small trucks as a toad December 05, 2015, 09:56:21 am Yahoo Message Number: 157412Does anyone tow a small truck as a toad? Looking for some suggestions, are they to heavy, to much to tow 4 down? Just throwing it out there because I could use a truck more at the sticks and bricks when not on the road. John in Oregon Thanks
Re: small trucks as a toad Reply #1 – December 05, 2015, 10:55:38 am Yahoo Message Number: 157414I have no idea what the curb weight is for whatever truck you have in mind. If it's less than 4,000 pounds you could tow it, probably it will require a trailer. Which would be a deal killer for me.You might wish to search this site for more info. Tows/toads are discussed again and again.Here's a dated article on the Companion http://lazydazearticles.blogspot.com/search/label/Tow%20VechilesAnd another http://lazydazearticles.blogspot.com/2011/02/towing-and-toads.html
Re: small trucks as a toad Reply #2 – December 05, 2015, 11:25:23 am Yahoo Message Number: 157415I have seen several tow the Ford Ranger p/u manual trans only, the auto cannot be towed 4 down. Ford doesn't currently make them anymore but the used market is there. I believe a Mazda is the same truck with different badging. As always consult the owners manual to make sure towing 4 down is okay.bobmoore14
Re: small trucks as a toad Reply #3 – December 05, 2015, 12:25:13 pm Yahoo Message Number: 157416You have to kinda of chuckle when author of towing article starts off with criticizing jeep as a toad vehicle because it gets awful mileage. This coming from an LD owner whose rig gets 9 mpg. For the record I own a 2014 4-door Jeep Rubicon which gets an average of 18 mpg which ain't bad given it's fun quotient.John
Re: small trucks as a toad Reply #4 – December 05, 2015, 01:01:35 pm Yahoo Message Number: 157418If your worried about gas mileage this is not the hobby for you. I cared about gas mileage when I was a poor surf bum with a crappy job. Since I got a career and eventually retired not so much. My Jeep Cherokee Toad got about 20-21 mpg on the highway when I got it. I think after the new 4.6 stroker motor and supercharger is put on it won't get that. It's a good thing gas is 1.99 a gallon where I hang out now. Hopefully for awhile.My LD gets 10-12 mpg when not towing, much less when I am. There are better things to worry about in this world, like when the next outbreak of zombies will happen. Or how many beers are left in the fridge.bobmoore14"He is truly strange" she said. And she was right.
Re: small trucks as a toad Reply #5 – December 05, 2015, 05:26:20 pm Yahoo Message Number: 157421While we're at it, add 4x4 to the specs.....
Re: small trucks as a toad Reply #6 – December 05, 2015, 05:44:39 pm Yahoo Message Number: 157422You have to kinda of chuckle when author of towing article starts off with criticizing jeep as a toad vehicle because it gets awful mileage.Chuckle away. I wrote it. We own two Jeeps and would not consider another toad. However, unless you enjoy serious off-roading, it's a poor choice for a toad.
Re: small trucks as a toad Reply #7 – December 05, 2015, 09:30:55 pm Yahoo Message Number: 157425We tow a 2001 Ford Ranger automatic. We had a driveshaft disconnect installed to allow us to tow it 4 down. I think that was about $1100-1200 parts and labor. We already owned the truck and it had about 70k miles on it when we had it modified. We have about 8k tow miles on it in the last 8 months and have been happy so far.
Re: small trucks as a toad Reply #8 – December 05, 2015, 10:20:33 pm Yahoo Message Number: 157426When I picked a tow vehicle the Jeep Cherokee was an easy choice. It didn't bounce around like the Suzuki Stuff I tried. There is room to take friends along. It rides nice for these old bones. I love it. And in my mine it will be the ultimate hot rod. We will see if Larry agrees. I should have took pictures of all he has done to it so far.Consider attending MOAB next year. It's awesome.bobmoore14Something good is coming your way. I can feel it.
Re: small trucks as a toad Reply #9 – December 05, 2015, 10:54:08 pm Yahoo Message Number: 157427We dragged a '99 Ranger, stick shift, around for several years. Good tow vehicle. Put a cap on the back, a roof rack on that, a bike rack on the hitch and hauled kayaks, bikes, and related stuff. A Ranger is really a Mazda B series truck so if you're looking for one, be sure to include Mazda in your search.Ed
Re: small trucks as a toad Reply #10 – December 07, 2015, 10:09:32 pm Yahoo Message Number: 157458Would love to see pixs of your Cherokee!...selling an awesome PT Cruiser & searching for a Cherokee Sport or equal...like the boxy older rigs...live in Lake Havasu City, AZ during winter, besides all the rods & antiques, us commoners opt for HHR Chevys & PTs...smart fart cars, Razors, et al adult play things... ...great old school auto shop owner ditto so your comments plus low, no dust on backcountry roads? Best Always, Vaughn
Re: small trucks as a toad Reply #11 – December 07, 2015, 10:13:54 pm Yahoo Message Number: 157459Vaughn, If you send me your email I could send you some pics. bobmoore14atsbcglobal.net.Bob