is in the operator manual. My wife loves it, suprising, giving up her Hyundai Santa Fe which she loved. Honda came out with a new model but it must be a manual. PS over 3000#'s one needs a brake system to be legal and safe. all in all having this 4 on the ground is financially and conviently vastly better than the purchase of a 2 wheel trailer with brakes and then the loading, unloading and finding a place to store or pay more at the camp ground when on the road. Hope my extensive investigation for my system may be of some help to you.

[Bronco Carl]

We have toad 2004 Jeep Wrangler and a 1990 Toyota 4Runner. Because we like nasty high country trails and all the fun of 4 Wheeling. Always remember that with a toad you cannot back up with it on.....