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Topic: Chevrolet Trax toad (Read 328 times) previous topic - next topic
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Chevrolet Trax toad
Has anyone have or know if the Chevrolet Trax is a good vehicle for a toad?
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
Re: Chevrolet Trax toad
Reply #1 –
Dunno how good it is as a toad, but at least eTrailer has all the necessary parts to flat-tow it. And Motor Trend likes it.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Chevrolet Trax toad
Reply #2 –
The 2024+ models look like the closest thing we've seen to the 2014 and older CR-V's in a long time.  If you can accept those limitations (front wheel drive, some ground clearance but not an offroader), the Trax seems to have promise as a toad.  

The weight is in range (~3100lbs), Blue Ox makes the hardware.  I think it's worth a look.

Obviously, Chevy as a brand doesn't have the reputation for reliability that Honda does.   I would wait as long as possible so the manufacturer can solve some of the early model issues that always pop up.

Rich

2003 MB
Re: Chevrolet Trax toad
Reply #3 –
Well, we went ahead and purchased the TRAX ACTIV yesterday after first checking the owners manual about flat dinghy towing. (See photo) Connecting the Trax to the LD appears to be uncomplicated (compared to connecting to our Jeep Cherokee). We were impressed with the fit & trim, weight, price, warrantees, and test driving. I will be ordering the Blue Ox base plate and tail light wiring harness next week. Because of the price is very reasonable we chose the ACTIV model that had the most available features. Driving on our winding country road where we live it was impressive and quiet to drive. It has very good merging acceleration on the interstate.
No, it is not an off road vehicle which I can say "Been there done that"  but now we just need the option of leaving the LD in a campsite and exploring with the car.
Mike
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
Re: Chevrolet Trax toad
Reply #4 –
Nice looking toad, Mike!  Please give us an update once you’ve used it for awhile. 😊
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Chevrolet Trax toad
Reply #5 –
Nice!  

Seeing what is in the owners manual, I would consider (and you probably already are) a remote battery disconnect switch.

There might be some electrical work to do if you need 12v power for a braking system while the main electrical system is off (a brake buddy
 box, for example).

Please keep us updated on how the Trax travels.

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Chevrolet Trax toad
Reply #6 –
Quote from: rich  - 
Seeing what is in the owner's manual, I would consider (and you probably already are) a remote battery disconnect switch.

There might be some electrical work to do if you need 12v power for a braking system while the main electrical system is off (a brake buddy
 box, for example).

The Trax is a nice-looking car and adds another choice for a mid-size toad besides the Ford Maverick and Escort hybrids.

Besides a battery disconnect switch, a toad battery charger, powered by a connection to the LD, will needed to power the toad brake and emergency breakaway.
Wonder why the battery needs to be disconnected, reconnecting it will reset the engine's computer and probably lose the radio presets.

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: Chevrolet Trax toad
Reply #7 –
Yes, there is a learning period for all the system's operation which is mostly straight forward. I was able to download the owner's manual to my iPhone for easy reference. We have already put over 150 miles on it since yesterday going to Tampa & Clearwater in heavy traffic. It is a pleasure to drive and is quite comfortable to sit in. Its always a relief to get back home in the country. I don't know how well the fit would be for the 6'+ tall people, that would have to be determined individually. It is not cramped inside for us. Visibility all around is good and the backup camera is very good.
Rich & Larry, my power & tail lights cable from our LD has a +12VDC circuit which I have always wired with inline fuses straight to the toad battery while driving. Therefore no toad battery disconnect switch is needed. I have done that for many years with no issues. One thing I find interesting is that the Goodyear tires require inflation to 50-lbs. I have them at 46-lbs.
The next project is installing the Blue Ox base plate and rear lights wiring harness.  Then I will add catalytic converter protection.
The vehicle has a lifetime warranty for the drive train and a 3-yr. bumper to bumper warranty. An additional 5-yr. bumper to bumper can be purchased.
This morning I had the time to take a look at the under side. What I liked is the easy access to the oil filter (blue left side of oil pan) and engine drain plug. Installing a CatStrap should be an easy task. We'll see!
Mike
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
Re: Chevrolet Trax toad
Reply #8 –
Hi Mike,

It’s funny, we’ve been looking at the Trax for the same purpose. I’ll be following along to see how you like it!

Off topic: My brother bought one awhile back and really likes it. That 3-cyl turbo has been used in Europe in Opel/Vauxhall SUVs (at least when GM owned them) for a long time and it is considered to be a reliable powertrain. Reviewers say that something about 3-cyl harmonics make them sound like 6-cyl. The same concept  does not apply to 4-cyl/8-cyl.

Jason

2003 Rear Bath
"Razor Crest"
Our first RV, purchased from the original owner 01/2022
Re: Chevrolet Trax toad
Reply #9 –
Jason,
I learned the Trax is manufactured in South Korea and shipped to Brunswick, GA for distribution to dealers. What I also like is it weighs just over 3000 lbs. but the road handling is very firm especially on cornering. The LD should have no problems towing that weight.
You still have an open invite to visit & stay here.
Mike
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
Re: Chevrolet Trax toad
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Mike Coachman  - 
Yes, there is a learning period for all the system's operation which is mostly straight forward. I was able to download the owner's manual to my iPhone for easy reference. We have already put over 150 miles on it since yesterday going to Tampa & Clearwater in heavy traffic. It is a pleasure to drive and is quite comfortable to sit in. Its always a relief to get back home in the country. I don't know how well the fit would be for the 6'+ tall people, that would have to be determined individually. It is not cramped inside for us. Visibility all around is good and the backup camera is very good.
Rich & Larry, my power & tail lights cable from our LD has a +12VDC circuit which I have always wired with inline fuses straight to the toad battery while driving. Therefore no toad battery disconnect switch is needed. I have done that for many years with no issues. One thing I find interesting is that the Goodyear tires require inflation to 50-lbs. I have them at 46-lbs.
The next project is installing the Blue Ox base plate and rear lights wiring harness.  Then I will add catalytic converter protection.
The vehicle has a lifetime warranty for the drive train and a 3-yr. bumper to bumper warranty. An additional 5-yr. bumper to bumper can be purchased.
This morning I had the time to take a look at the under side. What I liked is the easy access to the oil filter (blue left side of oil pan) and engine drain plug. Installing a CatStrap should be an easy task. We'll see!
Mike

I had a 2023 Trailblazer that required battery disconnected.  Could not find good answer why battery was disconnected.  Only item I found was possibility that the electronic energy brake could activate.  I would contact GM to verify why disconnect needed.  If you do not do it you would not be following GM toad tow instructions and if something occurs you may not be covered.  Here is what someone else did after they disconnected battery.  This is all FYI.  Good luck and love the Trax.

 I followed the GM directions and installed my disconnect on the negative terminal on our 2023 Equinox RS, FWD. I took the charge line I had used previously and connected that directly to the auxiliary braking system, so the braking system is powered directly from the motorhome. This way, when I am towing, our Equinox is completely turned off.
If the car separated from the MH, I would have no braking so for that rare (and hopefully never occuring) situation I have a little relay that throws the power to the brake system to a small little AGM battery mounted under the hood of the car. The battery is very small and costs around $20.

Ron S
Ron and Linda
Ada Michigan