2019 Chevy 4500 learning about TOAD's

[Oliver244]

We own a 2019 Coachmen Freelander 27QB Class C motorhome with a Chevy 4500 chassis. It has a 6.0 gas engine. It seems many 27QB's were built on Ford chassis, possible with the 6.7 gas engine. We are newbies as we bought this from an individual about 3 months ago. We have been out for five short trips learning the ropes, just driving a second vehicle if desired for now.

I have been reading and slowly trying to learn about TOAD's. The previous owners has a Ford Ranger 4x4 and a small car that they towed. The Chevy 6.0 has what I would call reasonable acceleration on flat or slightly sloped roadway, considering the big box on its back! But on a steep incline it sure can bog down. I got a tow hitch and remote brake controller with the purchase. ( I'll have to go to my storage loft and look the brands up.)

I'm learning to be very careful to verify which vehicles (and specific model years) say they can be 'Flat Towed"
There seem to be a number of vehicles that weigh 4200 - 4600 lbs such as the 4 dr Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Cherokee, etc. That I see being used as TOAD's. This past weekend I learned a 2wd Ford F150 can be a TOAD if the driveshaft is replaced with one that has a cable disconnect. (what else don't I know yet?) Then I see a number of fairly small cars being used.

I've been trying to move slowly as I look at vehicles. One idea is to replace my our mid-size fwd SUV with something that can also be a TOAD. The other idea is to get a fairly small inexpensive vehicle to just use as a TOAD. I'm 6-1, a big guy, so not to tiny.

To help me start to narrow this down its seems I need to learn what is a reasonable weight for this RV to tow. Then what else do I need to know about TOADs.
So educate me!

Thanks!

[CC38EL]

We had a 2018 Freelander 27QB and towed a Cadillac SRX. Hitch weight is 5000lbs as I recall but its not just about weight handling of the hitch.

Motorhome magazine publishes an annual list of towable vehicles. I would look at those....with a caveat....not all models of a particular vehicle can be flat towed so be very careful when selecting your toad.

The other consideration I think is most important is the GCWR of the 27QB and your toad. There are stickers near the drivers side that tell you your weights. If you haven't already, you should weigh your rig loaded for a trip and then add the toad weight in to see how close you are to your GCWR. The 27QB has substantial capacity...but it does have a limit. Our setup was close to max.

[Oliver244]

CC38EL Thanks for the reply.
May I ask what chassis (Ford/Chevy) and engine you had in you 27QB

[CC38EL]

4500 Chevy. 6.0L gas. Great engine/transmission combo. Just a little bit loud, but that was more a doghouse issue than anything else.

[poppytoymaker]

I had a 2015 Forester 2051sle with the 4500, and towed a 2012 SmartFor2 for 5yrs. The car is about 1900 lbs and if I didn't keep the backup camera on I wouldn't even know it was back there. the nice thing about the Smart is that an auxiillary brake is required in only 3 states NY, NJ and one other, just a brke away cable is needed. I'm probably get a lot of flake but I went through the Ozarks on RT 2 and no problems at all slowing on the down sies.

[KNMIB]

We have an 18 Leprauchaun with Chevy 4500 and I love that engine. We don't tow but it has plenty of power, slept in 48 states and 50,000 miles and it runs great, much better then our first unit with a Ford V10. We all like different things and this one works for us.

[Oliver244]

Thanks for the replies. keep them coming, I've got lots to learn.

[jonwisconsin]

If you have a FWD, you can use a dolly like we do. For me a Ranger or a F150 are too big for a Class C. It is not if you have enough engine power, it is about how can brake in an emergency with a big load in the back like the trucks you mentioned. These units whether with a V10 or a Chevy engine has power to pull. That's why you see many of us with a small toad. MHO

[jonwisconsin]

Welcome to the forum!

[RacerRalph]

We have an E450 and tow a 2005 Scion XB 5 speed. It weighs 2,400 lbs and we can’t tell it’s back there. I’m 6’2” and have plenary of leg and head room and lots of storage space. Originally used it only as a toad, but now it’s my daily driver.

[Gidyupgo]

Oliver, we needed something that would seat 7 in case our grands go with us. Used the Motorhome Magazine guide. Several require pulling fuses, etc. to flat tow. Went with a 2018 GMC Acadia AWD. No fuses to pull. Put shifter in neutral and start/let idle after 5 hours of towing. We do this while getting gas, which is only once during a travel day.
Blue Ox base plate and tow bar. RVI brake. "Add a bulb" kit to tail lights. Protect-a-Tow to prevent rock chips on the TOAD. ~40k trouble free towing miles.

[Retired JSO]

Since the OP mentioned an F150, an F150 4x4 can be towed 4 down.