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Old 03-11-2020, 12:24 PM   #1
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Flat tow vs trailering

2020 Georgetown 34H5 - flat tow a 2010 Honda CRV - never had a supplemental braking system installed on it (Don't judge me on this) we stayed local. Now we are retiring and will head out west for the winters. Looked into Invisibrake and the Stay n Play braking systems, each would run about $1600 installed. If a year or 2 we decide to sell the honda and want to flat tow a different vehicle do we have to start all over with the whole towing package? The other vehicle we have right now can't be flat towed. Have looked into an open car hauler and also enclosed. An open we can get for around $3100,, enclosed $8200. Flat towing has been very easy and simple, I'm concerned that buying a trailer is much more work.
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Old 03-11-2020, 12:31 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by campwme View Post
2020 Georgetown 34H5 - flat tow a 2010 Honda CRV - never had a supplemental braking system installed on it (Don't judge me on this) we stayed local. Now we are retiring and will head out west for the winters. Looked into Invisibrake and the Stay n Play braking systems, each would run about $1600 installed. If a year or 2 we decide to sell the honda and want to flat tow a different vehicle do we have to start all over with the whole towing package? The other vehicle we have right now can't be flat towed. Have looked into an open car hauler and also enclosed. An open we can get for around $3100,, enclosed $8200. Flat towing has been very easy and simple, I'm concerned that buying a trailer is much more work.

Yes, you have to start all over and transfer or get a new baseplate, wiring, brake system, etc.
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Old 03-11-2020, 01:10 PM   #3
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A trailer will need it's own registration/insurance and tying down the toad wont be easy, especially in an enclosed trailer. The trailer will also have tongue weight as well as an empty weight that will need to be added to your cargo and tow capacity.
OTH, the toad will stay clean and undamaged from rocks and road debris inside an enclosed trailer. It also wont "wear" from rolling down the road.
I think most motorhomer's go with flat towing, easy on and off process when you need a car.
A new base plate is cheaper than a trailer.
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Old 03-11-2020, 01:47 PM   #4
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We do both. For trips inside the lower 48 we flat tow the Jeep. It is just so much easier. But for trips to western Canada and Alaska we haul it on an open trailer. It does get filthy on muddy roads either way but it doesn't get hit by gravel when on the trailer.
Each time we use the trailer I repaint it with rust blocking paint before leaving. But when we get home the front and bottom of the trailer are completely gravel blasted down to bare steel and I have to repaint yet again.
Attached is a picture from the Cassier Hwy. in 2004. This was after a rain. If I had taken it before the rain you could not have identified the brand of the camper. Today you could substitute the Lexington for the truck and camper.
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Old 03-12-2020, 04:32 PM   #5
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We opted to flat tow a Ford F-150 4X4 vs trailer towing the DW's Nissan Murano. The deciding factors were license fees, having room to store the trailer at home and in RV Parks. Flat towing just made more sense, the F-150 has the factory installed tow mode which takes all of 10 seconds to enable. I would strongly recommend the braking system, one trip down Vail Pass made me a believer out of me! We have the "Stay and Play" brake system.
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Old 03-12-2020, 05:13 PM   #6
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brakes for toad

You can buy a system like brake buddy which can be moved to a new toad
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