Looking for the best vehicle to tow behind my 1996 U296. A am thinking about an LX 470. Any hep would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Brian
Add a gx460 to your list too. Both great vehicles, but command stupid prices since covid hit. We found the best bang for our buck was ordering a new wrangler at one of the dealerships that'll still
do below invoice pricing. Absolutely love our rubicon.
We tow a 2016 Ford Explorer AWD. It does great, third row seating, roof rack, and twin turbo if you need speed. you can find them used, but it can only be a 2016, other years of this body style cannot be flat towed. It does require a battery disconnect.
We love our 2015 Lincoln MKT. There is a bit of having to run the car for a bit in drive and reverse before towing, but otherwise just hook it up, put it in neutral, turn the engine off and go. The speed limit is 65 mph, but since I normally drive at about 62-63 that isn't an issue.
Easiest cars I have pulled flat down was the 2000 Honda CRV and my current vehicle, 2018 Chevy Equinox. 35 mpg, nice drive and easy hookup. You do need a hot wire to run battery for juice or disconnect battery lead.
I am not quite as extravagant as you guys. I flat tow a 2003 Sunfire which is extremely dependably and light. I don't even have a braking system for it and have had zero issues
we tow a 2015 jeep cherokee and a 2020 ram 2500 Just not at same time. If going to Arizona we tow Ram with Side by side on back, every where else we tow the Jeep
No problems with either, both have a neutral in transfer case
Chris
We like our Jeep Wrangler. No steering wheel lock, so just put the transfer case in neutral and go.
Foretravel Axle Weights (https://wiki.foreforums.com/doku.php?id=through_the_years:weights)
It appears you have a 6k tow capacity. If your stock, a Toyota/Lexus LX/GX or 4 door Wrangler will be fine, but if you have larger tires, bumpers, rack, winch, etc, you will most likely cross that limit.
Also, know Toyota/Lexus do not approve of towing those 4wds but many people have done it with the tcase in N. You'll also most likely have to fab up mount points, base plates are not really made for them. Wranglers OTOH are widely supported.
That said, what are your uses for a toad? Where do you want to go?
Small, light, AWD, ultra reliable, our 2005 RAV4 manual is great and under 3K. No transfer case but will go places other heavier vehicles won't.
A Luxus 470 in transfer case neutral or with a neutral kit would be the best of the luxury best. Toyota reliability. Just not inexpensive used. Other good Toyotas are also excellent.
As late as 2015, a CRV would be a more urban but good and very reliable toad.
Pierce
4x4 Chev Tahoe have to disconnect the battery. Friend tows GMC Truck (battery disconnect) Chev 1/2 ton pickup (battery disconnect), Jeep, Ford F250, Ford F150, Ford Raptor, or a Dodge Ram.
Since 1996 I have towed 2 Cherokees and 4 Grand Cherokees including my current '14 I always paid less than 3K except for the '14 which will in all likelihood will be the last towed I will need. Price and ability to get parts anywhere was my reason to use them.
Let me throw this in the mix. We do a lot of close camping. 200 miles or less and usually just for a long weekend. Most of the time it's not worth towing when we most likely aren't going to go exploring. Most of our trips are to do absolutely nothing other then cook and relax. On occasion it would be nice to go to dinner or hit a flea market etc or maybe run out of wine. We bought a Vespa scooter and I built a rack for it. Really light weight and easy to load and unload. It will run 60 to 65 mph with me and the wife. Sorry I don't have any pictures of it on the motorhome.
Amazon.com: NSA RV Products RS-5000 Break Away Device : Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/NSA-RV-Products-RS-5000-Device/dp/B00IK56R4A/ref=sr_1_8?crid=1G32CBHFZIU66&keywords=ready+brake&qid=1657819691&sprefix=Ready+brake%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-8)
The life you save may be mine
We flat tow a 2016 chevy Colorado diesel and has been great, no speed limit on towing but must disconnect battery. What's good is you don't loose any presets on radio or any saved navigation routes. There are a few steps to do before towing and after towing but not difficult.
I tow a Suzuki Sidekick. It's too bad they quit making them. It's light enough that legally
I don't need brakes but I put a Airforce one on anyway.
