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Old 10-29-2017, 04:53 PM   #1
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What to tow?

We're starting to look for vehicle to tow behind our Thor Tuscany with all four wheels on the ground. Interested to know what you tow and why you picked it.

Thanks, Maureen and Larry

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Old 10-29-2017, 05:09 PM   #2
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Jeep Wranglers seem to be a favorite. They're really easy to set up for towing.

But why tow: if you don't have to?

https://www.thorindustries.com/get-t...the-companies/
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Old 10-29-2017, 05:13 PM   #3
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We went with a Jeep Wrangler unlimited.
First we have been Jeep fans for over 40 years.
second About the only vehicle that doesn't require modification or special steps to tow. Hook up the tow bar, put transfer case in neutral and auto tranny in park.
Third gives us a 4 wheel drive for the back country.

Not many choices out there if you want to stick with Auto tranny.
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Old 10-29-2017, 05:58 PM   #4
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Any of the current Ford hybrid and plug-in hybrids can be towed four down (C-Max Hybrid, C-Max Energi, Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi, Lincoln Mkz Hybrid).

As a bonus the Energi models can go 20-25 miles on electricity alone (you can charge them up using the campground plugs--I use the 50A plug to charge my C-Max all the time).
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Old 10-29-2017, 05:59 PM   #5
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Towing Suggestion

I own a 2016 Chevy Equinox and found out it is one of the top rated vehicles for "dinghy" towing. Apparently the newer models (2012 ? -2017) were built with the automatic transmission so it can be towed. I checked the manual on my Equinox and they detailed the steps to towing the vehicle "dinghy" style. I assume that the GMC Denali, its sister vehicle is the same. The equinox is a great vehicle and I am planning to tow mine once I get it set up with the towing accessories needed.
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Old 10-29-2017, 06:08 PM   #6
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Just can't get my head wrapped around these hybrid/electric cars! If I run out of fuel miles from nowhere someone can bring some fuel, with electric whose going to have a 50 mile long extension cord.
I'm from Texas & a 25 mile charge isn't going to get you very far unless it has solar panels or wind charging as there's lots of sun & wind.
Until forced I'll stick with a good ole fashioned internal combustion fossil fueled vehicle. Not to mention I'm a 3rd generation to have made a living in the petroleum industry.
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Old 10-29-2017, 06:12 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans View Post
Just can't get my head wrapped around these hybrid/electric cars! If I run out of fuel miles from nowhere someone can bring some fuel, with electric who going to have a 50 mile long extension cord.
I'm from Texas & a 25 mile charge isn't going to get you very far unless it has solar panels or wind charging as there's lots of sun & wind.
Until forced I'll stick with a good ole fashioned internal combustion fossil fueled vehicle.
Well in a plugin hybrid: when you have gone the 25 miles the gas engine fires up and you get another 600+ miles easy peasy (its all automatic you don't have to pay attention to anything if you don't want to...just drive it).

For a pure battery car sure, the early ones that could only go 70 miles you'd have to plan a bit but that would be not much difference between having a gas car that could only go 70 miles--you'd still plan a bit. I had my 70 mile EV for 3 years--it never left me stranded you know how far you can go, just like a gas car.

How often have you ever run out of fuel? I think you are over thinking it.

For me the big difference with the EV was "fuel cost": I have a really cheap overnight rate for electricity: It was costing me $40/month to drive 1000 miles (even with the C-Max its only about $50/month for those 1000 miles of driving).
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Old 10-29-2017, 06:17 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans View Post
Just can't get my head wrapped around these hybrid/electric cars! If I run out of fuel miles from nowhere someone can bring some fuel, with electric whose going to have a 50 mile long extension cord.
I'm from Texas & a 25 mile charge isn't going to get you very far unless it has solar panels or wind charging as there's lots of sun & wind.
Until forced I'll stick with a good ole fashioned internal combustion fossil fueled vehicle. Not to mention I'm a 3rd generation to have made a living in the petroleum industry.
I'm with you!
If it can't be souped-up: why bother owing it?
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Old 10-29-2017, 06:37 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scrubjaysnest View Post
We went with a Jeep Wrangler unlimited.
First we have been Jeep fans for over 40 years.
second About the only vehicle that doesn't require modification or special steps to tow. Hook up the tow bar, put transfer case in neutral and auto tranny in park.
Third gives us a 4 wheel drive for the back country.

