I just returned from my annual trip up the east cost from Florida and I noticed a change of tow vehicles from predominately being Jeeps and Saturns 5 years ago to many more Fords, GM's and Hondas.
Obviously this is not a scientific study, but what's your view and experience?
2007 5320LX NRV Dolphin on Ford Chassis
2010 CRV Toad w/ Readybrake system
I agree. Since the demise of GMs Saturn division, other GM cars have become popular toads, expecially the Chevy Malibu and HHR. GM has had their problems, 1st certifying the Cruze for towing and then reversing that decision. Now they say that the new Sonic subcompact is towable.
Ford has also stepped up to the plate and almost all of their cars with automatic transmissions (with the exception of the Mustang) are now towable 4 wheels down. They have become popular toads (in spite of the problems with some Escapes). The Honda CRV continues to be a popular toad and I believe is the only Honda still certified to tow 4 wheels down (since the Element has been discontinued).
Doug
2006 Jayco Greyhawk Model 27DS
Towing 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid with Brake Buddy
Seen several Honda Fits being towed 4-down, and bought ours for that reason, though I haven't converted it (added base plate) yet.
There still seem to be quite a few Saturns, but as noted, since they don't make them, they are dwindling......Jeep is still popular, but I think the average age of the RVer is going up, and they are looking for something less "bumpy", so the Jeeps are being traded in.....
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris / GS MJ Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie, Tugger & Beau RIP: Cookie, Foxy & Gidget @ Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293 The Pets
H3 is a great "less bumpy" Jeep. You can actually drive over 100 miles in comfort instead of feeling beat up in the Wrangler. Loved the Wrangler for almost ten years...maybe just getting o##!
We've towed a Chevy Cavalier(std trans) since 2006 with 0 issues, and recently changed to a Honda CRV. Both are exceptional toads. No problems hooking them up, effortless to tow, and bullet proof. Very reliable. Both toads were bought used, but the Honda was tough to find as it seems everyone else was looking for the same toad. Patience found us the right one and we're very pleased.
We used to see a Honda Accord in the rear view monitor, next trip will be a '12 Honda CR-V. We towed the Accord about 3yr and 20000 miles 4 down with no problems but against Honda advice, it was out of warranty. After we get the base plate the CR-V will be towed 4 down. Detailed instructions are given in the owners manual for towing four down. It is interesting that the new CR-V, same engine and transmission as the past 5 years, but now a CR-V with the new ALL-WHEEL DRIVE AWD system, CanNOT be towed on a dolly according to Honda, apparently it will damage to AWD system if only the rear wheels are turning.
Beverley and Ken
2006 Winnebago Outlook 29B E-450.
2012 Honda CR-V AWD
Blue Ox Aventa LX tow bar and Brake Buddy Vantage.
Beverley&Ken wrote: We used to see a Honda Accord in the rear view monitor, next trip will be a '12 Honda CR-V. We towed the Accord about 3yr and 20000 miles 4 down with no problems but against Honda advice, it was out of warranty. After we get the base plate the CR-V will be towed 4 down. Detailed instructions are given in the owners manual for towing four down. It is interesting that the new CR-V, same engine and transmission as the past 5 years, but now a CR-V with the new ALL-WHEEL DRIVE AWD system, CanNOT be towed on a dolly according to Honda, apparently it will damage to AWD system if only the rear wheels are turning.
Beverley and Ken
AWD has a center differential (or some sort of coupling between front and rear wheels) so if you only have one set of wheels turning the center coupling will be spinning like crazy. That is a recipe for nothing good. On an old school 4WD vehicle you can use the transfer case to disconnect the front wheels.
"n an old school 4WD vehicle you can use the transfer case to disconnect the front wheels."
Read the instructions. Chances are very good dolly towing is forbidden for most 4X4 or AWD vehicles. I know all the ones I have owned it was (is).
That includes:
Many different models of Jeep vehicles.
All the Subarus I have ever owned.
All the AMC Eagle vehicles I have owned.
All the Dodge 4X4 trucks I have owned.
The BMW 3 series ix my son owned.
Of course, you can put it on a dolly then remove the rear drive shaft.
I see mostly Jeep Wranglers as towed. That could be because I just don't pay that much attention to any other vehicle, other than to notice it is there. "oh, yeah, car in tow. What kind of car? I dunno."
CM1, USN (RET)
2002 Fleetwood Southwind 32V, Ford V10
Toad: 2006 Jeep Rubicon LJ
Other toad: '06 PT Cruiser, Kar Kaddy dolly
Toy: 1977 Dodge W100 CC SWB, 3/4 ton axles & springs
"When seconds count, help is only minutes away!"
Offline
FMCA# F407293
Online
