Yahoo Message Number: 56403 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/lifewithalazydazerv/conversations/messages/56403)
I am trying to decide on a tow car for my new 30', seems like Suzuki, Honda or Saturn might fit the weight limit, any ideas?
Yahoo Message Number: 68543 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/lifewithalazydazerv/conversations/messages/68543)
I would like to tow my Toyota 4-runner behind my '05 LDMB 261/2 after installing a drive shaft disconnect. The vehicle weighs 4100 lbs. Is it safe to tow on the factory installed hitch? and will the LD adequately pull this heavy a vehicle? Has anyone towed a 4-runner? Thanks for your help.
Yahoo Message Number: 68544 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/lifewithalazydazerv/conversations/messages/68544)
I would like to tow my Toyota 4-runner behind my '05 LDMB 261/2 after installing a drive shaft disconnect. The vehicle weighs 4100 lbs. Is it safe to tow on the factory installed hitch?
The short answer is "no."
Depending on which factory-installed hitch configuration you have, the maximum it is rated for is 4,000# with a 350# tongue weight. You're already over that maximum by 100# (I assume that's it's weight with a full tank of fuel). Once you start using your Toyota as an auxiliary "storage bin", it's going to weigh even more...maybe a lot more.
To do what you want to do, you need to have someone fabricate a frame-mounted hitch of the appropriate rating.
This subject is covered very well in the Lazy Daze Motorhome Manual under "Hitches & Towing" (pages 75-76 in our 2004, 27th Edition).
Linda Hylton
2004 Red 23.5' TK http://map.datastormusers.com/level3.cfm?mapnum=3044300 (http://map.datastormusers.com/level3.cfm?mapnum=3044300) http://earl-linda.blogspot.com/ (http://earl-linda.blogspot.com/)
Yahoo Message Number: 68545 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/lifewithalazydazerv/conversations/messages/68545)
I would like to tow my Toyota 4-runner behind my '05 LDMB 261/2 after installing a drive shaft disconnect. The vehicle weighs 4100 lbs.
Is it safe to tow on the factory installed hitch? and will the LD adequately pull this heavy a vehicle?
=================================================================== Check messages 47059 and 47085.
Malcolm Blue 02 MB
Yahoo Message Number: 68551 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/lifewithalazydazerv/conversations/messages/68551)
Check messages 47059 and 47085.
Message 47059: "Steve Newton told me I can safely tow up to 4000 pounds using the frame mounted RECEIVER hitch that came on my 2004 LD 26.5 MB.
Steve said "I designed the hitch". Steve also advised another LD owner he could safely tow a Jeep Liberty, which loaded can exceed 4000 pounds."
Message 47085: ">> Anyhow, here's my e-mail exchange with Steve:
Dear Mr. Siegel, The receiver hitch that you have is designed to pull 4,000 pounds. The tow plate is designed to pull 3,500 pounds. It is not as heavy duty as the 2" receiver hitch. If you are planning on towing over 4,000 pounds, then you will need a frame mounted hitch. Since you are towing a vehicle under 4,000 pounds your receiver hitch is fine."
It appears we have two different versions of what Steve Newton has stated regarding the 2" receiver hitch. In the first message, he *says* (presumably in a verbal conversation), in effect, that it's OK to tow more than 4,000 pounds with the factory-designed hitch (note that this second statement is second-hand information...the poster apparently didn't hear this directly from Steve Newton). However, in the second message, Steven *writes* that it's NOT OK to tow over 4,000 pounds without getting a frame mounted hitch.
People can say lots of things when talking to someone, but what I'd take to the bank is what is WRITTEN, as it is in the Owner's Manual.
Linda Hylton
2004 Red 23.5' TK http://map.datastormusers.com/level3.cfm?mapnum=3044300 (http://map.datastormusers.com/level3.cfm?mapnum=3044300) http://earl-linda.blogspot.com/ (http://earl-linda.blogspot.com/)
Yahoo Message Number: 69213 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/lifewithalazydazerv/conversations/messages/69213)
Has anyone had the hitch upgraded to handle 5000 lbs? Is it difficult and what does it cost? I have a Jeep GC I would like to be able to tow...
Bob H 2005 Jeep GC Looking for a 26.5 MB
Yahoo Message Number: 69215 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/lifewithalazydazerv/conversations/messages/69215)
I just had it done last Wednesday on the 23.5TK. $202 at a local welding shop that specializes
Yahoo Message Number: 69259 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/lifewithalazydazerv/conversations/messages/69259)
Hello Don,
Believe it might be helpful to many if the 'straight pull' were defined
Yahoo Message Number: 69265 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/lifewithalazydazerv/conversations/messages/69265)
No, I don't know nor did I ask those engineering design questions.
Frankly I was only interested
Yahoo Message Number: 56409 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/lifewithalazydazerv/conversations/messages/56409)
A few words of recommendation for a tow vehicle I rarely see mentioned here but that we have found wonderful - the Saturn VUE. Tows four down; enough room in the back for two bicycles (or other assorted things); excellent front and back seat riding comfort; and a 5 star safety rating that earns you reduced auto insurance rates (at least with State Farm!). The front wheel drive VUE weighs about 3,500 pounds, leaving you the capacity for 500 pounds of 'stuff' (important given the CCC of the 30' IB); the all wheel drive comes close to the 4,000 pound limit of the LD hitch. So if you need an AWD perhaps the Vue is not for you. We have a FWD V-6 and found its MPG (on level terrain) to check out at 33 highway 25 city. Of course, we seldom exceed 62 MPH. Fast drivers would lose a little mileage. I'm sure you'd get considerably better, too, with the 4 cylinder. Talk to your Saturn dealer - ours had sold many 'toads' and was very helpful.
Dell and Marv Kline Mountaintop, PA Silver Belle
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