Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Thor Forums > Thor Tech Forums > Towing | Hitches and Toads
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 03-13-2018, 02:24 AM   #1
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 35 M
State: New York
Posts: 113
THOR #6832
Toads , buying this week . Need some input

Just got back from 4 months on the road, Thor Windsport 35 m.This rig was awesome . But we didn’t have a car. Bikes . Lost 20lbs, lol, now we are buying a toad. Looking at Ford C-Max Ford Focus or chev sonic . Any ideas Thanks.

__________________
gary d is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-13-2018, 02:36 AM   #2
Site Team
 
16ACE27's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,129
THOR #7035
Our Sonic is perfect for us: 2700 lbs, plenty of room for people when driving and lotsa other stuff when being towed. Also, the gas mileage is pretty good as well.

No fancy setup; Roadmaster $350 baseplate, Reese adjustable $85 tow bar, Roadmaster $56 wiring kit (adds extra bulbs in the tail light assembly) and safety cables.

We didn't buy it as a toad (was bought a year before the coach) but has worked out great.
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
16ACE27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-13-2018, 08:57 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Georgia
Posts: 2,585
THOR #4735
Ford Focus, put it in neutral and pull, easy.
FWD automatic, too.

80,000+miles
__________________
the Turners...
two Campers, two Electric cars
former diesel pusher traveler
TurnerFam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-13-2018, 09:28 AM   #4
Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
C-Max and Focus production ends in May thus get one early--you'll likely be limited to whatever is on the dealer's lot. Ford is moving Focus production overseas (the plant will then be retooled to make Rangers and Broncos). Focuses wont be available after that until 2020 or so.

Aside from that we're happy with ours have towed it (on a dolly) over 2500 miles now.
__________________
2022 Thor Axis 24.4
2021 Mach-E
blog - https://spareelectrons.wordpress.com/
JamieGeek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-13-2018, 09:44 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Georgia
Posts: 2,585
THOR #4735
I actually picked up my '14 Focus down in Okeechobee, FL at a shop which excels in purchasing 'insurance totalled' vehicles, with body damage only, fixing them up, and selling them after certification of 'rebuild'.

It had only 19k miles, was in excellent condition, and after adding the tow plate and wiring and battery cutoff, it's been towed over 10k miles and driven another 12k...

$6,000
and they have plenty to choose from(Focus, Fiesta models)
https://www.amercars.com/cars
__________________
the Turners...
two Campers, two Electric cars
former diesel pusher traveler
TurnerFam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-13-2018, 10:59 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2016 A.C.E. 30.1
State: South Carolina
Posts: 190
THOR #5641
We flat tow a 2016 Ford Focus, automatic. Easy to set up, put in neutral and disconnect the neg terminal of the battery (I use a battery disconnect, so just turn a knob). I don't really feel it back there.
__________________
Dave, U.S.A.F. (Ret)
2019 Fleetwood Discovery LXE 40M (Big D)
2016 Ford Focus, flat tow
Dippytwo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-13-2018, 01:04 PM   #7
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Losing 20 pounds seems like a good thing... Congratulations!
The Focus is an easy little "Toad" to bring along with you: I just prefer Jeeps.
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-13-2018, 02:07 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1
State: Florida
Posts: 613
THOR #4366
Daughter has a Focus, typical Ford eats tires. Auto door locks failed in the locked position after two years. $350 per door to fix. Power mirror switch on drivers door broke. Button on shift level broke, doesn't seem to affect operation. She seems to like it other wise.

although a lot more expensive we find the Jeep Wrangler more versatile for our life style.
__________________
2016 Axis 24.1 E-450 6 spd tranny
300 watts portable solar.
200 watts solar on the roof.
Wrangler JK dinghy
scrubjaysnest is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-14-2018, 12:05 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 35 M
State: New York
Posts: 113
THOR #6832
Keeps getting real expensive with 4 down.

Have found nice cars, Ford Focus , cmax and Chevy sonic. Then we saw the prices for 4 wheel down flat tow bars and breaking system, a little taken aback. Was wondering how folks like the dollyS and which ones are good. I’m hoping someone says don’t be a baby go for it. Lol
__________________
gary d is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-14-2018, 12:14 AM   #10
Site Team
 
16ACE27's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,129
THOR #7035
See post #2 in this thread. You don't need a $1000 tow bar if you can drive a car with some coordination to connect it to the hitch on the MH. Braking systems can be under $500. And the convenience of towing 4 down is worth spending more than you would on a dolly.
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
16ACE27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-14-2018, 12:22 AM   #11
Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
Quote:
Originally Posted by gary d View Post
Have found nice cars, Ford Focus , cmax and Chevy sonic. Then we saw the prices for 4 wheel down flat tow bars and breaking system, a little taken aback. Was wondering how folks like the dollyS and which ones are good. I’m hoping someone says don’t be a baby go for it. Lol
Don't be a baby--go for it

We like our Dolly (the Acme "EZE-TOW" Dolly) it has served us well for a couple of seasons and 3000+ miles.

Its pulled both our C-Max Energi and Escape without issue. The thing you have to remember with a dolly is that it will take 15-20 minutes to get the car ready to go and that connecting up the safety chains means crawling around underneath.

