Gemini/Compass toads

[mountainsam]

I have been considering a toad for our next long trip which will be completely around the US border states. Up to this point I have not considered a toad but now I am beginning to give it serious thought. Has any owners with small C's towed extensively?
I have the 3.2 TD Power Stroke and it seems to have plenty of power to spare. Specs say up to 5000 pounds for a toad but I realize that is the rating of the hitch, not nessissarily the rating of the coach. I will be trying to stay well under that 5,000 pounds and to tow 4 down.
Recommendations would be appreciated.
Sam

[Chance]

Originally Posted by mountainsam

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Specs say up to 5000 pounds for a toad but I realize that is the rating of the hitch, not nessissarily the rating of the coach.

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You are correct.

The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of the diesel Transit I believe is 13,500 pounds.

If you're loaded down fairly high as I expect you may be (relative to 10,360-pound Gross Vevicle Weight Rating), then you're probably limited closer to 3,000-pounds instead of the hitch's 5,000-pound rating.

As first step I'd weigh the rig fully loaded and see how far you are from 13,500 pounds.

[Laco]

Its very easy to get over the GCVW with a toad. I have an HHR that I have towed for years behind our DP, before we got the Gemini. Though I have the power to tow, I am uneasy about the lack of weight in the motorhome, and do not feel safe climbing or descending major grades. I will tow for relatively short distances if it does not mean climbing or descending steep grades.

[JamieGeek]

Your best bet is to take it to a scale and weigh it. That will tell you how much of your GVWR and GCWR you're already using.

I found a local https://catscale.com/ to weigh our coach.

[16ACE27]

Chevy Sonic at 2700 lbs. No steering wheel lock and with the DLIS fuse removed you can turn the key off and take it with you with the transmission in neutral.

[tailwind22]

We have been very happy with our 2012 AT Honda fit at 2500 lbs. Very roomy with the back seats folded down and dodges the need for a braking system in the toad in many states.

[Laco]

Originally Posted by tailwind22

We have been very happy with our 2012 AT Honda fit at 2500 lbs. Very roomy with the back seats folded down and dodges the need for a braking system in the toad in many states.

Your sure a toad braking system is something you really want to 'dodge'? You would be much safer in all states with a good braking system on your toad. Just saying!

[Bob Denman]

Toads?
There's always the Smart Car...
Didn't Scion offer something small called the IQ?

[rickymac]

Love our 2014 Fiat 500L, just put into neutral and towwww......

You can get these cars for under $10,000. They have plenty of room, good MPG and low maintenance cost.

I use the Blue Ox patriot brake system. I would hate to be in an accident and not have the unit, my liability would be substantial in most states.

[Wonderdog]

Originally Posted by bob denman

toads?
There's always the smart car...
Didn't scion offer something small called the iq?

Yes.