Towing & Hitch advice

[Squid]

Newbie here.. Looking at Axis 24.1, like yours? Ok to pull small jeep?

[NMRVer]

Welcome...to Thor Forums//


Squid,
I don't have an axis, but yes you will have no problem pulling a jeep. If you jeep is capable, I'd recommend flat towing vice a dolly.

[DocMike]

Okay, I'm a belt and suspenders kind of guy so I would like to ask some rookie summary questions regarding Flat Towing. I have never towed nor owned a tow vehicle before.


I plan to purchase a TOAD, I have narrowed it down and right now the Kia Soul with front wheel drive and Manual Transmission is lead vehicle. I contacted Kia.com (1-800-333-4542) and they researched it and the Soul can be towed 4 wheels down provided: RV has capacity (Soul 3800lbs), Soul has full oil, full trans fluid, brake released, towed front end first (yeah that’s a requirement), trans in Neutral, steering wheel unlocked, key in ignition in accessory position, all accessories turned off and correct tire pressure.


One of the Soul Dealerships in Charlotte says if they install the Soul tow connections it will not VOID the vehicle warranty. My questions to this Forum are: What changes are made to the TOAD and what are the attachment (cables, rods/arms) that connect to the RV called? Finally, any recommendation as to a brand?


DocMike

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by DocMike

Okay, I'm a belt and suspenders kind of guy so I would like to ask some rookie summary questions regarding Flat Towing. I have never towed nor owned a tow vehicle before.


I plan to purchase a TOAD, I have narrowed it down and right now the Kia Soul with front wheel drive and Manual Transmission is lead vehicle. I contacted Kia.com (1-800-333-4542) and they researched it and the Soul can be towed 4 wheels down provided: RV has capacity (Soul 3800lbs), Soul has full oil, full trans fluid, brake released, towed front end first (yeah that’s a requirement), trans in Neutral, steering wheel unlocked, key in ignition in accessory position, all accessories turned off and correct tire pressure.


One of the Soul Dealerships in Charlotte says if they install the Soul tow connections it will not VOID the vehicle warranty. My questions to this Forum are: What changes are made to the TOAD and what are the attachment (cables, rods/arms) that connect to the RV called? Finally, any recommendation as to a brand?


DocMike

Doc

Base plate and tow bar.

A word of caution, the KIA owners manual says the Soul can be flat towed in emergencies but to prevent damage to the transaxle the speed must be below 10 MPH.

Most of the Souls I've seen towed are on a dolly although I saw one being flat towed on my last trip to Charleston.

[DocMike]

Dave,

Thanks. How do you get your hands (or eyes) on a Soul owner's manual. Is there a website?

Doc

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by DocMike

Thanks. How do you get your hands (or eyes) on a Soul owner's manual. Is there a website?

Google is your friend, search for "Kia Soul owner's manual":
Kia Soul owners manuals, user guides, repair, service manuals
Canadian ones: Kia Cars Owners | Car Owners Manual | Kia Canada
or here: 2016 Kia Soul Owners Manual Pdf | Free Download Owner's Manual Pdf
(The last one seemed to have a 2016 one and I was able to download/view the manual)

[brussam]

Base plate and tow bar.

And an auxiliary brake unit.

If not illegal, it is immoral to tow a toad that can freewheel if it breaks loose.

[DocMike]

thanks to all. Got the Manual.


Doc

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by DocMike

thanks to all. Got the Manual.


Doc

don't know what happened but I had responded with the same links as Jamie. For some reason the post didn't save.

[JamieGeek]

On a lighter note: I wonder if I can pull this behind my Axis? LOL
This Russian-Made, Amphibious Sherp ATV Looks Like So Much Fun | Nerdist

[bevedfelker]

DocMike: Unless you are really committed to the Kia Soul -- what about a Fiat 500C standard shift. I know that one can flat tow (automatic trans equipped ones can't flat tow).

[DocMike]

Ed,
Still looking and comparing. I'll have to take a look at the Fiat 500.

Doc

[bendigaetano]

Not sure about the rest of you but my main concern is the safety of the MH. towing a small utility trailer without brakes is a lot different than towing a 3000 - 4000 lb vehicle behind you when driving hilly or mountainous country. I prefer the peace of mind knowing that I'm controlling the speed of the toad and not the other way 'round.

[jimbo21793]

Will a Thor Axis 24.1 tow a Jeep Wrangler?

[SuperD]

Originally Posted by jimbo21793

Will a Thor Axis 24.1 tow a Jeep Wrangler?

Absolutely it will! Jeep is one of the most popular toads on the market. With the V-10 engine a Jeep can be pulled just fine.

[jimbo21793]

Thanks! What's the best auxiliary braking system to install. Other than the brake buddy.

[Wrpt58]

Discussing Toads, I researched what to get just recently, and Motorhome Magazine publishes a list of vehicles you can flat tow every year. If you look at the 2016 and 2017 lists, there are fewer and fewer. No Suzuki, Kia, at all.
I wound up buying a 2015 Nissan Versa Note HatchBack, manual tranny, bare bones vehicle. Has pretty good cargo and personnel room, just not the ground clearance we really wanted. It is on the list. It's curb weight is only around 2500 lbs, so the V10 in my RV won't know it's there, either pulling or braking.
As others have said, we need a Towbar and baseplates for the Toads. Blue Ox and RoadMaster are a couple of companies, and you can spend as much as you feel you want. The minimal ones for the nissan are around $325 for a basic towbar and around $550 for the baseplates, then add installation costs.
Hope this helps.

[SuperD]

Originally Posted by jimbo21793

Thanks! What's the best auxiliary braking system to install. Other than the brake buddy.

There are so many braking systems on the market, where to start? Do want something you can take in and out like the Brake Buddy, or something installed like Invisibrake? With an installed model can you do it yourself or will you have it done? What brand does your installer have experience with? Start with these questions first.

[bendigaetano]

According to THOR, you can tow up to 6,000 lbs. with the 24.1. Just remember to not exceed the gross weight of MH and toad.
I use the SMI on my Jeep and I love it - no muss, no fuss. Hook it up, turnit on and go.

[2016vegas]

Originally Posted by bikegolfgirl

I am new to the RV world and purchased a 2015 ACE 29.3. Can anyone tell me what set up do I need to tow a car? I am thinking of pulling a honda element. If not maybe some set up that I can carry a small motorcycle or electric bikes?

Trying to figure out all my options for a week long trip. So far we have only done 2-3 day trips.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

it costs about $3000 to set up for towing including baseplate for toad, towbar and toad braking system. You pay it once and you are done. That was alot of money to me, but it was well spent.

I don't know about towing the element...there are lists to look that up.