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Topic: Small SUV's as Toads. Consumers Report. (Read 21 times) previous topic - next topic
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Toads
Reply #26 –
Yahoo Message Number: 125296
Hi, we are the proud owners of a 27' RB.  We are planning to buy a Honda Fit with an automatic transmission to pull.  Does anyone have any experience with this?  Any advice will be appreciated.  Judy and Bob
Re: Toads
Reply #29 –
Yahoo Message Number: 125310
"We are planning to buy a Honda Fit with an automatic transmission to pull. Does anyone have any experience with this?"
 I've been towing a Fit (manual, not automatic) for almost three years now, and couldn't be happier with it. The automatic version requires you to run through the gears in a specific sequence before starting out each day, but aside from that, it tows just as well as the manual Fit.
 See my website's article "Having a Fit" for tips on buying at the lowest price, and "Follow the Leader" for a detailed description of outfitting the car for towing, including costs and suppliers.
 http://www.andybaird.com/travels/skylarking/2009/fit.htm

http://www.andybaird.com/travels/skylarking/2009/towing.htm

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Toads
Reply #30 –
Yahoo Message Number: 125315
We just bought a new Honda Fit automatic, and a week ago had the Blue Ox tow plate installed.  Previously we were towing a Chevy Cobalt.  We have not taken a road trip with it yet, but the trip home from towing equipment vendor (about 15 miles) felt great.
 The Blue Ox tow plate looks fantastic from the front, virtually invisible, better than the on the Cobalt (and that wasn't bad). The tow bar angle is slightly higher than that provided by the Cobalt, and of course, the Fit weighs a couple hundred less than the Cobalt.
 Our first trip of any significance will be to the Regional gathering
Re: Toads
Reply #31 –
Yahoo Message Number: 125316
I also tow a Honda Fit (2010) and have for two years. The only problem was with a faulty Evan Brake unit that I replaced with a US Gear brake system that works great. My Fit is an automatic and tows like it is not there.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Toads
Reply #32 –
Yahoo Message Number: 125317
We to have been towing a 2010 Fit (automatic). The only problem we had was with a faulty Evan Brake system. Once we replaced with a braking system from US Gear everything works great. Unless you look occasionally, you are not aware of towing the Honda.

__
Toads
Reply #33 –
Yahoo Message Number: 125500
Thanks to everyone for your information about towing.  Andy, we went to your website.  Lots of good information.  We will be sure to get the equipment you recommend.  Shortly after our post we met a couple in the campground who had been towing the Honda Fit for several years and were able to see the towing equipment hooked-up.  The same equipment you recommend.  Andrea, thank you for your offer of help.

Judy and Bob
Toads
Reply #34 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145619
Where's the best place to research what cars are available / possible toads?

Thanks! Bill 2013 31' TB
2013 31' Silver Twin Bed
Semi-retired 6/21....
Re: Toads
Reply #35 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145620
Do a Google search for "Motor Home Magizine" Every hear the publish a list of the autos that can be towed. They may post it on there web sight.

George Retired Plumber
Re: Toads
Reply #37 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145622
thanks....been reading the guide this morning....a fantastic place for information...leaning towards a Honda CRV-AWD.....definitely want to read the owners manual first before purchasing....then lots of research to do on towing tools, etc..
Re: [LD] Toads
Reply #38 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145623
Besides Motorhome Magazine's Dinghy Towing Guides, Remco Towing has a lot of good information, www.remcotowing.com.
 Remco will list cars that can be towed 4-down with some modifications that the Dinghy Towing Guides don't.

Linda Hylton

From: bill.bussiere@...

Sent: ‎Friday‎, ‎April‎ ‎4‎, ‎2014 ‎11‎:‎06‎ ‎PM
To: lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com

Where's the best place to research what cars are available / possible toads?

Thanks! Bill 2013 31' TB
Linda Hylton
Re: Toads
Reply #39 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145624
interesting Linda - we have a 2011 Toyota Corolla which their site says can be towed (with the addition of the transmission pump). Has anyone here used one of these aftermarket transmission pumps? Thoughts?

