Tow Dolly or Car Trailer???

[Dave Siegel]

Well as we steam toward full timing starting December 9th. the thought has come to mind that we need to pull our car. it is a Toyota Matrix RX. The question is: Do we tow it with a dolly or do we put it on a car trailer?

Things to consider:
1. Because there is manual steering in our bus (1948 Silversides) backing anything up, trailer or dolly, is absolutely out of the question.
2. I would then have to unhook anything that was behind the bus, make my turn and then re-engage the car.
3. Jan is very, oh did I say VERY concerned about tire wear on the Matrix and feels it would be less expensive to pull it on a trailer.
   (Rule #1: If momma ain't happy.........) you know what I mean
4. We have very limited storage space in the coach and we might be able to use some of the unused spaces on a trailer for tools, etc.

What do folks that have been out there think about this situation?  Any imput will be deeply considered.

Dave Siegel

[DrivingMissLazy]

Dave, one thing missing off your things to consider list:
Is it towable four down?
Richard

Well as we steam toward full timing starting December 9th. the thought has come to mind that we need to pull our car. it is a Toyota Matrix RX. The question is: Do we tow it with a dolly or do we put it on a car trailer?

Things to consider:
1. Because there is manual steering in our bus (1948 Silversides) backing anything up, trailer or dolly, is absolutely out of the question.
2. I would then have to unhook anything that was behind the bus, make my turn and then re-engage the car.
3. Jan is very, oh did I say VERY concerned about tire wear on the Matrix and feels it would be less expensive to pull it on a trailer.
   (Rule #1: If momma ain't happy.........) you know what I mean
4. We have very limited storage space in the coach and we might be able to use some of the unused spaces on a trailer for tools, etc.

What do folks that have been out there think about this situation?  Any imput will be deeply considered.

Dave Siegel

[Dave Siegel]

Thank you that's a good question.

The Matrix has front wheel drive and no way that I know of to disconect the front end, so I assume that (at least the front) must be raised from the ground.

I guess that disallows four wheel down towing.

Dave

[DrivingMissLazy]

Not necessarily. One company makes front wheel disconnects.

The reason I asked is that you indicate you can not back up at all, so if you get in a tight spot, how are you going to unload a car off a trailer or dolly and then have to have a hitch on the car to move the trailer/dolly.

Believe me, a dolly or trailer is a very large PIA, and if you can avoid them you will be very thankful.

Richard

Thank you that's a good question.

The Matrix has front wheel drive and no way that I know of to disconnect the front end, so I assume that (at least the front) must be raised from the ground.

I guess that disallows four wheel down towing.

Dave

[Dave Siegel]

It would be definitely less expensive to use, even the best tow bar, so how do I go about finding out if the Matrix can be towed four wheels down?

Dave

[DrivingMissLazy]

Dave, I am having a senior moment and I can not recall the name of the company that makes most of the tow bars, Oh yea, Blue OX? maybe. Anyhow that site has a list of cars that can be towed four down and for which they make adapters for.
Richard

Well, I can not find the list, but I know one is published. Hopefully some board member knows where it is.

It would be definitely less expensive to use, even the best tow bar, so how do I go about finding out if the Matrix can be towed four wheels down?

Dave

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Dave,

Read this Faq. page from roadmaster [at the bottom]

Remco is the company that makes the disconnects

http://www.roadmasterinc.com/faq.html


Nick-

[ol713]

I made one extended trip thru the country with a tow dolly and when I got home I basically gave the tow dolly away since it had been such a PIA in my opinion.

I like the idea of no tow dolly since I do not have to worry about where to store it. LOL
Richard


For what it is worth,  I have used a tow dollly and traveled coast to coast with no proablems.  Also I like the idea that I can stow the dolly under the bus once I am where I need to be.
                                      Good luck  ,  Merle.

[Len Silva]

Here are a couple of places to look:
http://blueox.com/
http://www.demco-products.com/Pages/work.html
http://www.roadmaster-tow-bars.com/
http://www.motorhomemagazine.com/dinghytowingguide/2006/DinghyRatings_p20_28.pdf

Motorhome magazine lists all cars which are towable per the manufacturer.
The Toyota Matrix is not listed but the mechanically identical Pontiac Vibe is (with a standard transmission.

If it's a stick, it can be towed but not with Toyota's blessing

Len

[DrivingMissLazy]

Thanks Nick. This growing old is not all its cracked up to be. LOL

BTW the direct link to Remco is:

http://www.remcotowing.com/
Richard

[DrivingMissLazy]

Dave, I will make another suggestion. Make sure you get a tow bar that stays attached to the tow vehicle, not the toad.
Richard

[TomC]

Dave- highly recommend you pull with all four down.  If you do use either a tow dolly or an additional trailer, that will all be extra weight, which with the already underpowered 6-71N will put you in a position of possibly not starting on a hill.  If you can't get started on a hill, you can have your wife get in the car and give a helping push, if the car is all four down. Good Luck, TomC

[H3Jim]

DML,

Why is the tow bar that stays on the bus better than the tow bar that stays with the towed?

Thanks

[ChuckMC8]

If you can't get started on a hill, you can have your wife get in the car and give a helping push, if the car is all four down. Good Luck, TomC

Tom, Is this OK even if you dont have a tow car?

[belfert]

Why the concern about tire wear on the Matrix?  Auto tires are not that expensive and they should last 50 to 60 thousand miles with decent tires.  Wear on the hubs, suspension, and such would be more of an issue.

I would be much more concerned about tire wear on the bus tires at $300 to $400 per tire.

According to remco towing, the Matrix is towable 4 down with a lube pump if it is the 130HP model.  The 180HP model is not towable.

Brian Elfert