Flat towing - VW Beetle or Chevy Spark

Nichoga2 · 07-17-2018, 10:21 PM

I'm looking at getting a dingy and was considering a VM Beetle or Chevy spark. kinda want something lite to pull behind my 24.2 Axis. Any pulled one of these or have any feedback on if they can be flat towed if a manual transmission. I considered the Smart Car but they don't have very good reviews for drivability.

Bob Denman · 07-17-2018, 10:27 PM

One nice thing about the Smart: it's small enough to be easily trailered with all four wheels tucked-up off the ground. It's much easier to just buy one of them, and the appropriate trailer.

Nichoga2 · 07-17-2018, 10:53 PM

I considered that but how does it drive. I've heard they aren't very good, especially on the highway.

Bob Denman · 07-17-2018, 10:58 PM

That's the beauty of them: it's just a Toad! It only has to get you to and from the campsite...

The Gritz Carlton · 07-17-2018, 11:02 PM

Smart car is an excellent choice (IMO) with a small single axle trailer (no brakes required). You will be pulling it down the highway with the coach and using it locally to explore on city streets/back roads. That's my choice so far as I already have a trailer. Used ones can be bought with the change you find in your sofa. Plus, with this set up it's one less axle on toll roads. You also will have room on the trailer for ladder, extra fuel jugs, dry camping generator, etc. Nice to have options.

Pete'sMH · 07-18-2018, 12:05 AM

I saw an old air cooled beetle at a dealer that already was set up to be towed. It disappeared before I could get my head around what a wonderful toad it would be. Wish I had one!

**16ACE27** · 07-18-2018, 12:28 AM

Spark manual can be flat towed but not the CVT.

Personally I think you get more for your money with the Sonic which can be towed with auto transmission and is only 2700 lbs.

Ron1Z · 07-18-2018, 10:57 PM

Im towing a 2018 Ford Fiesta auto trans only 2500lbs you dont even know its back there.

Bob Denman · 07-18-2018, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete'sMH

I saw an old air cooled beetle at a dealer that already was set up to be towed. It disappeared before I could get my head around what a wonderful toad it would be. Wish I had one!

You sure would have had the coolest Toad in the Park!

Ragman · 07-19-2018, 04:02 AM

I towed a '74 Super bug behind our Hurricane 32n for about a few months.

Pros- Real light weight, paid $3200 incl. tow bar. Easy hook up. Towed great. Didn't affect gas mileage.

Cons- wife hated it. We are in our 70's and difficult to get in and out. Hitch mount hits speed bumps, but could be fixed.

If I were a little younger and didn't have to listen to my lovely bride, I would put some time and $ to fix it up and add some kind of toad brakes.

Wound up selling it for $2600 and used the money to install a SMI brake system for our "11 Grand Cherokee. No sense comparing apples and oranges. VW was good by me, Jeep better for us.

Don't know anything about the Chevy, so can't help there.

Bob Montgomery · 08-31-2018, 02:01 PM

I have a 2014 Chevy Spark with manual shift. It is a great toad and is kind of fun to drive too!

Budman · 08-31-2018, 06:37 PM

Wont hijack thread but I'm considering pulling this 70 VW. I have already loaded on my motorcycle trailer to see. Well within total weight capacity but need to check tongue weight. Thx Dennis.

PAtrailtrimmer · 08-31-2018, 07:41 PM

Flat towing a Chevy Sonic (automatic). Blue Ox tow system.

Hook up takes 15 min. Unhook 5 min. Great little tow. A neat little car to drive.

The Gritz Carlton · 08-31-2018, 08:12 PM

Budman...think about a small tandem trailer...hate the thought of a blowout and that bug hitting someone's windshield!! Seems COG is high!

Bob Denman · 08-31-2018, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Budman

Wont hijack thread but I'm considering pulling this 70 VW. I have already loaded on my motorcycle trailer to see. Well within total weight capacity but need to check tongue weight. Thx Dennis.

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1535755092

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1535755122

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1535755133

Budman · 09-01-2018, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

Budman...think about a small tandem trailer...hate the thought of a blowout and that bug hitting someone's windshield!! Seems COG is high!

Thanks but I really don't take these things lightly!!! The trailer capacity is 3000 lbs. The car barely weights 1800 lbs. The trailer weights 600 lbs. The tire capacity is 1760 each.

So, I am way below the limits and don't take this easily. I have also purchased 4 10000 lbs straps to tie the car down to trailer. I do believe I am considering all I can except absolute disaster!!! But that can happen w anything and there is no way to predict it or avoid it happening to someone somewhere. Thanks for the concern but that weight and limits is probably less or close then 2 full dress Harleys on that trailer and that's what it is designed for.

Also, I have spoken to the manufacture of the trailer if that helps. They say go for it. Thx, Dennis.

The Gritz Carlton · 09-01-2018, 01:17 AM

Such a classic! I had a 70 automatic...wish I had kept it.

Budman · 09-01-2018, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

Such a classic! I had a 70 automatic...wish I had kept it.

That's funny because I have joined a bug forum also and the talk is everyone over 50 has a Bug or memory of a Bug in their life somehow!!! Thx Dennis.

tigwelder · 09-01-2018, 01:35 AM

single axle will beat you to death. all over the road. hit bad bump they go airborn.

blw2 · 09-01-2018, 11:53 AM

and more risky with flat tires and such.... with a dual you can at least limp off the road.

I've though a lot about this. Never towed behind the RV but I have towed all sorts of trailers a lot.

few other down sides to a trailer. Makes the rig much longer....too long for most Cracker Barrel parking lots. Need significantly longer sites at the CG
and more work hitching and unhitching.

I think that a tow dolly, if the toad would allow it, might be slightly better than a trailer...in some ways.
BUt I think I would lean more towards flat towing something.

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