Not many choices out there if you want to stick with Auto tranny.
So to be sure I understand, you don’t use a braking system like the ones I’ve seen advertised that connect to the TOAD’s brake pedal?

And, how do you get the Jeep’s tail and brake lights to come on in synch with your coach?

I used to own a Wrangler Unlimited. And loved it.

Thanks.
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Old 10-29-2017, 09:17 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
...
If it can't be souped-up: why bother owing it?
Anything can be souped-up You just have to have the knowledge.
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Old 10-29-2017, 09:52 PM   #11
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I will reluctantly agree... I'd just rather have my horsepower served up through the utilization of all of those dinosaurs...
For making stuff move: talking about amps, watts, and watts just doesn't "git 'er done!" for me!
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Old 10-29-2017, 10:38 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
I will reluctantly agree... I'd just rather have my horsepower served up through the utilization of all of those dinosaurs...
For making stuff move: talking about amps, watts, and watts just doesn't "git 'er done!" for me!
LOL! Amps, watts?? you can still talk about horsepower

OK I'm done...sorry for changing the topic...back to

What to tow...
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Old 10-29-2017, 11:58 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scrubjaysnest View Post
We went with a Jeep Wrangler unlimited.
First we have been Jeep fans for over 40 years.
second About the only vehicle that doesn't require modification or special steps to tow. Hook up the tow bar, put transfer case in neutral and auto tranny in park.
Third gives us a 4 wheel drive for the back country.

Not many choices out there if you want to stick with Auto tranny.
Absolutely untrue. Lots of smaller GM cars with automatic transmissions can be towed 4 down as well as some trucks and SUVs. More automatic transmission cars are added to the "dinghy list" every year.
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Old 10-30-2017, 09:20 AM   #14
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Originally Posted by dbest1va View Post
I own a 2016 Chevy Equinox and found out it is one of the top rated vehicles for "dinghy" towing. Apparently the newer models (2012 ? -2017) were built with the automatic transmission so it can be towed. I checked the manual on my Equinox and they detailed the steps to towing the vehicle "dinghy" style. I assume that the GMC Denali, its sister vehicle is the same. The equinox is a great vehicle and I am planning to tow mine once I get it set up with the towing accessories needed.
I assume you mean the Terrain? The Denali designation is a trim level for 4 or 5 different GMC vehicles.

Pete
PS. Yes I do work for GM. 31 years at GM Research.
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Old 10-30-2017, 11:51 AM   #15
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2017 jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk 4x4 auto trans.
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Old 10-30-2017, 02:17 PM   #16
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The Honda CR-V is also a fairly popular toad. They are super reliable, get good fuel economy, and can be had with AWD. It needs to be older than about 2015, though, since the newer ones with the CVT tranny can't be flat towed. It requires a couple more steps than a Jeep to prep it for towing, but they cost about $10K less than a same-year Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. I'm always surprised how expensive those Jeeps are.
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Old 10-30-2017, 02:24 PM   #17
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We towed a 2010 Terrain for 7 years with great success. Now towing a 2017 Acafia Denali
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Old 10-30-2017, 03:14 PM   #18
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Aux braking systems are required by state law. We use the Blue Ox Patriot system.
For the brake lights/turn signals I purchased a hotchkis plug and play cable. Then made my own cable between the MH and Jeep.
While I hook/unhook the towbar DW gets the Jeep in neutral and installs the aux brake system. Then we review what the other has done.
Other choices on the aux brake system are permanent mounts. Our friends use one that has a vacuum pump for the power brakes and a cable.
Since we use the Jeep a little more off road then they do; our preference was not to cut into the vacuum system or run a cable through the fire wall.
Price systems on Amazon and E-trailer and you most likely get the lowest price for DIY.
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Old 10-30-2017, 03:39 PM   #19
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We use the SMS system on both the Terrain and Acadia. Very simple and works great, hassle free. No system to remove/install each time. Flip a switch, plug into MH and go
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Old 10-31-2017, 05:56 PM   #20
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yep, your right. I meant the GMC equivalent to the Equinox.
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