Toad or Trailer – That is the Question

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

What is the answer?

[lostagain]

Gary, we went to Florida and back this winter, (after seeing you at the dam rally in Nov), towing the VW Jetta on a car dolly. It works but it is a PIA. The dolly broke twice and we had to get it welded near Houston, and again in Alabama. Then when you get somewhere, you have to unhook everything and put the trailer somewhere, which actually wasn't a problem. We had to get tires for the trailer in Del Rio TX. None of it is a huge problem, but towing something 4 down would be so much simpler and easier. We have a Suzuki Tracker that I have to finish prepping for next winter's trip.

JC

[luvrbus]

I tried the trailer route in 2000 they are a real pain dealing with parking,unloading,tie downs,ramps, weight and maintenance I bought us a Jeep and never looked back and I sure didn't miss the trailer and the electric brakes.Towing 4 down a vehicle will follow the same tracks as the vehicle doing the towing also a trailer won't,only problem you run into with a tow bar is backing up
     

[kyle4501]

I would think the answer depends on how you plan to use your rig.
If you travel to a single destination & stay there long enough, dealing with parking the trailer may not be much of a problem.
An enclosed trailer would provide storage options also.

I considered a trailer, but for my planned usage, a flat towed 4x4 pickup truck seems to be the best option. The effort required to deal with the trailer soon convinced me that the tow bars were a much better idea.   

[DoubleEagle]

I have towed a Series Land Rover, which is very handy to tow because I have unlocking hubs on all four wheels, but backing up any distance (without someone in the vehicle steering) is difficult. I also have used a tow dolly, which works out for front wheel drive cars nicely, but again, backing up is not handy. A open or enclosed trailer allows you to back up with precision, and for any distance you can handle. That gives you more options for parking, instead of seeking out pull-through spots all the time.

[gg04]

Have duel trailer hitch for centered tow dolly or trailer, and Jones offset for 4 down. Either of the three takes me about the same time and energy... rdw

[muldoonman]

Toad. Unhook the bar and lights and go. Reverse and 4 or 5 minutes you're good to go the other way. Tow a 2014 Ford Super Crew 4x4 now. Had a 2011 Ford Edge 2 wheel drive before this one. Both fast and easy.

[luvrbus]

  I am still wondering why Gary needs a tow bar or a trailer all I ever see him riding around is a electric bicycle it could be he bought a 3 wheeler

[TomC]

I have my Mercedes 300 Turbodiesel modified for 4 down towing. It tows well except you can't back up with it. On my truck I solved that by carrying my car (small car like Toyota Yaris) inside instead. Now I have room to tow a Ranger Tug 23. Good Luck, TomC

[Beesme]

4 down for sure! My rabbit pickup so easy . Quick connect literally seconds and im unhooked

[chessie4905]

Toad...Suzuki 2 door Vitara 4wd. Also I can tow the coach home if it breaks down, or gets stuck.

[sledhead]

I have towed 2 trucks 4 down and now use a light aluminum car float trailer . after 1 or 2 trips with it you get fast at loading and unloading and it tows way better then 4 down + I can back up and I have brakes on the trailer . yes you need a place to put it and I use it for other things as well

dave   

[gumpy]

4-down, hands down.

I've towed a vehicle probably 75K miles with my bus; 3 Explorers and a Ranger. With the later Explorers and the Ranger, I had the neutral shift kit
installed to shift the transfer case into neutral for towing.

I wired diodes into the taillights and mounted a 6 prong trailer connector on the front. Generally, I can hook up and be ready to roll in under 5 minutes.

[Boomer]

Another advantage of towing 4 down is (heaven forbid) you can push the bus in an emergency.

[luvrbus]

Another advantage of towing 4 down is (heaven forbid) you can push the bus in an emergency.

LOL a Jeep is handy for that BTDT