Tow Car

Topic: Tow Car (Read 1580 times) previous topic - next topic

Tow Car

November 17, 2011, 11:22:44 am

Hi!

I was wondering about tow cars. I have a 96 U320 with a M11 engine , No Tag.

I have been figuring out how to tow my 01 F-150 supercrew Ford truck. The Remco (Superflow) Drive shaft disconnect is a 2 piece drive shaft kit $ 1500.00 Bucks. Need air brake controller $650.00 and my tow bar that came with the coach is a Roadmaster Falcon 5250, that I think is rated at 5000 LBS so I probable need a new tow bar. Truck says 6600 GVW on door.

After all that, is the truck to heavy to tow behind my coach. I use the truck for the Mobile Aqua Hot service so it would be easier to use it if Possible. Is it to Big & Heavy ?

Thanks Art

Re: Tow Car

Reply #1 – November 17, 2011, 12:30:39 pm

How much do you weight? Your GVWR is 32,000 so you should not be heaver than that. Your GCWR is 38,000 lbs so your combined coach and toad rating should not exceed the 38,000 lbs. Don't know what your receiver hitch is rated at. That should be stamped on it.

As to your towbar, what does your pick up weigh? The curb weight should be under 5000, but the you have the weight of what you hauling. So you will be needing a upgraded towbar! The Blue Ox Aventa™ LX is rated at 10,000 lbs. I don't know the ratings on the Roadmaster tow bars, but am sure they have a heavy weight one. If I were you, I'd take a look at the RV Tow bars with Integrated ReadyBrake Surge Brake, Standard TowBars - NSA RV ReadyBrute™ Elite RV Tow Bar with built in surge brake. It is rated at 8000 lbs. That would give you both supplemental brakes and towbar in one package.

Re: Tow Car

Reply #2 – November 17, 2011, 12:54:29 pm

You will likely find out your hitch is rated for 5,000. Mine is. There are some mods that the factory can do to match the added support, but they won't 're-rate' it.

I tow my Tahoe (5800) with no issue, but I can feel it back there (and I'm grateful for the M&G braking).
I use the Blue Ox 10000 lb Aventa with 10K cables and a 4" drop hitch.

Re: Tow Car

Reply #3 – November 17, 2011, 01:23:15 pm

Quote from: prevostart – November 17, 2011, 11:22:44 am

I use the truck for the Mobile Aqua Hot service...

Yeah? Are you close to Jacksonville, FL?

Re: Tow Car

Reply #4 – November 18, 2011, 08:14:21 am

"The Remco (Superflow) Drive shaft disconnect is a 2 piece drive shaft kit $ 1500.00 Bucks"

My friend, a truck/RV mechanic, installed a shaft disconnect on one of his vehicles some years ago. He said he would never do that again, nor would he recommend it to others.

Is a transmission lube pump a possibility?

Re: Tow Car

Reply #5 – November 18, 2011, 04:34:20 pm

We're going to stick with the tow-dolly system. Partly because we bought one 15 years ago and it's come in very handy for moving stalled vehicles without paying tow-truck fees over the years (what with teen-aged kids and all) and partly because it already has (surge) brakes and is relatively simple. I understand that it's yet-another-thing to move around in a campground and so far we haven't had to deal with that issue too much.

Our major experience with towing a "toad" has been watching the in-laws (from whom we bought the dolly, by the way) mess with various encumbrances of hooking up and unhooking. No need to buy a specific car (the ones we have are all front-wheel-drive anyway) or an air-brake adapter. We even have lights on the dolly. In addition the front of the towed car is slightly above the debris path from the coach's drive wheels. Just seems simpler to me.

Our ultimate system will be an enclosed trailer with a small car inside along with a couple kayaks, a few bikes, and maybe the Harley Sportster.

Craig

Re: Tow Car

Reply #6 – November 18, 2011, 09:19:46 pm

I enjoyed both our dollies. The second was a surge model and really was a no brainier. For those on a budget it is hard to beat. Buy used and slap on a set of radials. No mods to the car. We tow four down now. It's a bit easier but a lot more expensive..

Re: Tow Car

Reply #7 – November 19, 2011, 02:33:45 pm

Seems everyone has an agenda on what they tow, some need a economy what ever to tow, for some having what you need is important, for me I tow a 2004 Ford F150, it sure is not fancy being a V6, 5 speed, 8' bed, no cruise control that I would enjoy, but has a/c, that is important. The need for it is to haul my ATV. Over the years, in addition have towed a Ford Escort and a Honda Element, they both were great toads, I installed the Air Force 1 brake system to the pickup, just to keep the lawyers at bay, do not see any difference in anything.
Because I mostly travel alone, having a dolly to handle in addition to the vehicle is not desireable.
Everyone does what fits their needs and what they feel comfy with money wise.
Enjoy

Re: Tow Car

Reply #8 – November 19, 2011, 02:54:41 pm

Quote from: Dave M – November 19, 2011, 02:33:45 pm

Because I mostly travel alone, having a dolly to handle in addition to the vehicle is not desireable.
Everyone does what fits their needs and what they feel comfy with money wise.
Enjoy

That's interesting... watching the in-laws do it seemed to me to be more complicated and required two people (one to drive the car and the other to guide the driver to position the car perfectly for the hook up. With the dolly I just hitch it to the RV, lower the ramps, drive the car up until it stops in the depression for the front wheels, lock the ramp, secure the wheel straps, and un-pin the swivel lock (which allows the dolly to move with the front wheels) and I'm done.

