Researching Toads

[BirdbyBird]

I know it sounds silly but I am trying to decide if I want to continue my life driving a hatchback style with the open back....for hauling dogs even if it is a downsized version of what I have...or if I can make a switch to a sedan..... Sedans just don't seem as much fun to drive. ...I know it is all in my head :=? ..... even though I know that stuff is out of sight in a trunk instead of the mess I leave visible in the back of what I drive now. Kayak, extra dog blankets, safety cones. When I take the MH and there is something inside it that I don't need on that particular trip, it goes in the back of the car till I move it back to the MH And Herschel is of no help. He doesn't care what he rides in as long is his spot is comfortable........

[Bethers]

I got lucky - my decision was made because I wanted under 3000 #'s and automatic. Gave me less choices. At 2617 - I figure I can add almost 400 #'s and still be under 3000 (my tow weight is 3500 - but why push it?) I did want a coupe for the more fun of a "sporty" car - so got lucky in that I got one. I'm amazed that this little car has such good trunk space. Course, the back seat isn't so big. But I got my favorite thing on a car - a sunroof! I was actually thinking whatever car I got, having one installed - and got lucky - this one has it. Have had it open almost every time I've driven so far.

You'll figure out what you want - or you'll just happen to walk into something that feels right. Good luck.

[Bethers]

If you're looking new, the Chevy Malibu is listed as one of the best deals right now (2010, new car, offering either $2000 cash back or zero financing). And it gets good ratings. (Just read an article on the best car deals right now.) Unless my memory is gone, the Malibu can be towed all wheels down in auto - and I think it was a decent weight.

[BirdbyBird]

I found a chev to drive today but it wasn't me. I did find out that the new ford Fiestas are towable in automatic. I had been hunting for a manual until the salesman i talked to today had a better memory.....and went to find the brochure.....since I didn't have a list for 2011....I didn't know. It is very light/small, has a lot of pep and would do all I need it to do. gets up to 40 mpg...only my left foot kept thinking it should find a clutch to press I also liked the Elantra and the Forte that I drove but those were manual. I remember how much fun a standard transmission is to drive. I still like the Honda Fit.....but I think I can get more vehicle for less money with the Hyunda, KIA or Ford..... Now to read more reviews and compare stats.

[sharon]

I don't think you're silly at all, Tina! A car to me is like a lover, it's gotta fit and you've got to be proud to have it on your arm...this from a person driving a baby poop green jeep! I thought when I bought it I would have it painted when I got back from Alaska, but so far it hasn't happened. Other than the color I love my Liberty, but it would be way to heavy for you to tow. Hope doesn't care. She's good like that. I don't really need that big a car for just sightseeing around the country, but it's also my daily driver and I spend a lot of time on the freeway. So he fits the bill for me.

[khenrie]

Resurrecting this thread, because it seems a good fit.

We have a Toyota Tacoma truck, automatic that we had planned to tow. Truck manual say no.

Randy is talking about disconnecting the drive shaft every time we tow..... and that would make it okay?

Have any of you done such a thing? It doesn't seem worth it to me. And it seems like every time you mess with the drive shaft, you increase the liklihood that something could go wrong.

Any thoughts?

[Bethers]

I wouldn't do that without checking with a mechanic and finding out - I know that you can pay to have it become towable - forget what has to be done. If you can do what Randy says - would YOU be able to do it if necessary?

And, make sure of the weight of the truck and what you can tow with your rig. I deliberately went even lighter than my rig can tow - but I also wanted good gas mileage (boy am I glad I went that route now!)

Good luck.

[sharon]

We had a Ford Ranger that we towed for a couple of vacations that Jack had to disconnect the drive shaft when being towed...it never hurt it, but was a big pain in the patootie. Drive shaft has to be tied up securely and after a while it gets really tiring to crawl under and take the bolts out. Especially in the rain. You might want to re-think that idea. I would definitely check with a mechanic to make sure that the transmission will handle that. Even tho it's not turning with the shaft dis-connected it'll still build up heat.

[khenrie]

I think we are pretty good on tow weight - big engine on the RV was one of the things we talked about when we first looked at it. I think both Randy and I could do what needs to be done... question is do we want to. Thanks for sharing your experience Sharon. Hassle factor is what I am most concerned with. We may have to park the truck here at the house and buy something else to take with us. sigh. Gotta be flexible, right?

[Bethers]

Believe it or not, the size engine is what you'd figure would determine your tow weight - but check the rv, that's not always the case. It'll have a sticker with the maximum tow weight on the rv somewhere - or in the paperwork if you have that. You're probably right and have a high weight - but I've seen some that expected to and don't.

[sharon]

Also be sure and check the tow rating on the hitch.....had a neighbor hook up his truck to his MH and lost the whole hitch assembly about 15 miles down the road. Just broke right off at the welds. It should be imprinted on the hitch.