tow car or not?

[TheElephant]

We are currently looking at a 40' skoolie. The question that comes to me "how well would it to tow a car behind and what would be the best tow vehicle for a family of four?" Any input?

 

[Moxadox]

If you are a family, and you don't want to have to move your house every time you need to go to the grocery, you will need a toad (towed vehicle).

Here's some info on towing a vehicle behind your motorhome:

https://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/what-cars-can-be-flat-towed-behind-an-rv.html

While thinking about this whole issue, perhaps the most important part is a tire pressure monitoring system for all of your tires. Sitting up in your 40' skoolie, if a tire blows on your toad you won't even be aware of it. So do have a look at different TPMS systems to see what fits.

Enjoy, sounds like a wonderful family adventure!

The Dire Wolfess

 

[ckelly78z]

I think a 4 door Jeep Rubicon would be fun, and capable. I would tow it with a tow bar, and not on a car dolly....much easier to hook up/off, and less towed weight.

 

[John61CT]

Hybrid Highlander, same EV setup as Prius but more room, more fun, less ugly.

Includes a very quiet and efficient generator, aircon, can quickly charge the bus House bank.

Basically get the efficient transportation for Free

 

[TheElephant]

I have eyed up the jeep rubicon for awhile. I also considered a hybrid. We currently have a 99 honda accord that seems to be in it's death throes... I know we need something a little bigger but will miss the 25+ mpg. Thank you all for your input!

 

[tx2sturgis]

Forty foot school buses tend to have a long rear overhang, make sure you take this into account when specing the towbar and tow vehicle.

 

[bullfrog]

You will also need to check the states you will be going into laws on towing a vehicle as in required equipment and total lenght allowed. A small 4x4 if you do dirt or small economy car if you stay on pavement. Not all cars are towable but those that aren't can be modified or put on a trailer. You won't know it is there unless you backup which you can only do so and turn with a trailer. Four wheels down you'll most likley have to unhitch. Some "crawler rigs" make a porch/garage on the rear portion of the bus and haul the vehicles.

 

[RoamerRV428]

the vehicle ya tow is up to you, what you think will suit your family, but I would keep it as small as possible.

towing is all about how you want to live your lifestyle. Are you the type to travel after parking and setting up camp? If you are then ya need something definitely. If you are the type not to travel after setting up camp you don't have to bother with a toad.

no doubt about it tho, that second vehicle is wonderful if ya ask me so ya don't have to break camp.

 

[TheElephant]

I agree Roamer. breaking camp is not as much fun as just jumping in a car and going. I believe we would need a toad. Our nomadic life is motivated by helping others so a 40' bus is not really a good every day driver unless we are moving to the next place. Again thank you all! The community feel on this site is awesome. Thank you for being so helpful and welcoming!

 

[bullfrog]

You might consider a Prius as it could be used as a power source as well.

 

[Riverman]

CAUTION... many auto transmissions can not be flat towed. (without a tow dolly)

I have one that can... Honda CRV with tow bar setup.

Come buy it....

 

[highdesertranger]

doesn't that Honda have a CRT transmission? highdesertranger

 

[blars]

I flat-tow my chevy tracker 4wd behind my motorhome -- many 4wd vehicles can put the transfer case in neutral to tow.
Check the tow ratings of the vehicle you are towing with and the ratings of you potential toad. Also the rules in the state you licence in, some states I would have to add brakes to my toad.

If you have more than one person, you may find it easier to drive them separatly.

 

[Riverman]

My 2009 is towable the newer ones i think are not

 

[TheElephant]

How so Bullfrog? I am not familiar with that concept. Do tell!

 

[squire]

I agree Roamer. breaking camp is not as much fun as just jumping in a car and going. I believe we would need a toad. Our nomadic life is motivated by helping others so a 40' bus is not really a good every day driver unless we are moving to the next place. Again thank you all! The community feel on this site is awesome. Thank you for being so helpful and welcoming!

Do not overlook keeping your present vehicle and driving along behind the bus. A toad can always be purchased when you need to replace it.

 

[John61CT]

I am not familiar with that concept

> Includes a very quiet and efficient generator, aircon, can quickly charge the bus House bank. Basically get the efficient transportation for Free

https://www.google.com/search?q=site:www.cheaprvliving.com+Prius+generator

 

[bullfrog]

Some here are looking at using a hybred vehicle as a power source for their RV. The soon to be developed plug in hybrid F150 is being advertized as a workplace generator that can power an RV as well. I believe a Pris could be used to generate power as cheaply as most small generators. Even plug in Electic Vehicles that can access grid power if you could tap into their large battery packs would be useful for power and power storage. You could drive say 10 miles to town charge up on grid power while at work then drive 10 miles home plug into your RV and charge up your house batteries. It is something to look at as there is a video where an older Pris with a bad battery pack purchased for $1,500 gets a rebuilt battery pack with a three year warenty for $1,500 and a few hours DIY labor becomes a daily driver valued at $4,000. A good generator or solar system would come close to costing as much for an RV and not transport you around cheaply as the Pris would. You might even be able to charge house batteries for the RV with the Pris or at least supplement a smaller cheaper solar system and save money. I hope some who have tried or are doing this will post as I am courious as well.

 

[Bathyio]

This one's a helpful thread.