Toad purchase February 22, 2013, 07:11:05 pm Yahoo Message Number: 137007We have been looking at the 2013 Honda CRV 2WD to purchase as a toad for our 2001 MB. We're wondering if anyone knows whether there would be any problems towing this vehicle and if not, if there are any recommendations on what type of tow equipment would be best. We don't want to leave any tow equipment on the vehicle when it's not being towed as it will also be used as an everyday local vehicle.Thanks for any help or info!Mernyu
Re: Toad purchase Reply #1 – February 22, 2013, 07:20:16 pm Yahoo Message Number: 137008Hi: We tow a 2005 Honda CRV and have towed it about 35,000 miles so far. We use a RoadMaster AllTerrain tow bar. We have had no problems with the tow bar and RoadMaster has been very good with occasional questions, etc. The Honda tows easily with only having to pull one fuse which has resulted in no tow car dead battery problems. The tow bar attaches to the RV and the tow brackets on the front on the CRV are somewhat hidden and not noticed on the car which we drive around town while at home, or on the road. All in all, a very good system which has worked well for us. We have a 31' Lazy Daze. Gale
Re: Toad purchase Reply #2 – February 22, 2013, 08:05:57 pm Yahoo Message Number: 137010"We're wondering if anyone knows whether there would be any problems towing [a 2013 Honda CRV 2WD] vehicle." It will probably be OK, but the final authority is the owner's manual. Go to a Honda dealer, ask to see the 2013 CR-V manual, and look up what it says about towing. Don't take a salesman's word on this; don't take an RVer's word, don't take anybody's word--read the manual. "We don't want to leave any tow equipment on the vehicle when it's not being towed as it will also be used as an everyday local vehicle." Most tow gear nowadays can be removed, leaving little or nothing showing on the car. Blue Ox and Roadmaster are reliable brands. For an overview of what's involved in installing towing equipment, see my "Follow the Leader" web page: http://www.andybaird.com/travels/skylarking/2009/towing.htmAndy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: Toad purchase Reply #3 – February 23, 2013, 08:57:16 am Yahoo Message Number: 137014MOTORHOME magazine publishes an annual article on "Dingy Towing." The 2013 hasn't come out yet but here is a link to the 2012. file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/New%20user/My%20Documents/Downloads/2012MHGuidetoDinghyTowing.pdf This is a .pdf file of the text of the issue. You may skip thru all the "knowledge" stuff to get to the chart of what' towable. If that address doesn't get you there, start at this one and following the links. http://www.motorhome.com/rv-travel-news/its-dinghy-time/
Re: Toad purchase Reply #4 – February 23, 2013, 09:04:03 am Yahoo Message Number: 137015How To Find Your Car Owner's Manual Online http://www.edmunds.com/how-to/how-to-find-your-car-owners-manual-online.html?articleid=120189Howard
Re: Toad purchase Reply #5 – February 23, 2013, 10:08:13 am Yahoo Message Number: 137016Quote We have been looking at the 2013 Honda CRV 2WD to purchase as a toad for our 2001 MB. We're wondering if anyone knows whether there would be any problems towing this vehicle and if not, if there are any recommendations on what type of tow equipment would be best. We don't want to leave any tow equipment on the vehicle when it's not being towed as it will also be used as an everyday local vehicle.Thanks for any help or info!Mernyu Mernyu, I copied the towing info below from the 2013 CR-V manual. As you can see, it is authorized by Honda to be towed.Chris HPerform the following procedure before towing your vehicle. 1.Check the transmission fluid level. 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.Extended towing If you tow more than eight hours in one day, you should repeat the "before towing your vehicle procedure" at least every eight hours. You also need to perform the following procedure to prevent the battery from running down. 1. Remove the 7.5 A accessory radio fuse. This fuse is located in the interior fuse box. 2 Interior Fuse Box P. 336 2. Store the fuse in a safe place so you do not lose it. Make sure to reinstall the fuse before you start driving your vehicle
Re: Toad purchase Reply #6 – February 23, 2013, 10:10:02 am Yahoo Message Number: 137017We tow a 2007 CRV behind our 2010 MB and have no issues. We have gone up and down many mountains in the West and no problems at all. Before I bought the Honda I reviewed the FMCA and Motorhome mags annual publications that review all cars that manufactures say can be used as a toad...very useful as weights are shown and models etc. You can also find back issues if your considering a used car. I went to several rv internet sites searching for used cars set up for towing and found this car in good shape with very low miles and full hook up face plate and tow bar [brand is road master and falcon tow bar] It all came with the car. That saved some money. I added the SMI Duo brake system to the car, a good product but not cheap, and prefer it to the brake buddy type. The Honda is a great car to tow...Honda also approves towing the Fit but that is a bit small for me since I am 6'5" and about 240#'sDean Ansley 2010 MB[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Toad purchase Reply #7 – February 23, 2013, 12:21:55 pm Yahoo Message Number: 137020My Local Chevy Dealer has a bunch of New 2013 Chevy Sparks manual transmission for $9999. What do you think of this vs the Honda? I am looking to buy. Actually would love a Mini Cooper since I love the LOOKS.
