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Topic: Toads? (Read 1974 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Toads?
Reply #50
One of our toad options...
(The other is hiding behind the trailer. Sneaky little thing.)

Chip

2000 Front Lounge


Re: Toads?
Reply #52
Something like this, perhaps?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Toads?
Reply #53
I thought a Baja Bug painted to match the LD would be very cool. But was shot down on that idea lol.
Lynn and Lori

Re: Toads?
Reply #54
Mazda Miata MX-5 with a MT?
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life

Re: Toads?
Reply #55
“Mazda Miata MX-5 with a MT?“

According to the boss it has to be a automatic and have cargo space for our large Doberman. The automatic is really the limiting factor. After a lot of reading I think we need to look at a Ford Escape or Chevy HHR.
Lynn and Lori

Re: Toads?
Reply #56
“Mazda Miata MX-5 with a MT?“

According to the boss it has to be a automatic and have cargo space for our large Doberman. The automatic is really the limiting factor. After a lot of reading I think we need to look at a Ford Escape or Chevy HHR.

We towed an HHR for the first 4 years. The ground clearance is 6.5" but it looks lower than that. Gas mileage wasn't all that great and it seems to have a tiny windshield. That's why we bought a 2011 Forester, but, of course, it has an MT.

Jim

Re: Toads?
Reply #57
... I think we need to look at a Ford Escape ...
I was considering an Escape when researching toads last year but scratched it from the list due to reports of transmission issues after towing.  Could be a lot of folks had no problem and only hear about the complaints but seemed to be too many to ignore and there are other choices.

Rich
2006 MB

Re: Toads?
Reply #58
I think having a toad is a good idea. There are just some places you should not take a RV.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Toads?
Reply #59
We towed an HHR for the first 4 years. The ground clearance is 6.5" but it looks lower than that. Gas mileage wasn't all that great and it seems to have a tiny windshield. That's why we bought a 2011 Forester, but, of course, it has an MT.

Jim

Was the HHR a dependable car? Which motor did it have and how was the power?
Lynn and Lori


Re: Toads?
Reply #61
Duro, another possible option for a toad that is large enough for your dog is the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon. I believe they are towable with automatic transmission.  You could always throw a camper shell on for the pooch.  I would target an older one as they are a little lighter.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Toads?
Reply #62
Duro, another possible option for a toad that is large enough for your dog is the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon. I believe they are towable with automatic transmission.  You could always throw a camper shell on for the pooch.  I would target an older one as they are a little lighter.

Bare GMC 4X4 Canyons weight 4000-lb and upwards.
An upgraded hitch is needed.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Toads?
Reply #63
Bare GMC 4X4 Canyons weight 4000-lb and upwards.
An upgraded hitch is needed.

Larry

Probably true for newer models, Larry, but note that the older ones weigh less.  For example, a 2010 4x2 extended cab model has a curb weight of 3,500 lbs:

2010 GMC Canyon SLT 4x2 Extended Cab 6 ft. box 126 in. WB | Cars.com
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Toads?
Reply #64
One of our toad options...
(The other is hiding behind the trailer. Sneaky little thing.)

Chip


C
One of our toad options...
(The other is hiding behind the trailer. Sneaky little thing.)

Chip

Chip,
Very nice looking Alpine.  I have always like them.  I still miss all my LBCs (Little British Cars), a 62 Healey tricarb, 03 and 06 Coopers.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath

Re: Toads?
Reply #65
I was considering an Escape when researching toads last year but scratched it from the list due to reports of transmission issues after towing.  Could be a lot of folks had no problem and only hear about the complaints but seemed to be too many to ignore and there are other choices.

Rich


Thanks Rich!! I did a search and did some reading and I don't like what I read. I think I will pass on the escape too.
Lynn and Lori

Re: Toads?
Reply #66
I owned a Ford Escape when I bought my 2004 30'IB and intended to tow it. A bit of research at that time told me that the Escape cannot be towed! I even consulted Remco to see if they had a device that would allow four down towing. No such luck!

That's when I bought a Honda Civic and then, later, a Honda CRV.   :(
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Toads?
Reply #67
In the past, the Ford Ranger pickup has been a toad recommended by Motorhome magazine.  US Production stopped in 2011, although the vehicle continued to be produced in other parts of the world.  On a recent overseas trip, I noticed new Rangers in Hong Kong and the Philippines and they looked pretty nice.

I noticed that Ford is bringing back the Ranger to US production starting with the 2019 model. Unknown at this time what the weight specs will be, or if it will even be towable 4-down, but it may be a viable toad in the future:

Ford Ranger is back - Jan. 14, 2018
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Toads?
Reply #68
In the past, the Ford Ranger pickup has been a toad recommended by Motorhome magazine.  US Production stopped in 2011, although the vehicle continued to be produced in other parts of the world
I noticed that Ford is bringing back the Ranger to US production starting with the 2019 model. Unknown at this time what the weight specs will be but it may be a viable toad in the future:
Ford Ranger is back - Jan. 14, 2018

The older 4X4 Rangers make decent toads, being very lightweight.
I consider one a few years ago but backed off when finding very little upgraded suspension parts were available, unlike the Jeep's vast world of aftermarket parts.

It seems all newer vehicles are heavier. The new Ranger will probably be in the same weight range as the GMC Canyon, which come in at 4000+lbs bare,  a bit heavy .
To tow, it will require 4X4 and a transfer-case with a true neutral, just like most other towable 4X4s.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Toads?
Reply #69
Yea Larry that’s what I am noticing. Same model newer vehicles are 100’s of pounds heavier. And older used vehicles have to many miles for my liking.
Lynn and Lori

Re: Toads?
Reply #70
Yea Larry that’s what I am noticing. Same model newer vehicles are 100’s of pounds heavier. And older used vehicles have to many miles for my liking.

Duro, I agree the new Ranger will probably be too heavy but we won't know for sure until the specs come out.  You can find used lower mileage vehicles, though, if you look hard enough.  I just purchased a 2003 Chevy S-10 4x2 w/auto. with just under 70K miles  (not towable to my knowledge; too bad as it meets the weight requirement). It will work as a trash and grocery hauler, though.

They are out there!



Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Toads?
Reply #71
Duro, I agree the new Ranger will probably be too heavy but we won't know for sure until the specs come out.  You can find used lower mileage vehicles, though, if you look hard enough.  I just purchased a 2003 Chevy S-10 4x2 w/auto. with just under 70K miles  (not towable to my knowledge; too bad as it meets the weight requirement). It will work as a trash and grocery hauler, though.

They are out there!

A review in today’s LA Times said the new Ranger is now a midsize, up from compact. Competes now with Tacoma, Colorado, Frontier, etc. No specs available. — Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄

Re: Toads?
Reply #72
Good article, Jon.  After reading it, I'm fairly certain the new Ranger's will be too heavy to tow, at least not without some hitch modification.  Hopefully the specs will be out soon.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264


 
Re: Toads?
Reply #74
“can always go old school....“

Yea old school would be fun. I would love to have a first generation Blazer or Bronco to play with.
Lynn and Lori