No semi-precise positioning of the towed vehicle required. Although there is the dolly to put somewhere; but it's small and easy to move by hand with a cool little handle.

Hooking up early in the morning is best done somewhere outside the park, however. Or the afternoon before if that works. I'm uncomfortable running the engine any more than necessary to get underway when there are sleeping people close by.

Bikes are easier.

Craig

Re: Tow Car

Reply #9 – November 19, 2011, 03:12:15 pm

Craig, Everyone has to do what fits their mind set and manual ability to hook up. Just saying for me it is a 4 down toad. Simple to hook and unhook using the Blue Ox setup, have used another tow bar, now that was more complex and difficult due to me not keeping up with the greasing and TLC, much prefer the Blue Ox.
Maybe it is due to me being left handed ?

Re: Tow Car

Reply #10 – November 19, 2011, 03:35:27 pm

I didn't pay close attention to the way they did it. They once had the dolly we now have and abandoned that for the 4-down version (and bought a Saturn) so there must have been a reason. We haven't told them about the FT yet (want to pull up and surprise them the way they did us so many times) but I'll be sure to ask them about the differences.

The dolly is very handy for towing home cars that have suddenly stopped in the middle of nowhere. This was especially handy when we had the farm and kids who attended college in towns 35 and 50 miles away. I could just hitch the dolly up to the pickup and drive to wherever they were, push their car onto the dolly, strap it down, and head home. We could almost always fix the car once it was in the shop at the farm. So we kept the dolly even though we had a 5th wheel in a state where towing something behind a 5th wheel is frowned upon.

I seem almost no dollies on the freeway... almost everyone is towing 4-down... and, as you said, it's not cheaper so there must be a reason. We'll have to keep our minds open. I do think the enclosed trailer for the car and toys is a nice solution. I just hope I have enough horsepower to pull it off.

Craig

Re: Tow Car

Reply #11 – November 19, 2011, 04:00:01 pm

Would be interesting to know why the switch. For me, I see the large advantage of a trailer for simple backing, brother had a 32' Featherlite and carried the CR-V, ATV and small highway trailer inside, made for a long setup behind a 2003 40' U320.
Being able to backup is important to me, and I shudder to think about getting stuck in a situation where I have to unhook to escape then re hook. If the DW traveled with me, it would not be such a biggie.
Everyone does what works for them I hope.

Re: Tow Car

Reply #12 – November 19, 2011, 07:28:17 pm

I have tried many combinations and for me found the Blue Ox Aventa II towbar with the M&G on my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland to be the best and easiest combo I ever used. I'm single, but having learned where to "spot" the Jeep, I almost never had to get back into the car to reposition it. When speaking of keeping the "law" happy, be sure that if your toad weighs more the 3,000 pounds (in most states) that you also have a properly working BREAK-AWAY. Those 10K safety cables won't do much for you if conditions are not just right and the tow bar gives way due to metal fatigue, etc. Just be absolutely certain that your coach and toad combo are well within the weight safety specs or you may find yourself in a whole heck of a lot of do-do!

Re: Tow Car

Reply #13 – November 19, 2011, 07:47:43 pm

John,

It's good to see your post. I hope you're doing well.

Re: Tow Car

Reply #14 – November 21, 2011, 10:24:20 am

The primary reason I decided against the Tow Dolly was safety. If, God Forbid, I was in a crash the dolly could act as a launch ramp for the towed vehicle to enter the back of the coach and wipe out the engine. I am much more confident in the strength of a tow bar at proper ride height and that the car would veer off to the right or left rather than into the coach. FWIW

Re: Tow Car

Reply #15 – November 21, 2011, 10:32:23 am

Quote from: John Christman – November 19, 2011, 07:28:17 pm

I have tried many combinations and for me found the Blue Ox Aventa II towbar with the M&G on my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland to be the best and easiest combo I ever used. I'm single, but having learned where to "spot" the Jeep, I almost never had to get back into the car to reposition it. When speaking of keeping the "law" happy, be sure that if your toad weighs more the 3,000 pounds (in most states) that you also have a properly working BREAK-AWAY. Those 10K safety cables won't do much for you if conditions are not just right and the tow bar gives way due to metal fatigue, etc. Just be absolutely certain that your coach and toad combo are well within the weight safety specs or you may find yourself in a whole heck of a lot of do-do!

John, I too hope your health keeps improving. I can certainly relate.

Regarding legal ramifications, from your lengthy experience do you know of any citations issued or law suits due to being overweight during a crash. I spent 20 years as a deputy and never heard of anyone, including state troopers, checking the weight of an RV. Even when there was an accident, how could the lawyers prove what the weights were at the time of the crash? Unless you were ridiculously overweight on your towed, I just don't think it would be an issue. Am I wrong?

