New Toad

soricobob · 03-22-2017, 06:33 AM

Since I bought my Hummer H2 in 06, there have been s few innovations, and as I look at new vehicles I wonder what my fellow RVers would suggest. I need room for 3 Border Collies, and would like a "one button" free wheel switch, with no limitations or modifications necessary. Thanks in advance.

SuperGewl · 03-27-2017, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soricobob

Since I bought my Hummer H2 in 06, there have been s few innovations, and as I look at new vehicles I wonder what my fellow RVers would suggest. I need room for 3 Border Collies, and would like a "one button" free wheel switch, with no limitations or modifications necessary. Thanks in advance.

I'm confused

What exactly are you asking? Are you looking for a TOAD that is big enough for you and your dogs that is easy to setup? If so part of that depends on what you are pulling it with, what is your tow rating on your MH?

Basically more info is need to properly answer your question.

soricobob · 03-28-2017, 04:34 AM

Yes, you've got it. I currently tow a Hummer H2, but it is starting ton show it's age, and am looking into alternatives. I have 3 dogs (ranging in size from 50-100 lbs), and a wife. We are quite happy with the H2, and it pulls easily behind the 2016 Winnebago QL, as it did behind the 2006 Essex. I am looking for something as roomy on the inside and as easy to put in freewheel mode (and take out) as the H2.
And, to all other posters, thanks for the suggestions. As much as we have given thought to a pick-up truck, we hate to sacrifice the interior room for the rear bed.

Cranemec · 03-28-2017, 06:40 AM

Take your pick.
https://prodcontent.s3.amazonaws.com...inghyGuide.pdf

The only vehicles comparable to the size of your Hummer are going to be the Escalade or Suburban/Tahoe/GMC Yukon or the Ford Expedition.
We tow an Explorer and to me the Ford is easier get into tow mode. The Chevys have to disconnect the negative battery terminal. My dad tows a Chevy and we put in a battery disconnect switch so he doesn't have to actually take the terminal off.

soricobob · 03-28-2017, 07:18 AM

Thanks for that!

ranchdog · 03-28-2017, 04:25 PM

I tow a 2003 Jeep Rubicon, never goes out of style, with invisibrake for only DW and myself. Not one button but just put transfer case in neutral and gearshift in park and tow. To get out of tow mode put transfer case in 2wd and gearshift into gear. Very simple and nothing required for braking except connecting wiring from toad to motorhome. Look at Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Plenty of room for dogs with seats folded down and it will go where the Hummer never thought about going.

soricobob · 03-29-2017, 05:57 AM

Thanks for the info, and suggestions.

BirchyBoy · 03-29-2017, 06:05 AM

I think something like a 4 door Wrangler will be your best bet. The Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade may work, but it could be hard to find one with the correct transfer case. Good luck!

JMonroe · 03-29-2017, 06:48 AM

We just bought a 2017 GMC Acadia. Super easy to set up for towing. Put trans into neutral and away you go. (There have been changes made from past generations. No fuses to pull, no need to disconnect the battery) Not as big as the Hummer, but with the rear seats folded down should be plenty of room for the dogs.

SuperGewl · 03-31-2017, 09:44 PM

Jeep Grand Cherokee is flat towable and very easy to setup.

soricobob · 04-01-2017, 05:46 AM

It sounds like I have much fewer options than I did in 06, but with your help I am finding out more and more. Many thanks!

ranchdog · 04-01-2017, 09:46 AM

Please don't forget to post your final decision.

TarasParents · 04-03-2017, 04:01 PM

Bob,
Border Collies ROCK!!! Tara is our fourth in 41 years of marriage. Unfortunately the previous three had contracted various types/forms of cancer.

Regarding a toad. Do check out the GMC Acadia. With the second seat folded you'll have ample room for your three to wander around and lie down. Super easy to set up for tow. I'm limited to 5000# and had to sell the Tahoe which only had to place the transfer case in neutral. Placing the shifter in neutral on our SRX and the Acadia is just as quick.

John

soricobob · 04-03-2017, 04:05 PM

Thanks, I will, as I'm partial to Hummer after the way GM has allowed me free window lifts, sun roof repair, etc. for the next 50K miles. And Henry Brown (local GM dealer) is a gem. I'll look in May when I'm there for my H2's check-up.

99Adven · 04-06-2017, 01:17 PM

Hey there,

I've been debating on the 2017 Acadia. I really like the Acadia. What's holding me up I'd like to tow 4 down with the M & G Engineering braking system but their website doesn't have the 2017 listed yet. I called M & G a few months ago and they didn't know yet. I am currently towing a Pontiac G-5 behind my Vista 35F with the Roadmaster Falcon 2 setup.

What do you use with the Acadia, if I may ask? Thanks Dave

Steve COH · 04-06-2017, 02:05 PM

I tow a Chevy Tahoe, similar in size to the H2. Towing the Tahoe is a one button setup as long as you select one with the right transmission, which is the 2 high, 4 high, 4 low option. You just hold the dial clockwise until the gearcase goes into neutral. About 10 seconds and you're good to go.

soricobob · 04-07-2017, 06:10 AM

Thanks for all the good advice. BTW, 99Adven, we love our M&G, had it for 11 years!

JMonroe · 04-07-2017, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99Adven

Hey there,

I've been debating on the 2017 Acadia. I really like the Acadia. What's holding me up I'd like to tow 4 down with the M & G Engineering braking system but their website doesn't have the 2017 listed yet...

What do you use with the Acadia, if I may ask? Thanks Dave

I had the SMI Air force one system installed.

JMonroe · 04-10-2017, 07:26 AM

Did our first trip with the Acadia as a toad. No issues until we got to our final destination, some 500 miles from our departure. The battery was beyond dead. I did start the car and let it run for a few minutes at our lunch stop. No problem then, but when I went to disconnect it from the coach here, nothing. Also interesting, the windshield wipers were 1/2 way up the windshield when we got here.

Also found out, when following the owners manual directions for putting the car into neutral a number of systems are disabled. For example, no power to the rear lift gate, nor would the remote start work. Thought I had it all figured out, I'd use the remote start when we pulled into a rest area, I'd be able to see the park lamps come on in the rearview mirror to confirm it was running. New plan.

I'll be installing a charge line in the near future. I'd like to think our installer would have added a charge line, or at least have suggested it, but...

soricobob · 04-10-2017, 09:54 AM

Interesting, thanks!