Re: Toad purchase Reply #8 – February 23, 2013, 04:53:50 pm Yahoo Message Number: 137024"My Local Chevy Dealer has a bunch of New 2013 Chevy Sparks manual transmission for $9999. What do you think of this vs the Honda?" I'd suggest checking with Consumer Reports. Here's their summary for the 2013 Spark: "Chevrolet's smallest car is a four-seat 'city car' that's 20 inches shorter than a Honda Fit. Despite being well equipped with standard features such as a touch-screen infotainment system, the Spark isn't a good deal. Its dinky 84-hp, 1.2-liter four-cylinder and jerky four-speed automatic combine to provide slow acceleration; the standard manual transmission delivers better performance. The Spark's cabin is cramped and relentlessly noisy, the ride is stiff and jittery, and fuel economy of 32 mpg overall isn't that impressive. While it isn't exciting to drive, the Spark is certainly maneuverable, exceptionally easy to park, and boasts a rear seat that is actually usable by adults." The Spark rates 34 on a scale of 100--nearly the lowest in its class. Moreover, the Spark is a new model, and historically, GM cars have been prone to teething problems in their first few years of production.By contrast, here's CR's summary for the 2013 Honda Fit: "The subcompact Fit four-door hatchback offers easy cabin access and very good visibility. It has an amazing amount of interior room and various seat-folding arrangements. While the Fit is not overly powerful, it feels responsive, with a smooth and willing engine, and agile handling. Fuel economy is an excellent 33 mpg overall for the manual and 30 mpg for the automatic. Although the ride is a bit choppy, it is supple enough, but elevated road noise contributes to the din. An electric version is available in limited numbers for lease. It has a range of about 82 miles, and retains nearly all of the regular Fit's attributes." The Fit rates 76 out of 100 points--the highest in its class. And this car has a long history of high reliability, earning CR's "Much better than average" rating in that category. (And note that the Fit gets better gas mileage than the Spark, despite being larger and having much more cargo capacity.) But I'm just skimming the surface here. Before buying any car, I strongly recommend reading CR's complete test report on it and on comparable models. (Incidentally, Subaru's Forester now slightly outscores Honda's CR-V in CR's rankings, though both models are recommended.) Bottom line: there's probably a good reason why your dealer is pricing those Chevy Sparks so low. ;-)Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: Toad purchase Reply #9 – February 25, 2013, 07:39:03 am Yahoo Message Number: 137054Thanks Andy. I drove over to the Chevy Dealer, just to have a look see. They had 17. Most were sold. Looked like a nice car and was nice and roomy behind the wheel. I did not drive one and did not buy one. Will keep on looking and look at the Honda Fit. Also stopped by the Mercedes Dealer and drove a Smart Car. New they start at $13,300. Drove pretty nice. Had an unusual auto trans. Engine is real small. Real wheel drive.
Re: Toad purchase Reply #10 – February 25, 2013, 10:22:44 am Yahoo Message Number: 137055Have you considered a 4WD Toad? This will let you explore places a 2WD could never take you. If you are willing to get a slightly used vehicle you wouldn't have to spend anymore than a new 2WD subcompact.Bob Quartzsite, AZ. for a few... 01 23.5 TK, Jeep Cherokee Toad
Re: Toad purchase Reply #11 – February 26, 2013, 10:59:07 am Yahoo Message Number: 137076That a good idea. Whats a good brand? Like a Subaru? Wonder what 4x4 can be towed with all 4 wheels down?
