Dogcliff
Anchorage, Alaska
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Joined: 08/11/2007
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I am wondering about the actual cost of hauling a toad. I will be traveling from Alaska to Louisiana, and I am trying to decide if it will be cost effective to haul my Daughters Cherokee. I am not currently configured to tow, but plan on getting set up in the future.
So the costs include the towbar, a supplemental brake system, and the MPG difference between Toad or no Toad.
I am guessing that the tow bar is universal, and easy to change from one vehicle to another. Are the supplemental brake systems also universal, or are they sold vehicle specific? What is your experience in the MPG hit? I will be towing with a 32' Winnebago, workhorse/Vortec 8.1.
I tried to search on these topics, with no real success...
Thanks,
dc
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trop-a-cal
Palm Coast Fl
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Joined: 09/24/2007
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The 4500 plus LBs. the Cherokee weighs will feel like a tank, get something lighter. If you go under 3000 Lbs you won't know it's there and won't need the braking system. You will drop about 1 MPG, towing it.
* This post was
edited 07/31/08 12:01pm by trop-a-cal *
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Dogcliff
Anchorage, Alaska
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The purpose of hauling the Cherokee is to transport it for DD to her new location.
dc
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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dc the info is here but it just may not be in clearly labeled threads. 
Like you we are not set up to two flat. From what I can learn it with a gasser it cost about 1 MPG on fuel cost. At 32' as well (P30) we can turn around about anywhere and fit with room to spare in a lot striped with two spots end to end. Giving up the ability to back so far has over ridden the freedom to roam in a toad and the cost to do so.
It is the hassle factor and then cost factor in our case but we are more specific in our travel points and do not full time or camp and still have to drive to work everyday.
There is NO right or wrong way. Just do the one that meets your needs. After getting set up a toad cost a small fraction of the full cost of an RV experience. I do think going much over 32' would make a toad more of a need. I do see a lot of MH's without a toad in some places.
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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It that case just look at renting a tow dolly with surge brakes and hit the road would be one solution to this tow need.
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A1B00902
Vancouver B.C CANADA
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Joined: 01/04/2005
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When you first set up to tow,the first few trips might not be cost effective,IE the purchase of bars,$600-700, brake systems $800-900 etc,but if you plan on regular trips or for any long trips, it become,s the best way to go IMO
we go from BC down to AZ ea year {snowbirds} and to have my Explorer in tow, adds about 50gal on the return trip of about of 3000 miles or about 1 mile per gal. that works out to a little over $200,at todays gas prices, a lot less than having to rent a car for just one week
but as said many time here, MPG is also effected by you driving style and the terrain
hope this is of some help
Mike
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RicJones
So. Cal.
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One thing I don't see mentioned is the cost of the baseplate, around $350-450 and wiring the taillights.
Also, I believe the Cherokee cannot be towed on a dolly. Best check.
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Polishnurse
Schodack, NY
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Most Jeeps can't be dollied. RicJones is on track there. But the convince of a toad is the breaker. Use your campground as a base, you'll be making field trips in the car, you'll be going to market in a car. Not breaking camp for a loaf of bread and qt of milk so to say.
Fairbanks Alaska, nearby North Pole about 50 miles one way, Hot Springs about 65 miles one way. Both day trips so you can live there rig at the campgrounds. Let alone the locale sites you will be taking your car not your MH. So those MPG's come back real quick. Just going out for diner or parking in downtown Anchorage is a deal breaker.
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Our PO took ours to Alaska twice the 10 years he owned it and it has never pulled a toad but it is only 32' and 8' wide and can go and turn around most places a car can.
It really is a preference in most cases. While it is cheaper to rent a car if you fact in the full cost there will be times when you can not rent.
No toad and just driving the MH offers freedoms towing a toad does not. The inverse is also true.
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Bagger97
Littleton, Co
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Joined: 03/11/2005
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Not all Jeeps can be towed 4 down, depends on the 4x4/all wheel drive system you have. Might look into buying a used trailer?
Alan & Patty
Munchkin & Maddison
2006 Itasca Sunova 29R SE
We'd rather motorize our winterhome than winterize our motorhome.
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