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Airstream12557 · 08-28-2009, 02:29 PM

I would like to hear what kind of a toad you are pulling behind your Land Yacht with the 8.1 l gas engine. I would like to hear some first-hand experience before I settle on a toad.

Thank you,

Sam

DaveFL · 08-31-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airstream12557

Land Yacht with the 8.1 l gas

Sam,
8.1 gas sort of identifies your MH, but weight and length would factor into the equation.
Second step is to determine AS engineered limits and the after market add ons.

My MH 31 ft, 7.4 motor has been described by other owners as able to pull anything. But AS in original manual stated 3,000 pounds, hitch is rated at 5,000 pounds, tow bar PO had was rated 8,000 pounds. When I started looking for a toad, found very little available under 3,000 pounds with towable transmission. Lightest car I found was Honda Fit.
I am still looking for perfect toad. It should be highway safe, room for all I haul, and comfortable for everyday use, sounds like my pickup comes close, but auto transmission not towable without driveshaft disconnect.

Please post when you find right one, might save me a lot of looking.

At least I have figured out reasons to have a toad and what trips it should be attached

Airstream12557 · 09-01-2009, 06:54 AM

Dave, our Land Yacht is a 2004 30 ft. w/slide. The "spec sheet" says a 4000 pound limit. I was considering a Jeep Wrangler, but they come very close to the 4000 pound limit.

I have seen the Kia Soul and like its looks and weight. My strongest consideration is the Toyota Corolla. We have had a number of Toyotas through the years and have had good luck with them. Most likely, I will consider a standard transmission, since it broadens the options. My wife and I both grew up with a manual and have no problem with considering such.

cfanna · 09-01-2009, 05:21 PM

HI Sam
My RV a 2004 26ft land yacht. 8.1 eng. I tow a 2000 Suziki Grand Vitera. Have towed it since new. First with 22 ft Winnebago, Now with my airstream. Using a Blue Ox tow bar. No problems,tows easily. I love the 4 wheel drive of Suzuki. It has transfer case allowing towing even with its auto transmission. Email me if you like
cfanna@verizon.net Chuck

TerraYacht · 10-03-2009, 12:41 PM

I have a 2005 with S/O, 8.1 engine with the GM 4 speed; bought it from the original owner and was lucky: he brought it to SoCal and had a Banks kit installed, SuperSteer bell cranks and stabilizer installed locally. He towed a Honda CRV. I tow my commute car, a Honda Insight on a dolly, about 2200# total and barely know it is there except for the length. It tracks really well--the used top-of-the-line Demco self-steers and tracks really well.

harold1946 · 10-06-2009, 02:57 AM

Sam; I tow an Explorer Sport four down with 4WD and a drive line disconnect. It weighs in dry weight at about #2600. There are several things to keep in mind when selecting a toad.
1. Weight
2. Towable four down or dolly
3. Brake system. (A must have in many states)
4. Toad lights
5. Drive line disconnect.
6. Transmission oil pump.
7. Do you want to mount your tow bar on the toad or the MoHo.

No matter what you choose as a toad I would stay as light as possible. The Jeep Wranglers are very popular as well as many of the Hondas. Keep in mind that weight means less mileage and longer stopping distance. Glad to see you are doing your research. I have seen several spend thousands on a vehicle and then find it is not towable.
Another good website to join is RV It is free to register and you would find loads of info about toads.
Harold

Airstream12557 · 10-06-2009, 12:23 PM

Thanks for the feedback on toads. I'm still gathering information, but am presently leaning toward a Honda Fit. I really like the Wrangler, but its weight is very close to the 4000 pound limit.

rbowen1063 · 11-17-2009, 01:39 PM

I tow a 2006 HHR (weighs 3200#), four on the ground and one fuse to remove. Hardly know it's back there. Have a 2004 Airstream 30SO that wants to get up and go. By the way I can haul 30 bags of mulch in the HHR when disconnected to give you an idea of the cargo space. It fills all my needs. Good luck. Get a supplemental brake system too!

BarnacleBill · 11-18-2009, 07:02 AM

We have a '95 Land Yacht with a Ford F53 7.5 L 460 CU. IN. engine. We tow a Jeep Wrangler, 4 down, with a Roadmaster Falcon 5250 tow rig. It works great for us.

The Wrangler's weight is: Curb Weight 3360 lbs and GVWR 4450 lbs.

When you are looking at weight don't confuse the Gross weight and the Curb weight.

Curb weight (US) or Kerb weight (UK) is the total weight of a vehicle with standard equipment, all necessary operating consumables.

Gross weight represents the weight of an automobile when fully loaded.

The difference between gross weight and curb weight is the total passenger and cargo weight capacity of the vehicle.

Airstream12557 · 11-23-2009, 04:25 AM

Thanks for all the insiteful replys. Over the weekend we traded our Airstream trailer hauler (2500HD GMC Duramax w/Allison) for a 2010 Toyota Corolla S 5-speed. Now I have to get it set up to pull four wheels down.

BarnacleBill · 11-24-2009, 07:34 AM

Congrats. Sounds like that should work.

harold1946 · 11-25-2009, 04:32 AM

If you have not made a choice of towbars I would suggest one that mounts on the motorhome rather than the toad. The extra weight hanging off the front of the car is really hard on the suspension. Even the lightest ones weigh in around 60lbs. We chose the alluminator by demco and DW has no trouble hooking it up by herself.
Enjoy your new corolla.

Airstream12557 · 11-26-2009, 05:16 AM

Harold, thanks for the tow bar advice. I like the idea of it being attached to the motor home instead of the toad. We went with the Blue Ox and a SMI brake system and have an appointment December 7th to have the system installed. The SMI system is made here in Evansville and looks to be a very user friendly system (everything fits under the hood). Information is at SMI MANUFACTURING

BarnacleBill · 11-26-2009, 08:21 AM

We are looking for a braking system to use on our Jeep Wrangler. Do you think the SMI system would be the best choice?

harold1946 · 11-27-2009, 02:47 AM

There are many out there using SMI and love it. I have a very good friend with the stay and play on his Wrangler and he is very happy with his. I chose Brake Buddy so that I could tow either of our two vehicles. 2005 chevy 1/2ton pickup or WDs pride and joy,1993 Explorer Sport.

Airstream12557 · 11-27-2009, 03:59 AM

Bill, I can not offer a recommendation on the SMI braking unit yet. I have not had my system installed, but from what I read and from the recommendation of the local RV place, I am giving it a shot. I like the idea that it is not something you have to install and uninstall when using the toad. It all fits under the hood and is ready to go.

Maybe someone on the forum will have some experience with the unit.

Sam

p.s. -- I like your screen name. Barnacle Bill's is our favorite restrurant in St. Augustine, FL.