I'm posting this in the buying forum because it pertains to our choice of what to buy.

We fell in love with the 2007 Conquest Ultra Super C. I like it because it's not a monster to drive and allows everyone to ride together in comfort. Until recently I never gave much thought to towing a car, but we're considering the advantages of that.

What should we be looking at as we make this decision, other than the obvious, cost? Thanks!

Make sure it can bestowed 4 wheels down, which can be a challenge for many newer 4 w heel drive units. Because I am locked into my '09 Tacoma, I am having to spend $3K for a custom drive train disconnect. I have definitely learned not all vehicles are towable and even those that are, well they're not all equally good for it when you're talking full timing. Also, budget for tow bar & braking system.

Go to http://www.motorhomemagazine.com/ and on the right column you will see "Dinghy Towing Guides" in .pdf format for years 2002 until 2010. These are the cars and trucks that can be towed 4 wheels down with no modifications. Plus info on tow bars, etc., are in the latest guides.

Thanks everyone!

Also, check the hitch rating for the Class C. There are various levels or weights that the hitches are rated to pull. Best Regards!

The info on weights, etc., is also in the Motorhome magazine guides including the 2010 one (a bit over 3MB download). It is not just a list of vehicles, it does say how much they weigh, what weights you can tow, tow bars, auxiliary braking, about everything important.

On the subject of towing & toads, what's everyone's opinions in regards to brake systems? Are they needed? What are good systems for a reasonable cost, etc?

In about all states and provinces towing a car is treated as the same as towing a trailer so the same laws apply. Since many require braking for trailers over 1,500 to 3,000 lbs and most cars are heavier you are required by law to have braking. Plus the laws of physics apply, you will stop faster with a braking system and that matters in emergency situations. A side note is tow bars are not designed to hold up with 4,000 lbs pushing on them when you are braking, all their strength is in pulling not pushing.

There are a lot of braking systems out there and about everyone has a favorite. We have a Brake Buddy Vantage Select that cost us just under $1200 from http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-tow-bars-dollies/bb-vantage-select.htm. It works for us and was a simple self install of the breakaway. It is working for us with our 3,400lbs Honda CRV.

Bill - do you like the CRV? Is there enough backseat room for 2 kids ages about 10 and 6? Thanks!

CRVs are very popular toads and can handle four adults comfortably and five in a pinch.  Since adults are normallly larger than a 16 year old there should be plenty of room. 


-- Edited by bjoyce on Thursday 16th of September 2010 06:55:41 AM

Great! Thanks again Bill. Hope to meet you on the road one day!