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09-11-2021, 02:44 PM
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#1
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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I'm gonna need some good advice...
The Smart mange to find a way to NOT pass the annual NYS inspection process...
I've already got a 2021 Chevy Spark (ICE) coming. I found it used; with just 241 miles on it.
My questions:
Which tow dolly would you suggest?
Which Toad braking system would you suggest?
Thanks!
In Memorian...
https://www.thorforums.com/forums/at...1&d=1631371395
https://www.thorforums.com/forums/at...1&d=1631371395
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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09-11-2021, 02:53 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,133
THOR #7035
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So how'd it fail Bob?
Hopefully that Spark you have coming is a manual if you want to flat tow it (braking system).
Automatic (CVT) will require a tow dolly which should have its own braking system.
Trailer too small for the Spark?
For flat towing, would you prefer a permanently installed brake system or a portable brake system?
__________________
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
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09-11-2021, 03:11 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Brand: Entegra
Model: Accolade 37TS
State: South Dakota
Posts: 8,727
THOR #1469
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You ask about tow dolly, get one with surge brakes and no other braking is required. We used a Master Tow 80 for 5 years.
Also, locking steering wheel get one with a rotating bed if the steering wheel does not lock get a dolly with a fixed bed.
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09-11-2021, 03:45 PM
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#4
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EA37TS
You ask about tow dolly, get one with surge brakes and no other braking is required. We used a Master Tow 80 for 5 years.
Also, locking steering wheel get one with a rotating bed if the steering wheel does not lock get a dolly with a fixed bed.
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Surge brakes, and find out if the steering wheel locks: check!
Thanks for the help!
It failed due to the emissions system needing a part that simply could not be found. We called virtually every dealership that used to sell them, and even the salvage yards: no luck...
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09-11-2021, 03:58 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: '17-Vegas 24.1
State: California
Posts: 2,222
THOR #13362
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I have a ‘20 Spark 5 speed
Steer-wheel does NOT lock
BTW…it’s 99% SoKorea, 1% Chevy
__________________
'17 Vegas 24.1
Fallbrook, CA
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09-11-2021, 04:15 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Miramar 37.1
State: California
Posts: 2,460
THOR #12698
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Hi Bob
If the toad does not fit on your current trailer and you decide to tow dolly it, remember that you will have to crawl around the tow dolly each time you either hook up or unhook your toad. I use a tow dolly (Cartow dolly.com) that has surge brakes with disc brakes on the tow dolly wheels. It also has brake lights on the tow dolly, but I added magnetic tow/brake lights that I just stick onto my toad for additional braking lights. Some states require them. I just added a two plug adapter to my hitch plug so I can have both the trailer brake lights and magnetic brake lights working. There are also wireless magnetic brake lights available(comes with a trailer hitch plug that operates the brake lights). On my tow dolly, I have to put on the safety tire strap on each front wheel and then attach an under carriage safety chain on each front side. I also made up a check list that I follow whenever I hook up or remove the toad from the dolly. That way I don't forget a step. I keep it inside the cab and pull it out each time to use. There are several YouTube Videos on car tow dollies to view. If your car does not have a locking steering wheel, you do not need a tow dolly that swivels.
NOTE: I have been very happy with my tow dolly from Acme CarTow Dolly.com. Their customer service has been outstanding.
Paul
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09-11-2021, 04:19 PM
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#7
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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Quote:
Originally Posted by taylorbob1
I have a ‘20 Spark 5 speed
Steer-wheel does NOT lock
BTW…it’s 99% SoKorea, 1% Chevy
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This one will have the CVT tranny in it. It definitely needs a dolly under the front wheels...
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09-11-2021, 05:10 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Sunstar 29VE Winnebago
State: Texas
Posts: 5,584
THOR #13058
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EA37TS
You ask about tow dolly, get one with surge brakes and no other braking is required. We used a Master Tow 80 for 5 years.
Also, locking steering wheel get one with a rotating bed if the steering wheel does not lock get a dolly with a fixed bed.
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I asking to get educated; I have no alternative motive; so take my question in kind...
If the Spark is going to be on a tow dolly, why the preference to have steering wheel locked? I don't think I have a vehicle where the steering is NOT locked when engine is not running?
Also are you saying they make tow dollys that rotate?
My questions may explain why I never tried to have a Toad. I have towed cars and motorcycles with my SUV, but always used U Haul trailers. I am trying to conceptualized a U haul trailer that rotates
__________________
2019 Sunstar 29ve; Toad Lincoln Navigator; RVi Brake 3 & Command Center; Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow bar & Baseplate; Sumo Springs; Safe T Plus; Onan EC-30 AGS; Vmax 250ah AGM; T-Mobile Internet; H/W Heater / Chassis Disconnect Switches; Southwire Surge Guard 44270 & 34951 w/Monitor 40301; Jet Flo Macerator; Alpine SPE500 Speakers; Visio M21D-H8R
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09-11-2021, 05:21 PM
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#9
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,133
THOR #7035
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dkoldman
I asking to get educated; I have no alternative motive; so take my question in kind...
If the Spark is going to be on a tow dolly, why the preference to have steering wheel locked? I don't think I have a vehicle where the steering is NOT locked when engine is not running?
Also are you saying they make tow dollys that rotate?
My questions may explain why I never tried to have a Toad. I have towed cars and motorcycles with my SUV, but always used U Haul trailers. I am trying to conceptualized a U haul trailer that rotates
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Steering wheel locking is old technology in the anti-theft world. Plenty of cars that no longer lock the steering wheel with the key removed (Spark as mentioned, Sonic, Jeeps, just to name some that I know of).
U-Haul dollies have had rotating base plates for years, I know, I own a decommissioned U-Haul dolly . Retail dollies cam be purchased with fixed, rotating, or locking rotating baseplates.
__________________
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
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09-11-2021, 05:23 PM
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#10
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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There are differences between trailers; and tow dollies...
Trailers don't have to offer swiveling versions...
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09-11-2021, 05:54 PM
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#11
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,133
THOR #7035
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman
It failed due to the emissions system needing a part that simply could not be found. We called virtually every dealership that used to sell them, and even the salvage yards: no luck...
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So should we expect to see it listed in the classified here? There's plenty of states without inspections for it if it still runs and drives; and I believe you put a baseplate on it originally?
__________________
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
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09-11-2021, 06:20 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Sunstar 29VE Winnebago
State: Texas
Posts: 5,584
THOR #13058
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 16ACE27
Steering wheel locking is old technology in the anti-theft world. Plenty of cars that no longer lock the steering wheel with the key removed (Spark as mentioned, Sonic, Jeeps, just to name some that I know of).
So what you trying to say... my name is not really D Koldman; and I might be an old man after all I just thought all steering wheels locked by default, even the Model T, never knew it was something done for theft?
U-Haul dollies have had rotating base plates for years, I know, I own a decommissioned U-Haul dolly . Retail dollies cam be purchased with fixed, rotating, or locking rotating baseplates.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman
There are differences between trailers; and tow dollies...
Trailers don't have to offer swiveling versions...
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Okay I missed the distinction between dollies and trailers. I have never rented any kind of Tow Dolly, just Tow trailers that you drive up on ( all wheels), so the rotating dolly/trailer thought was the brain freeze I was having.
I Googled U haul rotating baseplates but got nothing. Google is not always your friend, ..... With that out of the way; so you have a two wheel dolly, you put the two front tires on it, the steering wheel doesn't the lock? What happens, what would you break or damage, and how do you rotate the baseplate to fix?
__________________
2019 Sunstar 29ve; Toad Lincoln Navigator; RVi Brake 3 & Command Center; Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow bar & Baseplate; Sumo Springs; Safe T Plus; Onan EC-30 AGS; Vmax 250ah AGM; T-Mobile Internet; H/W Heater / Chassis Disconnect Switches; Southwire Surge Guard 44270 & 34951 w/Monitor 40301; Jet Flo Macerator; Alpine SPE500 Speakers; Visio M21D-H8R
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09-11-2021, 06:30 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Miramar 37.1
State: California
Posts: 2,460
THOR #12698
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With the steering wheel unlocked, the dynamics of the tow dolly on the toad uses the toad's suspension when turning/cornering vs a locking steering column would need the tow dolly base plate under the toad's front wheels to rotate/turn with a turning movement from the motor home towing it. You have to remember that the tow dolly has it's own wheels plus you are adding the toad's rear wheels to the equation.
