Well, it's Miami, and we don't drive well down here; it's two weeks since I got clocked while stopped for a red light coming home from part one of the MSF course; ironic, isn't it? The Siena van has been totalled and the check from the insurance company of course will be less than I want; even the body shop owner was shocked at the amount. Still, no one was injured.
We want to be able to tow the rig, which weighs about 750 lbs, on a light trailer this summer up to Wisconsin (some nice two-laners up there). As I hastily shop for a new cage, my question is whether pretty small four-cylinder vehicles such as a RAV4 will be able to do the job. I am looking at small SUVs with advertised towing capacities of 1500 lbs, and would like to avoid getting into a big vehicle, if possible.
I know, I know; if it were just me, I'd say I have a great ride already in the Shadow/Champion rig, and put the insurance check in the bank! But I have to take care of my partner, who can't go over the road as easily as I can. Thanks for any advice; PMs welcome too.
Tom:
The numbers do not add up....imho.....you need a tow vehicle w/ at least 3k towing capacity......and a larger wheelbase will keep you on the straight and narrow. A road-worthy trailer to haul a rig will be at least 800#, put a 750-1000# rig on it....and add in a margin of safety to both the tow vehicle and the trailer. Trailering is not for the marginally-equipped. You will be passed by 40 ton trucks, have to climb 10-15% grades, stop on a dime, etc.,etc.; Marginal trailering is a hazard to many people. Stay safe....gas prices are down..!!
Leo
Thanks, Leo; I think you are right. My choices with regard to towing are either to get something that can handle 3500 lbs, or get a more fuel-efficient car, and leave the rig behind for longer trips. Any of the midsize SUVs then would do the job. (Gas prices are low for now, but when the economy starts perking again someday, they'll double, and our dollar will slide again against other currencies: but the low gas prices are sure welcome for the present!) Thanks for helping with this decision. Tom
Originally written by tgoodmann on 12/5/2008 7:07 AM
Thanks, Leo; I think you are right. My choices with regard to towing are either to get something that can handle 3500 lbs, or get a more fuel-efficient car, and leave the rig behind for longer trips. Any of the midsize SUVs then would do the job. (Gas prices are low for now, but when the economy starts perking again someday, they'll double, and our dollar will slide again against other currencies: but the low gas prices are sure welcome for the present!) Thanks for helping with this decision. Tom
Or, rent a small motorhome and trailer for the trip. I agree with Leo. I took a Power Squadron sailing course years ago and they would emphasize towing nightmares weekly. Make sure the vehicle is big enough and has a wheelbase longer than the trailer tongue.
Another option might be to ship the rig up here for the trip. I'm in Northwestern Wisconsin. You could use my address if you wish, then leave your car here while you vacation in our state. It might cost less than towing it.
I have an economy tow rig that gets about 22mpg highway and about 17mpg when I tow a trailer with my k100/eml or two 2 wheelers. It never sees the outside world unless it is towing or going for a 1000 mile weekend.
1994 Buick Roadmaster. It might be worth $2-3000. More to me but might be found for less. Taxes and insurance are reasonable and there should be a bunch of them in FL. with the Senior crowd. The most extravegant part of a dedicated tow rig is the spot that it takes up in the garage.
And yes I have used the internet connections to find a place to park it while riding the senic routes. Harold In Kansas
Solid suggestions--you're right, Harold; no need to spend big $ on a car--and very kind of you, Sidecar Mike, to offer your address as a shipping destination. We do love Wisconsin (both of us grew up in Iowa). Good idea too about just renting what we need to get it there as an alternative. The upshot of all the suggestions encourages me to use the rig as our vehicle during the currently ideal weather we are having in Florida; might be nice o do without a car for a while! Thanks, all. Sidecar Mike, I'll PM you if we decide to ship, and I thank you again. --Tom
Sidecar Shari and Granger Ranger,
OK, I'm probably out of step with the rest of the group here but I'll give you mu experience. I towed my sidecar rig [old BMW with a Ural] for a lot of miles with a Honda CRV. Ye3s, I knwe when i was going on a steep up hill but it did the job. The key is to get a light weight trailer and take your time. Of course bigger is better but then we all make compromises from time to time.
Now, whatever you decide, be usre to contact us when you head north. I know that a bunch of SKUNKS would be happy to meet up with you and use the occassion as an excuse for a ride.
My experiences with towing were not that great. My opinion was the same as yours. The lightest vehicle with the best fuel mileage, It doesn't work! You can't get something for nothing.
It's better to overestimate your needs for a towing vehicle rather than underestimate. IMHO nothing less than 3,000 towing capacity would work (safely).
I had 98 Subaru Forester which I used to tow my rig and snowmobile. The key word here is "HAD".
Although it did a creditable job it had many disadvantages. The fuel economy dropped drastically when towing from about 27 mpg to about 19-20. had trouble on hills and needed a total engine rebuild at about 110k miles.
I got a used diesel truck which gets only slightly less at 18 mpg and is built to handle the job. For regular driving the Toyota Yaris is a great car for the budget minded. $13,000 +- new and I have yet to get under 42mpg.