By the way, I do have brakes and a break away on my little Subaru, just for my peace of mind and safety for others.

Re: Tow Car

Reply #16 – November 21, 2011, 10:51:30 am

Kent,
I think the issue would come up during a legal issue is there was an injury, that is when the lawyers start snooping around and any issue that can be used against you WILL be used. For example if you have a toad, over the 3K lbs, no brakes nor breakaway setup and you rear end the injured party, you will find the issue will come up, unless the lawyer is sleeping.

Not from GVCW, as you mention, that would normally be difficult.

I know of a case where a bus conversion that was certified with 12X22.5 wheels and tires had been changed over to a better 11X24.5 wheels and tires, did not have legal approved equipment and was the guilty party because of it.
Just my opinion w/sperence

Re: Tow Car

Reply #17 – November 21, 2011, 11:41:31 am

The stopping force on the front end of the RV to cause that would be enough to ensure that it would not be your concern. That would not be a survive-able event.

Re: Tow Car

Reply #18 – December 21, 2011, 11:56:02 pm

After a couple of times with the car dolly we are convinced that it's not the way to go... but we're stuck with it until we can decide on what car we want to use as a toad. Right now we can drive almost any car onto the Kar Kaddy II and we have surge brakes, lights (on the dolly), and a fairly secure way of towing. The dolly doesn't track as well as a car being towed 4-doiwn and it is a pain in the a$$ to take care of in a campground.

I'm thinking an enclosed trailer with a car in it might be even worse.

We're ok for now and will be watching craigslist to see what shows up. Kar Kaddy II for now... but 4-down when we go fully part-time.

Craig

Re: Tow Car

Reply #19 – December 22, 2011, 03:37:38 am

Craig, The enclosed trailer works great except it is a pain in the rear in that you can not move it by hand. I would have a hitch on the back of what ever you are hauling, so you can move it around in a tight spot.

The good part is you can back it up, but in a camp ground it can be a handful.
Why MY opinion is with the 4 down style, easy hook/unhook by myself.

And stay clear of most camp grounds with a long trailer to store without paying another for another space.

Very opinionated & FWIW

Re: Tow Car

Reply #20 – December 22, 2011, 03:32:38 pm

Dave... I'm starting to get a clue on this motorhome-and-toad thing. It was easy when we had a pickup and a trailer; especially the little 21-foot Streamline Princess which was so small it would fit anywhere. We could park straight across two "lanes" in the supermarket parking lot, even. But living six months a year in a 21-foot trailer takes more fortitude than either the DW or I have nowadays. A week here or there is ok but not much longer.

Well, we knew there would be a learning curve. LOL.

We just bought a folding step for the entrance, a toaster ($5 at WalMart!), a large frying pan (without a long handle - not easy to find), snacks and food for a cross-country ski trip to Winthrop, WA (where there is an RV park open in the winter with full hookups (in Twisp, WA). Kids and grandkids will be in their Outback trailer. Their 4wd pickup will serve as a dinghy (we hope).

Oh... and the forward furnace has decided to stop firing again.

Craig

Re: Tow Car

Reply #21 – December 22, 2011, 08:32:26 pm

Quote from: wa_desert_rat – December 22, 2011, 03:32:38 pm

... Oh... and the forward furnace has decided to stop firing again.

Craig

Wayne at FOT fixed our front furnace by removing, cleaning out the dauber debris, and replacing the burner screen. He showed me the old one. It was deformed and worn. The furnace would go through all the steps, but would not ignite and maintain a flame. There are lots of possibilities for something to go wrong with the furnace.

I describe a motorhome with everything working properly in the same way I describe a functional computer. It is not so amazing that they break. It is amazing that they work at all!

Re: Tow Car

Reply #22 – December 23, 2011, 12:53:17 am

Quote

there is an RV park open in the winter with full hookups (in Twisp, WA)

Craig,

We stayed at that park just this past August, after crossing the Cascades from the west. It's a nice park in a beautiful location. It's on the east side of the main pass, at a lower elevation. I don't know how much (if any) snow it gets up there..

Re: Tow Car

Reply #23 – December 23, 2011, 10:29:57 am

Quote from: Don Hay – December 23, 2011, 12:53:17 am

Craig said: "there is an RV park open in the winter with full hookups (in Twisp, WA)".

Craig,

We stayed at that park just this past August, after crossing the Cascades from the west. It's a nice park in a beautiful location. It's on the east side of the main pass, at a lower elevation. I don't know how much (if any) snow it gets up there..

Don... Thanks for the report... we've been to Winthrop many times but never noticed this park (because we stayed in either a motel or a cabin). They tell us they have 13 inches right now with more to come. If we call them 24 hours ahead of arrival they will make sure that they have a camp spot plowed and ready.

Craig

Re: Tow Car

Reply #24 – December 23, 2011, 11:32:43 am

Craig,

The place we stayed at was the Riverbend RV Park, 9 miles south of Winthrop, 2 miles north of Twisp. Not sure if it's the one you are going to.

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