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08-13-2015, 01:58 PM
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#1
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: windsport 27k
State: Massachusetts
Posts: 38
THOR #2451
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Need advice from Experienced RVer , what is best dolly or flat
Hello Everyone,
We can't seem to decide weather to purchase a third vehicle that can be towed with a dolly or all four down or purchase a flat to tow , one of the vehicles we own that can not be dolly or all down. My better half feels that the flat would be difficult in the parks where do you put it? Has anyone any advice?? Open to all suggestions.
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08-13-2015, 02:28 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2013 31L
State: Florida
Posts: 2,184
THOR #908
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general consensus with full timers
4 down is the way to go. It's easier, simpler, etc...
but there is a cost to set up brakes, etc....
The dolly makes little sense unless
- you tow multiple/different cars
- don't do it very often to justify the expense of setting up a flat tow
- have a car that can't be flat towed.
I haven't done it either way, so just repeating what I have learned from research
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08-13-2015, 02:53 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau 35SF
State: Missouri
Posts: 738
THOR #2020
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I have done both. I much prefer the 4 down. Either DW or I can hook it up without assistance. I would never have been comfortable loading our car on the dolly by myself. In addition, getting the straps tightened properly on the dolly was a real chore. Also, the need to move the dolly around in the campground can be a problem... if you can even find a place to put it. However, as mentioned by blw2, the cost of a car that can be towed 4 down can be the deciding factor. We actually bought a used Jeep Liberty so that we could flat tow. I don't regret the decision.
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08-13-2015, 03:03 PM
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#4
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Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
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Another advantage of a dolly: - If you frequently change cars (e.g. 2 or 3 year leases) you don't want to be always setting up the new car for flat-tow (the mods may even not be permissible for a lease).
- You'll have a larger selection of cars available for dolly towing than flat-towing as well (pretty much just about any front-wheel drive car can be dolly towed).
Yeah we have a dolly. I do agree flat towing is much easier, though: - Easier to hook up, just drive up to the camper
- Don't have to store the dolly somewhere
Our dolly isn't that hard to move around, it even has a handle next to the hitch for just such a purpose (although I think it is too heavy for the DW to move around).
I usually can hook up the dolly without assistance but it does take a little bit longer.
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08-13-2015, 03:09 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau 35SF
State: Missouri
Posts: 738
THOR #2020
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Two sides to the question and neither one is right or wrong. When making the decision it is just a matter of weighing the pros and cons and doing what is best for you. It really a matter of personal preference. I was fortunate that I was able to buy a very good used dolly. We tried it and didn't like it. Sold it for what I had in it. The reverse is not true. If you are undecided then you are better to start with the dolly and see if it fits your RV lifestyle.
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08-13-2015, 03:26 PM
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#6
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: windsport 27k
State: Massachusetts
Posts: 38
THOR #2451
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Towing thank you
Thank you all for your advice/suggestions. We will be full timers eventually so we really will need to discover what is best. All suggestions are good. One person suggested until we become full timers rent a vehicle when needed something to consider as well , however the cost may not be financially sound for us. ahhh......
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08-13-2015, 04:31 PM
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#7
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Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
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Quote:
Originally Posted by windsport27k2015
One person suggested until we become full timers rent a vehicle when needed something to consider as well , however the cost may not be financially sound for us. ahhh...
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We rented before we got the dolly. Just remember that the cost of a dolly or a 4-down setup can pay for a lot of rentals (unless you're renting for more than a week here or there).
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08-13-2015, 05:31 PM
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#8
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: windsport 27k
State: Massachusetts
Posts: 38
THOR #2451
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jamiegeek
Thanks for the view. How much does it cost for a dolly or doing a four down??
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08-13-2015, 06:06 PM
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#9
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Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
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The dolly we use costs $1600: Acme "EZE-TOW" dolly.
Towing four down setups can easily match or exceed that amount.
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08-13-2015, 06:12 PM
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#10
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Site Team
Brand: Entegra
Model: Accolade 37TS
State: South Dakota
Posts: 8,781
THOR #1469
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Quote:
Originally Posted by windsport27k2015
Thanks for the view. How much does it cost for a dolly or doing a four down??
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As with everything is all depends on what you want.
My tow dolly is a Master Tow 80 inch with rotating bed, hydraulic surge brakes and spare tire and wheel and cost 1200.00 assembled. To outfit one car for flat towing would have cost 2500 - 3000 depending on the tow package selected.
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Dave
US Army (Ret)
2020 Entegra Accolade 37TS
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk (Toad)
FMCA - F432054
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08-13-2015, 06:32 PM
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#11
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Texas
Posts: 5
THOR #2656
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I spent the following on my 4 Down setup:
Towbar = Falcon II 5,000 lb capacity: $ 850
Base Plate = Jeep Wrangler; $ 380
LED lighting system = portable $ 75
Auxiliary Brake system = Brake Buddy $1,000
Safety chains, direct 12v electrical, etc. $ 75
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08-13-2015, 07:21 PM
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#12
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Palazzo
State: Texas
Posts: 94
THOR #2072
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Love my little Toad! It will cost you about 2,000 to do it, but a lot easier then messing with a dolly. IMHO!