Thanks,

Bill

2013 31' TB
Re: Toads
Reply #40 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145627
"we have a 2011 Toyota Corolla which their site says can be towed (with  the addition of the transmission pump).  Has anyone here used one of  these aftermarket transmission pumps? "

Bill

I don't have one but I'm familiar with them.
Basically, Remco uses a 12-volt oil pump to circulate transmission fluid through the transmission, keeping it properly lubricated. It does require a good, continuous  source of 12-power from the motor home.
The reason pumps are not more widely used is the additional cost on top of the base-plate,  tow-bar, towing lights and a toad brake.  Adding a pump will bring the total cost of the tow rig up from around $3000 to almost $5000 installed.   Plan on keeping your toad for a long time.
The advantage of using a pump is you do not need to replace you car and IMO, it's better to tow a used car, compared to a new one due to the chipping damage you WILL have. While there are numerous protective devices that can be used, most RV owners soon give up on using them due to the hassle.
Just hooking up and unhooking is a big deal for many..
 You can find older Motorhome toad guides for free online but the up to date 2014 guide are a paid item.
Each year there seems to be less appropiate tow vehicles, especially automatic transmission models..
The CRV is one of the most popular toads right now. The only other towable automatic CUV is the Chevy Equinox, which strikes me as outdated and ready for the next generation. Many older Hondas, with automatics, can be flat towed If you can drive a manual, the choices are much greater. All manual transmission Subarus are towable and would be much more capable on poor roads and in bad weather.

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 #41 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145628
For a Toad vehicle consider getting a 4 wheel/AWD model. It greatly increases the places you can go. If your LD ever gets stuck in the mud or snow you may be able to tow it out. If you can find a good used older model Jeep Cherokee IMO they are ideal. Decent gas mileage, ability to go almost anywhere, and you can stash a bunch of stuff into them. Ideal for a full timer such as myself. Jeeps Rock!!!

Bob 01 23.5 TK, Jeep Cherokee toad getting the hot rod treatment.
Re: Toads
Reply #42 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145629
There is a good piece in the Motorhome Magazine about how to choose a toad:

http://www.motorhome.com/rv-how-to/dinghy-towing-guide/dinghy-towing-fever/>

Last time I had looked, the 2014 Dinghy Guide was not available, but it is now, and I just downloaded it at no charge.  From what I can see, the 2013 and 2014 guides are available for download at no charge.  The site shows that 2012 and older guides are charged at $1.99 each.

I have been downloading these guides for many years, so if anyone needs a different year from 2013 or 2014, give me a jingle and I'll forward my copy to you.  I'm gonna presume this isn't illegal, but if it is, someone please let me know.  I just checked and I don't seem to have the guide for the year 2000.     :-(

Virtual hugs,

Judie http://dorrieanne.wordpress.com
Re: Toads
Reply #43 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145630
Yes, many of us have CR-Vs. They tow very well behind the LD. If you decide on CR-V, I would recommend a separate outlet or charging device for the CR-V battery. The battery is smaller than what I am used to and did loose charge while towing.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Toads
Reply #44 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145631
Try "motorhome.com".  They recently released their 2014 Guide to Dinghy Towing.

Bob SE 5 30IB AE

On Saturday, April 5, 2014 2:05 PM, "chorst_2000@..."  wrote:
 
Re: Toads
Reply #45 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145648
Bill, My limited experience:  We have a 2011 Honda CRV AWD configured as a toad.  We take delivery on our 30IB 4/28 so have not towed it yet.   When we signed up for the 31IB in October 2013, we had a 2011 Toyota Rav 4.  Research showed that costs of setting up Rav 4 or CRV differed basically by installing an after market transmission pump in the Rav4.   I had some of the work done at CampingWorld in Rocklin CA.  During the research phase, I spoke with one of the installation staff there who had towed a Rav4- he ended up replacing the transmission due to failure.   Installing the  pump voids the warranty.   We replaced it with the 2011 CRV.

Regarding checking the manual.
From Page 235  Honda 2013 Owners Manual (my hardcopy 2011 manual reads just  about the same):

Your vehicle can be towed behind a motorhome.
Perform the following procedure before towing your vehicle.
1. Check the transmission fluid level.
 u Make sure the fluid level is between the upper and lower marks.
2. Start the engine.
3. Depress the brake pedal. Move the shift lever through all its positions.
4. Shift to (D and hold for five seconds, then to (N. Let the engine run for three  minutes, then turn it off.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Leave the ignition switch in ACCESSORY (Make sure the steering wheel does not lock.)
7. Turn off all the electric devices. Do not use any accessory power sockets.  This can prevent the battery from running down.

I had the Mothership change the 4-pin tow plug for a 7 pin plug which I provided. I will see at the end of the month if they actually included the charge line.
 If you want more details on my research, please pm me at joel-wiley@  sbcglobal DOT net (yahoo dislikes web addresses) joel

From: "bill.bussiere@..." To: lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, April 4, 2014 11:06 PM Subject: [LD] Toads
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE