The Missus mentioned...

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by GaTripster

We are in the market for a toad and what we've learned is the only vehicle you can flat-tow that's an automatic is a Jeep. Good luck trying to find a reasonably priced one.

Better continue learning or send a flash message to Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, etc. that the info about towing their automatic cars 4 town is erroneous.

And not all jeeps with or without automatics are flat towable.

[16ACE27]

Saw a big ol DP in my local Wally World today pulling a Smart car:

[slomarsh]

We flat towed one for a year. They are a fun car-especially with the paddle shifter option. Tiny on the outside, surprisingly large on the inside. Economical 42-50 mpg. It flat tows very easily. You never know it is back there. Also, no supplemental braking system neede because they weigh the same 1800 lbs as the old VW beetle. They drive like a beetle but with significantly more power and most modern conveniences.
The only reason we sold it was we needed a tow with a back seat for the Grandchildren.

[desdes106]

Try Uber, local taxi, campground shuttle or even bicycles before you buy a (not) smart car.
We used. To tow a Jeep Wrangler, but it is a little heavy for our compass. We found out that we could travel with out it.

[Calico]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

The Missus can't drive a stick...

Number one, teach the missus to drive a stick. Number two, get yourself a Jeep Cherokee that's just a two-door. That way you'll have room for groceries in the back. It's quite affordable, I just picked up one that's a 2011 and it didn't break us. In the long run it's so much easier to hook up for flat Towing.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by Mckro05

Soooo I have a 2010 Smart Convertible automatic. We flat tow it with Blue Ox equipment (RoadMaster was an option but the BLue Ox was a slightly easier install.) We absolutely love the set up. Under 2000lb we don’t even know it’s there behind our 2018 Thor Hurricane. It is a small car but great for my wife and I and our 2 Bostons. We do our Costco runs, excursions, etc... without issue. Easy to park at RV sites, great on gas... I can go on! I also use it as my commuter vehicle on occasion.

Feel free to ask me any further questions!

Rob

We've been toying with the idea of Blue Ox...
What about the brakes?

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by Calico

Number one, teach the missus to drive a stick. Number two, get yourself a Jeep Cherokee that's just a two-door. That way you'll have room for groceries in the back. It's quite affordable, I just picked up one that's a 2011 and it didn't break us. In the long run it's so much easier to hook up for flat Towing.

Number one: that just ain't gonna happen...
(She's a woman of countless talents, and I'm lucky to have her; but she's not wired for stickshifts.)
Number two: I like Jeeps; but they're more than my rig will want to try to tow...

Personally: I'd rather tow an old flat-fender!
put Warn lock-out hubs at each corner, and that's it!

[JeffsFreedomElite]

We have a Class C Freedom Elite, 26HE. Our toad is a 2016 Chevy Sonic hatchback LTZ. We have had no problems with this setup. Our Golden Retriever has plenty of room in the back.

[richguess]

I have a 2001 Chevy Tracker. It’s a 4 door, weighs 2900 lbs with the V-6, is a 4x4 automatic. Very easy to tow, dependable/reliable. Same as a Suzuki Grand Vitara. Great toad. Fairly capable off road if that interests you. Can get a reasonably clean one for $5k. I 4wheeled in mine today around Steamboat Springs CO. Highly recommended.

[TonyM]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Perhaps I need to better explain my parameters...
We're in a Sprinter, with about 188 horses, and 325 lb/ft of torque...
minimizing the weight and bulk of the Toad is of paramount importance to us for a couple of reasons:
1. the aforementioned limitations imposed by the RV
2. our intended usage of the car.
Toad only: no long distance trips
3. There's just the two of us. How much car do we need?
Not all that much.

4. My vision is getting pretty piss-poor. The closer I am to the corners of the
car: the less chance I have to stuff them into something expensive.
5. Lots of them are available for not much money.

Based upon these factors: we're investigating the Smart....

So how do drag one behind you?

I have an 08 that I tow behind my Axis 25.2, don't even know its there
A/C, Stereo small storage no need for much more. Oh did I mention its made by Mercedes LOL

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by TonyM

I have an 08 that I tow behind my Axis 25.2, don't even know its there
A/C, Stereo small storage no need for much more. Oh did I mention its made by Mercedes LOL

I'm going to figure out out to put a Mercedes emblem on the grille; in place of that "Smart" emblem.
Then: I'll have a matched set!



http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1564315208

[luke2261thor]

We tow a 2013 Mini Cooper, 6-Speed, which weighs about 2500 lbs. So, far we have about 4500 tow miles on the TOAD. Plus we get 38 to 40 miles a gallon. It does use premium gas however.

[Bob Denman]

A lot of the cars are saying that they prefer 91 octane...
But they'll run perfectly fine on 87 or 89: they might just not be "optimally-tuned", for maximum performance.
The Smart also wants to sip the higher octane fuel: fat chance of it ever seeing any of it!

[Calico]

Honestly, before we picked up the Jeep Wrangler... a purchase based mostly upon the ability to flat-tow, longevity and jeep reputation and the fact the wranglers paint matched the Vegas beige close enough... we had been considering a used, older Fiat Pop. They also could be easily towed flat, and are so darned cute, however, their reputation is not note-worthy. I do believe that when dragging one, it probably wouldn't be noticed at all.

[Bschue10]

Tow 4down with a 2013 Chev Sonic Hatchback, automatic. Have a fuse shut off and have vacuum assist sub. Brake system. Weight is low and pulls great. Fun car to drive.

[Bob Denman]

From what I've been able to see so far: towing a Smart "Four-down"; is also pretty easy.
Put the transmission (automatic) in 6th gear, disconnect the battery, and you're about ready to go!
At least that's how I understand the process!

[vkb]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

From what I've been able to see so far: towing a Smart "Four-down"; is also pretty easy.
Put the transmission (automatic) in 6th gear, disconnect the battery, and you're about ready to go!
At least that's how I understand the process!

Hi Bob ! isn't it fun making these decisions !!! Regarding your post about fuel octane...Ron agrees with you and sez to remind you that a little Lucas added to the fuel doesn't break the bank.

and, regarding battery disconnect....you have pulled enough trailers to know this...but,..are you going to wire brake lights directly from your Tiffin ? When the guys setup our Wrangler TJ...they did so...and in that wiring the Axis charges the Wrangler battery so the electric bleed from the Patriot Brake does not leave us with a dead battery. That Blue Ox tow bar is so impressive and easy to use !


10 yrs ago, Ron would have done the install himself....

We are truly enjoying the Jeep ! Our next item is new tires, and probably, remove the 3" lift kit !

[Bob Denman]

I've still got TONS to learn about the towing options...
If we go "Four-Down": it'll be taken to a shop, and I'll let the experts do what should be done.
If we do buy a trailer: it simplifies the process quite a bit...
I'm just not sure if I want to have something else sitting in the yard that requires licensing, and at least some maintenance...

[Blindcoyote]

Originally Posted by revjeffrey

Safest, Easiest & Most cost effective for you if you run the numbers is . Car rental @ destination.

Enterprise will come and pick you up if you're within range. Do all the paper work, and drive away.

If not, take a taxi to the car rental place.

If you're out in the boonies just ride your mountain bike or your moped.

[Bob Denman]

Rentals ain't happening...
Nor are mountain bikes or mopeds...