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Dave - Linda
2015 Thor Palazzo 36.1
2010 Honda CR-V Toad - Roadmaster Sterling Tow Bar
FMCA F451520 - Texas Boomers
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08-14-2015, 03:09 PM
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#13
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: windsport 27k
State: Massachusetts
Posts: 38
THOR #2451
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Daveht , Jamiegeek
Toad, I shall look that one up. Thank you everyone for your advice it will be well taken. Jamiegeek I think we may rent for this year until we actually hit the road as a way of life to see the U.S. Good suggestions
Daveht, Love your dogs Name. I named our Windsport Bella need to get a sign made anyone know where that can be done?
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08-14-2015, 03:55 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Brand: Still Looking
State: Texas
Posts: 6,187
THOR #2121
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Do flat-towed Smart cars require brakes? Base weight is under 2,000 pounds. It seems a large part of cost is the toad braking system.
I'm curious because while driving from Texas to Florida a couple of weeks ago I saw two different Smart cars being flat towed behind motorhomes for the first time ever. I wasn't aware they are even rated for flat towing.
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08-15-2015, 08:49 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2023 Jayco Precept 31UL
State: Florida
Posts: 2,916
THOR #1589
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I agree that there is no right answer. The way we travel, the dolly would have been a major PITA for us. Rental cars might be a viable short term option, while you do your homework.
I tend to buy cars I really like, and keep them a long time. I have flat towed the same small car for the last 8 years. I installed a Blue Ox baseplate and US Gear system on it, and we moved the controller from our last coach to our Vegas. If I changed cars, the next one would have to work with the US Gear system.
I would want any car I towed to have a brake system of some sort, even a Smart Car. I have a friend that towed one for years. A Brake Buddy will set you back about $1K. That's cheap insurance. You won't have to worry about various state requirements. If you quit rving, somebody would want to buy that brake unit from you.
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Life is better when you cry a little, laugh a lot, and are thankful for everything you've got!
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08-15-2015, 09:41 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Brand: Still Looking
State: Texas
Posts: 6,187
THOR #2121
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Sunshine
I agree that there is no right answer. The way we travel, the dolly would have been a major PITA for us. Rental cars might be a viable short term option, while you do your homework.
I tend to buy cars I really like, and keep them a long time. I have flat towed the same small car for the last 8 years. I installed a Blue Ox baseplate and US Gear system on it, and we moved the controller from our last coach to our Vegas. If I changed cars, the next one would have to work with the US Gear system.
I would want any car I towed to have a brake system of some sort, even a Smart Car. I have a friend that towed one for years. A Brake Buddy will set you back about $1K. That's cheap insurance. You won't have to worry about various state requirements. If you quit rving, somebody would want to buy that brake unit from you.
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How do these brake controllers that push on brake pedal work around the need for vacuum for the power booster? Do they provide a vacuum pump, or some other way? And if vacuum pump, what powers it?
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08-16-2015, 12:22 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2023 Jayco Precept 31UL
State: Florida
Posts: 2,916
THOR #1589
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Yes, this system uses a pump for the vacuum, and an actuator that pulls the brake when you step on the coach brake. It runs off the coach battery, so that it doesn't run down the toad battery.
Here's the web link: Unified Tow Brake
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Life is better when you cry a little, laugh a lot, and are thankful for everything you've got!
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08-17-2015, 02:02 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau 35SF
State: Missouri
Posts: 738
THOR #2020
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chance
How do these brake controllers that push on brake pedal work around the need for vacuum for the power booster? Do they provide a vacuum pump, or some other way? And if vacuum pump, what powers it?
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I have the Blue Ox Patriot brake system. It operates on a motion activated switch. When you step on the brakes in the coach the brake system senses the decrease in speed and will activate as needed. A small decrease won't activate it. It has a wireless control in the coach that you can use to set the gain if it does not seem to be sensitive enough. So far it has worked just great.
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08-17-2015, 08:06 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Challenger 37KT
State: Michigan
Posts: 282
THOR #2628
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I have seen a few campgrounds that charge for a trailer. Dolly might be considered a trailer by those campgrounds.
Also the Dolly will add some tongue weight that goes against your CCC. I don’t think 4 down will count against this. Only your GCWR.
KC
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08-17-2015, 09:45 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Brand: Still Looking
State: Texas
Posts: 6,187
THOR #2121
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pstandiford
I have the Blue Ox Patriot brake system. It operates on a motion activated switch. When you step on the brakes in the coach the brake system senses the decrease in speed and will activate as needed. A small decrease won't activate it. It has a wireless control in the coach that you can use to set the gain if it does not seem to be sensitive enough. So far it has worked just great.
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Does your Blue Ox Patriot also have a vacuum pump? And since it sounds like your brake system is not connected to coach directly, if it uses a vacuum pump, how is it powered? From toad or coach?
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