We tow a 2006 CR-V when we want convenience. We remove the 2010 FJ Cruiser driveshaft when we want to hit the trails.
I've towed a '94 Sidekick and a 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara; both were great cars, but I wouldn't recommend the Suzuki V6. We presently tow an '06 Jeep Liberty Renegade ((just over 60K miles on it) which gets terrible gas mileage, but we really like it. If Old Guy would sell his Sidekick, I'd buy it in a heartbeat - a fun go anywhere vehicle. Consider what you want to use it for - do you want to go offroad? If so, Jeeps are great, Suzuki are better but really hard to find in good condition.
We are looking at getting a new Escape PHEV, but it may be a long time before they are available.
I put and 2.3 lt. engine out of and Suzuki Aero in my Sidekick which makes it into a really
good car. You are right they are hard to find and they are going up in price.
Toyota won't be bringing the Landcruiser to the US anymore, for now.
You will only see the Lexus models.
And the FJ Cruiser is also gone.
My 2. Bits worth, lighter is better, currently tow a 05 Jeep Liberty, BUT, our last MH we towed another Liberty, then bought a new 14 CRV, was that a big difference, picked up near 1/2 mpg. Towing. Last. MH was a o11 Dutch star. Over memory 14,000 miles. CRV ...Liberty . Near 40, shady tttl. We were long haulers then.
Recently tried to buy a low miles 75,000. 014 CRV, they'd wanted what I had paid new for the same model.
Life is crazy, these days, 80's as we are now in short trip mode with our 99 Foretravel 295 40' guess will keep the title in the Liberty, if it gives out, (probably front end ball joints) Be standing there u get the title 2 sets of keys.
JEEP LIBERTY?!! As some one said above poor MPG running or towing, my thought exactly. Although it tows quick,easy .
Really not that bad, not off-roader, something to trade though, it's yours.
Love sorta our FT, what breaks is identifiable, using FT or MHT. unless u go to Houston Cummins, that was an $$experience??
We tow a 4 door Jeep Wrangler and love it! It is a great versatile vehicle if you like to go exploring....
Keith
If on a budget, there are tons of older stick shift cars that only need a tow bar mount welded up. Lighter cars will always cut the fuel mileage loss. I used to have a diesel Rabbit for a toad behind my old Greyhound. It got almost 50 mpg. If under 3000 lbs, no aux brakes are needed in many states. Check laws in states on your planned route.
Pierce
If you tow a stick car without a neutral transfer case you will ruin the transmission. This applies to drive shaft cars not V Dubs. When the output shaft of the transmission spins when in neutral there is no lubrication taking place. The input shaft spins the countershaft and that lubes the main shaft. I found out the hard way back in the 60's towing my '66 SS After burning up the mainshaft I started pulling the drive shaft to solve the problem.
Some good info online for each car for towing. For our RAV4, I have to stop every 300 miles and idle it in neutral for 5 minutes. I've not forgotten yet.
The turbo 7.3 and Getrag 5 speed I put in my old SOB had been towed for a few hundred miles without idling it and damaged the 5 speed. He fixed it before I bought.
Pierce
We really love our Jeep Wrangler. Not sure how much our Coach MPG is affected, but I sure don't feel it back there. I have to look at the camera every now and then to make sure it's still back there! :)
Transmission in Park, Transfer Case in Neutral and away we go. I removed the steering wheel lock, so we don't need to leave the key in.
Hook up time is less than 3 or 4 minutes.
We got a little better than 8mpg pulling our Wrangler from Salida Co to Biwabik MN.
We looked at a Wrangler a few months back. They are not for taller people. My head was at the same level as the roll bar. Fine for driving but in an emergency, that could be catastrophic. Looking on other forums, many also have similar concerns.
I'm 6' and fit comfortably enough. I wouldn't want to be any taller.
:) Sometimes you just don't have a choice.
We ordered a Gladiator last year knowing that the seating position was not ideal. I had a set of these ready to install when the Jeep arrived: FIXED FRONT SEAT JACKERS - JEEP - 2018 WRANGLER TO 2021 WRANGLER JL, JLU, &... (https://desertdoesit.com/collections/jeep/products/2019-jeep-wrangle-jl-and-gladiator-front-seat-jackers)
They raise the front of the seat so the bottom isn't so flat for more thigh support. I fabbed an even higher set for the driver's side to get me more leg room. I'm 6'4" with a 36" inseam so need lots of legroom while headroom isn't usually a problem.
