Re: To toad or not to toad Reply #50 – December 07, 2016, 11:47:18 am "I prefer the flexibility of a toad (a small truck with my small motorcycle in the bed)"---One also needs to calculate the additional weight of the "small motorcycle" carried in the bed of a pickup that likely will weigh 4500-5000 pounds when set up and loaded. JMHO, but I'd be looking for alternate tow choices. 1 Likes
Re: To toad or not to toad Reply #51 – December 07, 2016, 08:13:06 pm My motorcycle, a Suzuki Vstrom, weighs 523 lbs, the Rampage motorcycle lift is 350 lbs for a total of 873 lbs. My doorjam on the 2009 Chev Colorado 4wd says GCWR 5,300 lbs. I found a figure on-line of curb weight of 3,375 for the truck. As I understand it, the curb weight factors in passengers (& there won't be any while towing) & is the number that is to be considered when looking at the hitch rating of 4K lbs. So to verify the actual weight, I'll take it to a truck stop tomorrow. If the weight is in the 3,375 range + motorcycle and lift, I should be fine. If the number is as high as some have seen, I have to regroup. Thanks!
Re: To toad or not to toad Reply #52 – December 08, 2016, 12:01:27 pm Quote from: paintedgypsy - December 07, 2016, 08:13:06 pmMy doorjam on the 2009 Chev Colorado 4wd says GCWR 5,300 lbs. I found a figure on-line of curb weight of 3,375 for the truck. As I understand it, the curb weight factors in passengers (& there won't be any while towing) & is the number that is to be considered when looking at the hitch rating of 4K lbs. So to verify the actual weight, I'll take it to a truck stop tomorrow. If the weight is in the 3,375 range + motorcycle and lift, I should be fine. If the number is as high as some have seen, I have to regroup. Thanks!The 2009 Motorhome Magazine's toad Guide list the weight of the the Colorado/Canyon 4WD at 3,754-lbs.http://www.royrobinsonrv.com/images/pdf/Dinghy-Guide-2009.pdfI assume this is with the 5 cylinder engine and the lightest transmission, usually a manual. It is more than the amount you posted, the addition of the transfer case and front drive components add to the total weight.I would be interested in what your Colorado weights too. Finding the actual weight of cars and trucks is as difficult finding the true weight of most RVs.My Cherokees are aging and, at some point, they will need replacement. Keeping the replacement's weight at 4000-lbs or less is a must. As it is, our LD struggles to pull the 4000-lb Cherokee over steep, high altitude passes. If the Mountain Directory indicates a long, steep grade, I will often disconnect and have my wife drive the Jeep separately.Larry
Re: To toad or not to toad Reply #53 – December 08, 2016, 12:17:41 pm "the curb weight factors in passengers (& there won't be any while towing)"A full tank of gas but no passengers.Curb weight - WikipediaEd
Re: To toad or not to toad Reply #54 – December 08, 2016, 03:01:06 pm Our county dump has scales. They are for trucks but they will weigh owners cars. You could find a set of scales and weigh your car as driven. That way you are working with a real number and can make plans accordingly. If you are bumping up against the factory limit a trip to a welding shop is less than a new to you used car.
Re: To toad or not to toad Reply #55 – December 08, 2016, 05:38:08 pm Took my Colorado 4wd (WITH motorcycle and lift) to truck scales - it weighed more than I had hoped for @ 4,943 lbs . I'm pretty good at living light and will insure I do not exceed the GVWR of 14,500 lbs for the LD. Since the LD GCWR is 22,000, looks like I'm alright on total chassis capacity (14,500 + 4,943 = 19,443) - so I'm back to the hitch issue. If I make the deal on the MB LD, I'll take Larry's pictures in to a good hitch shop and get the 4k lb hitch beefed up. This is incredibly helpful. Other thoughts welcomed. Thanks!
Re: To toad or not to toad Reply #56 – December 08, 2016, 05:50:47 pm "I'll take Larry's pictures in to a good hitch shop and get the 4k lb hitch beefed up."That's exactly what I did last Saturday and all I tow is a 2008 Honda CRV!
Re: To toad or not to toad Reply #57 – December 08, 2016, 08:44:17 pm A word of caution regarding the Motorhome Magazine listing - When I began traveling in 2008, I checked the guide. It listed a Hyundai as being flat towable. I went to a Hyundai dealership. They, too, said their car was flat towable. I insisted on checking the owner's manual. It confirmed that the car was flat towable - maximum speed, 15 mph, maximum distance 15 miles. So, ALWAYS check the owner's manual before buying a TOAD.Ken F in NM
Re: To toad or not to toad Reply #58 – December 08, 2016, 08:55:40 pm "for @ 4,943 lbsToads have a way of becoming storage places for large items like lawn chairs, bar-b-ques etc., and general "stuff". When we recently started towing again, I was guessing that "stuff" wouldn't weigh more than a hundred pounds, or so.But when I added the weight of the towing hardware , like the brackets and such, and "stuff" ,then had it weighed 'trip ready' I was up to 300# with a 1/2 tank of gas.You may well be dragging some 5,200+- pounds around. That may prove to be a challenge on a hot day on a steep mountain road.I would suggest getting one of those devices that monitors transmission fluid temp, like a Scan Gauge or equivalent.In 2008 Ford increased the GVWR and the size of the brakes. If a 2008, or newer, is in the budget, that would be a good choice.Enjoy. Ed dragging around a slightly too heavy jeep.
Re: To toad or not to toad Reply #59 – December 08, 2016, 08:57:34 pm "maximum speed, 15 mph, maximum distance 15 miles. "You're retired Ken, where you going in such a hurry?😂😂Ed