Toad, Trailer, or not?

[tqwrench]

Been pondering this one since I bought the coach, and as I'm nearing the end of the mechanical repair tunnel I've been in for nearly 11 months, starting to think more and more on the dinghy strategy. To toad or not to toad? Also considering trailer, would have to be enclosed 24', already have 3 personal cars and a work vehicle. Personal cars all RWD w/automatic, not suitable for toad duty w/o major modifications.

Also looking for tips/threads on beefing up trailer equipment on the coach. I saw some nice upgrades at WOG.

If toad, needs to be vintage and stickshift. E.g. 1984 Mercury Lynx in Malaise Beige with an AM radio and crank windows. Not averse to a VW or Benz, prefer American iron. Diesel model = holy grail. Thoughts and ideas welcomed.

[M380Iowa]

Nothing simpler than using a Jeep as a toad. Put the transfer case in neutral, there’s already a extra key position that leaves the steering column unlocked.
Add one of the new air operated brake controller, a DIY light package and you’re good to go. Have fun.

[Steelwheels]

Having a toad is the way to go. Using the coach as base and being able to get around. But this also depends on how you plan to use your coach, how many are In your family. Bikes motor and electric are good options also if you ride. Four wheels down toad without a trailer is the easiest.

[bobbiemartin]

We used a trailer for several years but have recently gone to a 4 down toad. Probably depends on where you go, but having the trailer adds a layer of complexity. This was a 16' open trailer and having a vehicle that could move the trailer was a must. Typically it involved unloading the car, dropping the trailer and connecting it to the car either before the campsite or near the entrance. Then after parking the coach, parking the trailer. It was a fair amount of hassle. Having a 24' box trailer be even more so.

So we bought a Jeep Cherokee 4X4 (Diesel) that can be flat towed, as stated elsewhere you just put the transfer case in neutral and connect the towbar and braking system. Much quicker and easier and no parking issues with the trailer. Easier to drive the coach with the towbar than the trailer for me as well.

So while the trailer is doable, the towbar setup is much easier all around. As for a toad, there are many to choose from, including Diesels, just depends on what you want.

[tqwrench]

Thanks for the feedback. I had a small group discussion on the matter at WOG with some seasoned veterans, and the consensus there was similar, lots of complexity with a trailer.

When I called to book Birds at the Beach, they said they have an area for trailer and/or toad parking. Also said I could park the toad on the site if it wasn't too big.

How about asking it this way - are there any common/popular rallies where a trailer is a hard no?

[wandermore]

I have been doing great with just ebikes on a rack and Turo as a backup if we were to need a car due to mechanical issue, weather, distance, cargo, etc. It is amazing how easily and cheaply you can rent decent cars through the app and you can always find an owner who is happy to deliver it to you.

The big trailer is too much of a hassle for me to connect to the bus single handed right now. Making its way up on the list is adding an electric motor driven jack wheel to the tongue of my tandem axle cargo trailer. That way the bus can stay in place and I can drive the trailer directly to the ball to easily align when I want to bring more toys. Should be good for maneuvering the trailer in the barn to make space, spinning it around, and other short distance moves if necessary on the road.

[Mack Turner]

Kris, I'm in the same boat I already had a truck and a trailer when I bought the coach and it seems just too easy to hook up the trailer and put my truck on it. That and my F150 Limited is pristine and I don't want to get damage flat towing it or buy another vehicle.

[Harold,Cat&Sam]

We've Been pulling a car hauler since 2013 , never had an issue with parking the trailer at a campground.
It is necessary to be able to pull the trailer with the toad . Some campgrounds we have to move the trailer around with the jeep . The trailer does have some advantages . I can backup easily if needed . Also if the jeep has mechanical problems or we break something while trail riding , I can get it back home . If one of my friends jeeps break we can haul it home . Trailer tires and wheels bearing cost less too...

Now with our smaller coach , the trailer gives us much needed extra storage .

[Crit Bliss]

Enclosed trailers mean you bring lots of stuff, Ive had a couple trailers and liked them. currently we are towing 4 down, Jeep GC, couldn't be easier

[Trees]

John Finn never left home without his trailer, and he didn’t miss very many events. If you want to tow a trailer , you will make it happen. Good luck