For my piece of mind, I want a towed vehicle that has easy parts availability and a good dealer network if something should happen out in the boonies.
They also have seat track extenders for the Wranglers. Gives an extra 6" of leg room. I'm 6'6" and have plenty of room with the extenders installed.
The Remco drive shaft disengage gives you a choice of any rear wheel/ two wheel drive car as a towd. They were really common in the 80's and are still available
REMCO/ Quick Disconnect Drive Shafts (https://www.alldrivelines.com/custom-remco-drive-shafts/)
I had previously looked at those for our 2wd suburban and they really didn't impress me on build or long term reliability. Clamped on to the differential and sure looked like a place to collect road debris. Operate in a snowy area? Just a lot of open mechanism and not real well thought out. Really like the idea, but not out in the open. For a coach buck it would for me be better to add a transfer case and only use the disconnect inside of it and delete all the 4WD components. Sealed and in its own oil supply. Factory proven parts. Electronic commanded disconnect.
Scott
Remco no longer supports these options. Another company appears to have taken over/bought the rights?? Lots of people raved about the product. Easier solution is to buy a vehicle that can be flat towed or has a tcase that can go into N. 2WD vehicles have more limited options, but a dolly seems doable
I had a driveshaft disconnect on our previous FJ Cruiser. It was great for on the road use.
Off-road, not so much. That little bit that hangs below the differential? It can hang on a rock.
The shifter broke loose and spun up and on top of the driveshaft. Might have perforated the gas tank, were not for a thick plastic cover. I spent about 1/2 hour on my back, on the rocks, on a 100 degree day, destroying the shifter mechanism and getting it out so I could reset the driveshaft with zip ties. Good thing I carry tools and supplies...
I actually bought a used shifter locally for $100 and restored the system, but lost it all when we destroyed the FJ. Now I just spend the two minutes to remove the driveshaft when we want to tow it.
Cool system for street, but I offer strong cautions for off-road driving.
Hard pass for me in regards to dollies. Just my personal opinion. Suburban on a dolly backwards towing. Fwd car possibly but was talking about rear wheel drive cars. Trailer , and you can back up.
I know a couple people that tow with dollies, none of them like it but it beats walkin'.
Yea, agree, I would not do that at all. I was thinking more like a Civic or small 2WD SUV. I have never used a dolly before.
I don't care for dollies at all. The dolly will not be visible in the mirrors and there is a low percentage chance to see a problem in the rear cam. They always seem to go wrong even in short distances. Aluminum dbl axle trailer would be good but expensive.
Pierce
Something I have wondered about.
A friend told me that he doesn't tow a vehicle. He rents or leases one when he gets to his destination. Cheaper on fuel, less stress on his coach drive train, and easier driving his coach.
Is this in any way feasible or even practical?
Maybe if you were going from one large city to the next, with long periods in between travel days. That'd be way too much hassle for us and pretty much ensures you can't wing any part of your trip.
First problem on the road with no towed would have that idea shot down. And eliminate boondocking.
We just made our trip to June Lake w/o toad. This is about the third time w/o. The first time, we rented a car from Enterprise but had to go to the Mammoth Lakes Airport to pick it up. Almost and hour RT so we just use the U300 to get around with. Uses a little more fuel but no fuel to pull the toad 250 miles each way.
Going to San Francisco, we just find a double zone, usually a few blocks from Fisherman's Wharf and walk to a cable car or Uber it. Overnight is not a problem if you make sure there are no street sweepers that night or it's an expensive ticket.
Craneman has listened to us go in and out of the campground at June.