I mainly chose to dolly tow so that we could tow either car and that one is a lease and will be replaced at some point.
Click image for larger version

Name:	DSC_0504.jpg
Views:	275
Size:	95.4 KB
ID:	9333
Click image for larger version

Name:	2017-08-08 15.07.36.jpg
Views:	239
Size:	143.9 KB
ID:	9334
__________________
2022 Thor Axis 24.4
2021 Mach-E
blog - https://spareelectrons.wordpress.com/
JamieGeek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-14-2018, 01:42 AM   #12
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2016 A.C.E. 30.1
State: South Carolina
Posts: 190
THOR #5641
We had the ACME tow dolly and then went the flat tow route. Useing a dolly was OK, but I had to keep checking the straps (they would loosen up sometimes) and it would take me around 15 minutes to hook it up. Crawling under the car to hook the safety chain in the rain wasn't fun. It also took two people to safely drive it up on the dolly. Now with the flat tow it takes me around 5 minutes to hook up and it doesn't take two people. Also, no crawling under the car. I'm more relaxed with the flat towing knowing it won't slip out of the straps.
__________________
Dave, U.S.A.F. (Ret)
2019 Fleetwood Discovery LXE 40M (Big D)
2016 Ford Focus, flat tow
Dippytwo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-15-2018, 05:41 AM   #13
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1
State: Alabama
Posts: 70
THOR #10222
We tow a Chevy Equinox 2010 with no problem behind a Thor Axis
__________________
Tndrea2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-15-2018, 02:29 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chatea 31E
State: Maryland
Posts: 453
THOR #5837
My requirements for a toad were to seat at least 4 people and still have room in the back for 2 large dogs. This means probably a small SUV of some sort. Since I already own a 2012 Honda CR-V I set it up for towing. It has AWD, automatic tranny, plenty of room inside, and good fuel economy, so it checks all the boxes for me. It has 100K miles on it and has had zero problems.

If I didn't already own the CRV I might consider something else, like a manual-tranny Forester, but I'd probably still go with a decent used CRV. If I didn't need as much room inside I would consider a Kia Soul or a Jeep.
__________________
jabrabu is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-15-2018, 05:31 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
rickymac's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2014 Windsport 34f
State: Alabama
Posts: 295
THOR #6507
Don't forget to look at a Fiat 500 4 door, manual shift. Cheap, light weight, put in neutral and tow, and did I say cheap. I purchased a 2014, 20,000 miles for less than $10,000. The 4 door has plenty of room for 4 people and loads of windows and storage.

I use Blue Ox tow equipment and their braking system. My wife can hook up in 5 minutes.

We started with a tow dolly, but I prefer 4 down (I don't want to have to take a shower after hooking up).

Good Luck...
__________________
Rick & Jan
with Lilly (Most Active Dog) & Mattie (Laziest Dog in the World)
Wally: 2014 Thor Windsport 34f
Toad: (Wally One) 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking (4 Down)
"Welcome to our front porch"
rickymac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-15-2018, 07:02 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 27K
State: California
Posts: 623
THOR #2544
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
Losing 20 pounds seems like a good thing... Congratulations!
The Focus is an easy little "Toad" to bring along with you: I just prefer Jeeps.

__________________
This post is opinion based on experience.
2015 Hurricane 27K
2013 Sea Ray 220SD
brucev is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-15-2018, 07:30 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: S.O.B.
State: California
Posts: 1,368
THOR #3483
Toads

The latest edition of Motorhome Magazine has an additional portion in the April edition with a complete list of recommended toads. FYI.
__________________
axis earl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-16-2018, 04:32 AM   #18
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: California
Posts: 43
THOR #7805
I asked the same question about 6 months ago and got lots of advice. We went with a 2018 Jeep Cherokee and love it. Biggest problem was finding the Mopar wiring kit that provides power to the steering system. If anyone out there is thinking about the Cherokee, start looking for the wiring kit right away.

Regarding the cost of tow bar, base plate, braking system, etc., I'm going to repeat a comment posted by someone else. "You've spent a good amount of money already on the MH and the car. Why are you worried about money now?"

Even though all that stuff and its installation was costly, I know it was done right with quality equipment and I won't have to have it done again. Or God forbid, look at the rearview camera and wonder where the car went!!!!!
__________________
mlhamm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-16-2018, 03:04 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
rickymac's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2014 Windsport 34f
State: Alabama
Posts: 295
THOR #6507
gary d,

Be sure to let us know what you end up buying.

I too should ride my bike and lose 20 pounds, but I would just gain it back while in the hospital.
__________________
Rick & Jan
with Lilly (Most Active Dog) & Mattie (Laziest Dog in the World)
Wally: 2014 Thor Windsport 34f
Toad: (Wally One) 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking (4 Down)
"Welcome to our front porch"
rickymac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-16-2018, 03:49 PM   #20
Member
 
MTN RV's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau 23U
State: California
Posts: 38
THOR #9164
Also looking to purchase dingy

We are also looking into dingy options. I've narrowed it down two.
First choice would be a Suzuki Samari hardtop. Second choice leaning toward Fiat 500.
I'm finding that decent Suzuki Samari's are like unicorns to find lol.
__________________
KK6HKT
John & Stacy
MTN RV is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.




All times are GMT. The time now is 10:50 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2