Re: Toad purchase Reply #12 – February 26, 2013, 11:42:42 am Yahoo Message Number: 137079"That a good idea. Whats a good brand? Like a Subaru? Wonder what 4x4 can be towed with all 4 wheels down?"SteveNot a long list of choices and the one that are, keep getting heavier.-New Jeep Wranglers are at the or over the weight limit. -Subaru Forster is nice, all-wheel-drive, towable with a stick shift-only. New ones sit lower. -Used Suzuki Vitaras- They are orphans now that Suzuki has stopped selling vehicles in the US. -Used Jeep Cherokee, and older Wranglers (TJ and CJ) - Solid front axle-models, best for serious off-roading. They are getting old and are hard to find in good condition. -Jeep Liberty- IFS and more car like, less ground clearance. Heavy -Used 4X4 Ranger pickups- may need an adapter to get the transfercase into 'Neutral' for towing. -Some small GM 4X4 pickups- Canyon and ? Honda CRVs are popular toads but do not have real 4X4 . New models are heavier and lower. Your best new or newer vehicle for causal dirt road exploration is probably the Forester, if you drive a stick. For more serious trails, nothing easily towable beats a Jeep. As usual, always check the 'Owner's Manual' for towing information and confirmation.Larry
Re: Toad purchase Reply #13 – February 26, 2013, 12:23:24 pm Yahoo Message Number: 137080"Larry" wrote: Subaru Forster is nice, all-wheel-drive, towable with a stick shift-only. New ones sit lower. --- A note on the re-designed" 2014 Subaru Forester; a CVT is the only transmission offered. I have no idea how this might affect the 2014 Forester's "towability". http://www.edmunds.com/subaru/forester/2014/ Joan
Re: Toad purchase Reply #14 – February 26, 2013, 12:41:18 pm Yahoo Message Number: 137081If you look deep enough you will find that there are some manual models also. Don't rule out the Subaru Outback with manual transmission. Dave
Re: Toad purchase Reply #15 – February 26, 2013, 01:06:04 pm Yahoo Message Number: 137084Dave Hasselberg wrote: If you look deep enough you will find that there are some manual models also. Don't rule out the Subaru Outback with manual transmission. --- Subaru may well produce other models and years with manual transmissions; my comments referred specifically to the *2014 Forester* in response to Larry's listing of the Forester with manual transmission as a toad possibility.Joan
Re: Toad purchase Reply #16 – February 26, 2013, 01:09:32 pm Yahoo Message Number: 137085"That a good idea. Whats a good brand? QuoteLike a Subaru? Wonder what 4x4 can be towed with all 4 wheels down?" Subaru makes a great car but I don't know if they are flat-towable. Maybe someone will chime in. But when I started looking for a Toad after driving some Suzukis, Honda's, and Jeeps I chose the Jeep Cherokee. You can store lots of stuff in them, they ride softer than the shorter wheelbase 4WD's out there that can be towed. Also I preferred an auto trans that could be flat towed. I had to put some money into it but so far a very solid vehicle. I have thrashed it out in the desert and it just comes back for more. Bob Quartzsite, AZ. for a few... 01 23.5 TK, Jeep Cherokee Toad
Re: Toad purchase Reply #17 – February 26, 2013, 01:35:44 pm Yahoo Message Number: 137086Actually the new 2014 Subaru Forester has both a cvt auto transmission as well as a newly designed 6 speed manual transmission. The exception is the turbocharged 4 cyl. is only available with a cvt auto transmission. The manual transmission Forester should make a great toad!Roger
Re: Toad purchase Reply #18 – February 26, 2013, 02:16:20 pm Yahoo Message Number: 137088bslrg@... wrote: Actually the new 2014 Subaru Forester has both a cvt auto transmission as well as a newly designed 6 speed manual transmission. The exception is the turbocharged 4 cyl. is only available with a cvt auto transmission. The manual transmission Forester should make a great toad! --- Thanks for that correction! ;-) http://www.edmunds.com/subaru/forester/2014/options.html?sub=suv Joan
Re: Toad purchase Reply #19 – February 26, 2013, 02:49:38 pm Yahoo Message Number: 137091Thanks for all the good info. Dumb ? I am new at all this. Why do they call it a TOAD?
Re: Toad purchase Reply #20 – February 26, 2013, 02:52:33 pm Yahoo Message Number: 137092Short version of "towed vehicle".Dale 2005 FL, 2000 Cherokee
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