Pierce
We've been towing a 2018 V6 Z71 Colorado with fiberglass topper for two years, 30,000 miles. Moderately equipped for off road (ZR2 more so). I deleted the front air dam, way too low for off road. It will self delete. Lots of dealer support across country. In my opinion much more comfortable driver than Wrangler (ride and noise) and with topper much more cargo space. Weighs 5400 with full fuel, topper, two kayaks, 2 ebikes and fishing gear. Routine maintenance over 47,000 miles plus 30,000 towed - tires, oil, filters. Can't say about tall driver comfort, not in my gene pool. If you install the Roadmaster solenoid battery disconnect you will find it easy to set up into tow mode. No speed limit or time limits on towing and no wobble. We had a no chip key cut for towing. It unlocks steering wheel but won't ever start car. You will have to remove and reinstall front bumper fascia to install tow plate. ETrailer has great installation vids. Would take a couple more hours than Wrangler to set up initially. Don't know how it compares to Grand Cherokee to install tow plate but about twice cargo room.
Like most have said, many good vehicle options for a Toad.
Regarding the rental car scenario, we tried it for a couple of seasons. While it beat walking, it was really a pain. Had to reserve ahead of time, get to and from the rental place, etc.. Most times, the rental place in smaller towns were very slow and there were times, even though we reserved a car, they didn't have one available.
Whatever type of vehicle you choose, a Toad is the way to go. They just make getting around very easy, and you always have a "emergency" vehicle if needed.
There have been many times even when staying at a Wally World, we would unhook usr the Toad to go to dinner or just to get around town.
That just about covers it. With the high cost of fuel and insurance, a toadless Sprint does make some sense.
Pierce.
2022 Mercedes Sprinter High Roof 3500 Extended XD 24' Class B Motorhome... (https://www.ebay.com/itm/314069367071?hash=item491ffe391f:g:nlkAAOSwYdlizGd9)
178K
Fuel is looking cheaper to me, and Im sure I would not be happy with one, ill pass and build a bigger box trailer to put my toad in. Maybe even give it its own air conditioning, and still cost and loose less in the long run.
05 CRV here, but do wish it was AWD, but I bought it for a song, spent a few bucks to get it back in top shape, Actually drive it daily to work. Easy to DIY install a baseplate for towing, use the ready Brute elite 2 setup. If it werent for the fact I keep my rear camera on, I wouldnt even know its back there. Great light weight tow car, easy to work on, parts everywhere, tows great, and automatic with no required shaft removals...Shame Honda put the CVT transmissions in these around 2015, as they had a great thing going with the CRV and RV owners. I have a new Diesel Canyon 4wd, but just cant bring myself to tow a new vehicle yet, Ive already seen some visual wear on the Honda due to being towed all the time, even with protective front covers. Just cant do that to my new truck yet.
We all chose this luxurious pricey hobby or we wouldnt be here. Lifes an adventure and excitement aint cheap. I honestly see such a small difference in fuel economy toad or no toad, I dont see myself ever not towing. BUT, I cruise at 62-65 max, and with my new FASS fuel system around 10mpg, I'm not doing much worse that just my old V8 ford expedition used to do on road trips, but now im driving my own home. Unlike a very nice near new tiffen, TN plates, that passed me in Mississippi a few weeks back towing a jeep that was full loaded with kayaks, toys etc....he had to be running 80+ ...passed us so fast, at first I thougth it was a sports car....some time later passed us again doing the same. Probably getting a total of 4-5 plus the price of DEF.....their life is REAL $$$ exciting I bet....I hope he never sees real excitement when a front tire blows.
Anyway I slice it, I cannot make a sprinter conversion work in my head. I can't imagine paying 2-3x of a Foretravel for an inferior drivetrain, space, and amenities. The only travel style I can see them working for is equally suited by hotel rooms, or a Chrysler minivan that can be had for $5k.
That just brings back memories of my youth where my parents took us all over europe and america in a Volkwagon camper van with the add-on tent. Memories that can never be replaced, but not quite the approach I wish to take after having worked a lifetime to be able to have what I have.
We traveled with someone who decided renting a car was the way to go. Once we parked and hooked up the utilities, we were ready to go while our friends were waiting for the rental driver to pick them up. Some places required you to find you way to them. Disconnecting the coach to go to dinner......think about it. We had a class C without toad for a while (responding to the Sprinter issue) and though we could park it in most parking lots, it was a bugger having to put everything away and disconnecting from the utilities every time we wanted to explore or go out for a meal and exploring was limited. Many places where you would want to visit will have a lot of other visitors for the same reason and parking can be an issue. Lastly, have you checked out how much rental cars are these days?