Flat Tow Opinion?

Topic: Flat Tow Opinion? (Read 2137 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #25 – July 25, 2022, 03:24:51 pm

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.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #26 – July 25, 2022, 03:44:26 pm

We got a little better than 8mpg pulling our Wrangler from Salida Co to Biwabik MN.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #27 – July 25, 2022, 04:00:56 pm

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.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #28 – July 25, 2022, 04:14:01 pm

Quote from: Jason – July 25, 2022, 04:00:56 pm

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.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #29 – July 25, 2022, 04:49:40 pm

Quote from: Elliott – July 25, 2022, 04:14:01 pm

I'm 6' and fit comfortably enough. I wouldn't want to be any taller.

Sometimes you just don't have a choice.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #30 – July 26, 2022, 09:27:44 am

Quote from: Jason – July 25, 2022, 04:00:56 pm

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.

Quote from: Elliott – July 25, 2022, 04:14:01 pm

I'm 6' and fit comfortably enough. I wouldn't want to be any taller.

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, &...
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.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #31 – July 27, 2022, 12:31:34 pm

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.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #32 – July 28, 2022, 06:39:53 am

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

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #33 – July 28, 2022, 10:03:25 am

Quote from: "Irish" – July 28, 2022, 06:39:53 am

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

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

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #34 – July 28, 2022, 10:20:19 am

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

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #35 – July 28, 2022, 11:03:36 am

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.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #36 – July 28, 2022, 11:03:50 am

Quote from: Jason – July 28, 2022, 10:20:19 am

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

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.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #37 – July 28, 2022, 11:27:58 am

I know a couple people that tow with dollies, none of them like it but it beats walkin'.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #38 – July 28, 2022, 11:48:51 am

Quote from: dsd – July 28, 2022, 11:03:50 am

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.

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.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #39 – July 28, 2022, 12:46:08 pm

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

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #40 – July 28, 2022, 12:57:33 pm

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?

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #41 – July 28, 2022, 01:04:58 pm

Quote from: nitehawk – July 28, 2022, 12:57:33 pm

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.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #42 – July 28, 2022, 01:05:57 pm

First problem on the road with no towed would have that idea shot down. And eliminate boondocking.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #43 – July 28, 2022, 01:54:25 pm

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

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #44 – July 28, 2022, 02:09:32 pm

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.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #45 – July 28, 2022, 10:17:00 pm

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.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #46 – July 28, 2022, 11:00:08 pm

That just about covers it. With the high cost of fuel and insurance, a toadless Sprint does make some sense.

Pierce.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #47 – July 29, 2022, 12:00:48 am

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – July 28, 2022, 11:00:08 pm

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...
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.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #48 – July 29, 2022, 08:53:29 am

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.

Re: Flat Tow Opinion?

Reply #49 – July 29, 2022, 09:10:49 am

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.

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