Paul
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09-11-2021, 06:36 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Sunstar 29VE Winnebago
State: Texas
Posts: 5,584
THOR #13058
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paulwadley
With the steering wheel unlocked, the dynamics of the tow dolly on the toad uses the toad's suspension when turning/cornering vs a locking steering column would need the tow dolly base plate under the toad's front wheels to rotate/turn with a turning movement from the motor home towing it. You have to remember that the tow dolly has it's own wheels plus you are adding the toad's rear wheels to the equation.
Paul
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Thank you... That is what I was missing. I had my lesson early today, so now I can drink beer the rest of the afternoon
__________________
2019 Sunstar 29ve; Toad Lincoln Navigator; RVi Brake 3 & Command Center; Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow bar & Baseplate; Sumo Springs; Safe T Plus; Onan EC-30 AGS; Vmax 250ah AGM; T-Mobile Internet; H/W Heater / Chassis Disconnect Switches; Southwire Surge Guard 44270 & 34951 w/Monitor 40301; Jet Flo Macerator; Alpine SPE500 Speakers; Visio M21D-H8R
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09-11-2021, 06:38 PM
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#15
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 16ACE27
So should we expect to see it listed in the classified here? There's plenty of states without inspections for it if it still runs and drives; and I believe you put a baseplate on it originally?
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I had the chance to trade it in, and I almost got what I paid for it... two years ago!
Watch for it on Carvana
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09-11-2021, 08:05 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Sunstar 29VE Winnebago
State: Texas
Posts: 5,584
THOR #13058
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman
I had the chance to trade it in, and I almost got what I paid for it... two years ago!
Watch for it on Carvana
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Throw in the Tiffin and I will buy it. I know where to take it to get it inspected in Texas regardless of condition. They don't take tacos or donuts; but if you pay enough cash it is a none issue and everybody is happy
__________________
2019 Sunstar 29ve; Toad Lincoln Navigator; RVi Brake 3 & Command Center; Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow bar & Baseplate; Sumo Springs; Safe T Plus; Onan EC-30 AGS; Vmax 250ah AGM; T-Mobile Internet; H/W Heater / Chassis Disconnect Switches; Southwire Surge Guard 44270 & 34951 w/Monitor 40301; Jet Flo Macerator; Alpine SPE500 Speakers; Visio M21D-H8R
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09-11-2021, 08:16 PM
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#17
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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The Missus anticipated this...
She has promised me that if the Tiffin disappears: the Police will NEVER find my body!
__________________
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09-11-2021, 09:56 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Sunstar 29VE Winnebago
State: Texas
Posts: 5,584
THOR #13058
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman
The Missus anticipated this...
She has promised me that if the Tiffin disappears: the Police will NEVER find my body!
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Gulp!!! I thinking you best follow orders and don't push it. Sounds like just selling the Smart is the Smart thing to do
__________________
2019 Sunstar 29ve; Toad Lincoln Navigator; RVi Brake 3 & Command Center; Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow bar & Baseplate; Sumo Springs; Safe T Plus; Onan EC-30 AGS; Vmax 250ah AGM; T-Mobile Internet; H/W Heater / Chassis Disconnect Switches; Southwire Surge Guard 44270 & 34951 w/Monitor 40301; Jet Flo Macerator; Alpine SPE500 Speakers; Visio M21D-H8R
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09-13-2021, 02:53 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: challenger 37FH
State: Delaware
Posts: 688
THOR #13399
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American Car Dolly, 15 inch tires, swivel deck, brake controller on the dolly 4 pin flat plug, brake lights, don't need tags or registration and they deliver it to you and demonstrate hooking and loading up for free, the owner of the company delivered ours to campground since we're full-time. Worked great for 3 years, 2 different suvs no new parts or $$$ involved just drive on,, just sold it in 1 day, new car is flat towable so made the change.
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09-13-2021, 03:22 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2015 Vegas 24.1
State: Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,468
THOR #2601
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this company builds a trailer specifically for a Smart car. https://www.sporttrailer.co/ECHO/SMA...20TRAILERS.htm
__________________
Ed & Bev Felker
Retired USAF Col and retired Nurse
Traveling with Lily & Bella ('Teddy Bear' breed)
2015 Vegas 24.1 (E-350)
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