TOADS

tps0424 · 12-07-2006, 03:51 PM

As you may know, I'm brand new to motorhomes. I have been wondering what I would need to tow my 1994 Honda Civic behind my Spirit. It's an old car with a lot of miles (157,127) but, it's light (2500#)and has a manual 5 speed transmission.
I don't want to put a lot of money into making this the ultimate TOAD because who knows how much longer it will last and frankly, I just spent all of my money on the Spirit so there's not much left!

tps0424 · 12-07-2006, 03:51 PM

As you may know, I'm brand new to motorhomes. I have been wondering what I would need to tow my 1994 Honda Civic behind my Spirit. It's an old car with a lot of miles (157,127) but, it's light (2500#)and has a manual 5 speed transmission.
I don't want to put a lot of money into making this the ultimate TOAD because who knows how much longer it will last and frankly, I just spent all of my money on the Spirit so there's not much left!

tps0424 · 12-07-2006, 03:53 PM

I should have phrased that as a question. What is the cheapest way for me to take my car along with us on our camping trips other than have someone else drive it?

John_Canfield · 12-07-2006, 04:06 PM

I would give Honda a call and ask them if it can be towed 4-down. If it can't, you will have to buy a tow dolly and put the front wheels on the dolly.

You are still going to spend mucho dinero for the tow bar, tow brackets, safety cables, light hookup, etc.

We were brand-new to RVs about 18 months ago - that was many moments and dollars ago

JD Allen · 12-07-2006, 04:41 PM

Here is a thread on another forum that is discussing towing a Honda Civic. Yes, they are newer than your 1994 model but it might be of help.

Good Luck

JD

Stevegd007 · 12-07-2006, 04:54 PM

I have towed a 2004 automatic Honda Civic, something like 4000 miles no problems. I how have a 2006 manual Honda Civic. It is easier to tow, just put in the trans in netural. Towed this newer Honda over 8000 miles with no problems.

Falcon 2 towbar, wireing for lights and brakebuddy and safey cables. Installation of the bracket on the Honda and wiring installation for lights and brakebuddy. Total cost with labor and parts might come to something like $1300.00. All the work was done at a local RV aftermarket repair shop. I have since added a battery charger device for the Honda to charge the Honda battery while being towed. This after have a dead battery after towing for days straight.

Look at my attached link to see the Honda with my RV.

Hope this helps.

Stevegd007 · 12-07-2006, 05:13 PM

Here is a quick link for prices for just about everything from dollys and tow bars, plus etc.

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-tow-bars-dollys-b...Demco%20-%20Tow%20It

rebelsbeach · 12-08-2006, 03:40 AM

Why not support rvupgrades.com with your toad equipment purchases....

They've recently enlarged their catalog and are an iRV2 sponsor as well!

tps0424 · 12-08-2006, 04:09 AM

While I thank you both for your links to where to buy the equipment, my question is more of WHAT do I need?
So far, I figured out (I think) I need a bracket and a tow bar and maybe some type of brake system. What about lights? Wiring? Connectors? Plugs? How does the towbar attach to the Spirit?
I just want a basic, cheap set up but, I don't want sacrifice safety.

tderonne · 12-08-2006, 04:22 AM

I thought someone already mentioned Hitchtrader , I guess that was another thread. Great source to find some used equipment.

I'll take a stab at WHAT you'll need.

Towbar - Goes directly into the receiver already on the motohome.

Baseplate - Specific to the brand of towbar and the model of the car.

Wiring - You can modify the Civic to be able to plug it's talilites into the RV. It can be done by you with the correct pieces, none are expensive, but installation may be. Or some folks just use a set of additional lights, that works too. Towing light kits with magnetic bases can be found for a bit over $50.

Braking system - LOTS of the market. Some states require them, others don't. With a 2500 pound Toad it's borderline as to needing one in my opinion. Being a Class C is the tow-er (I made up that word) that may push me to say you need a braking system, not much extra braking left on that chassis. But I don't have any experience in the area. Others can probably offer more.

BernieM · 12-08-2006, 04:43 AM

We towed a 1999 Civic, standard transmission and recently sold it and have a new Chevy HHR. I still have the Roadmaster baseplates, which I assume might fit your Civic. You pay the freight & their yours. You'll find the Civic, standard trans easy to tow. I would suggest you get the Blue Ox kit to add a bulb to each tail light. Very easy to do and no chance of upsetting your civic electrial system. I'm in Illinois and you may email me at [email protected]

rebelsbeach · 12-08-2006, 05:52 AM

BernieM, Welcome to the forum!!

We're glad you jumped in and made that first post and look forward to hearing more from you in the future...

Thanks for offering your help.

tps0424 · 12-08-2006, 07:44 AM

Bernie... That's an incredibly generous offer. I have sent you email.