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Nevada
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Joined: 10/29/2009
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We have a 29 foot Coachmen freelander and are going to start towing one of our vehicles behind on trips.We have both a 1997 Toyota Corolla and a 2006 Honda Civic both automatics.We plan on using both cars at different times.my sister seems to think that a tow bar is the best way to go but I am thinking a tow dolly.I have heard that with the bars you not only have to add brackets to the cars but modify the transmissions in some way.i was thinking with the dolly all you would have to do is drive the car on.Are there any opinions or experiance with this subject?Thanks
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PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
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Joined: 12/23/2007
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If you plan to use both cars, it would probably be cheaper over all to have the dolly. You would need to set up each car to be able to use the tow bar. Even if you use the same brake system in both toads, you will spend over $1000 for the tow brackets.
Most everyone agrees that 4-down is the way to go, but usually that is for a single car. If you plan on multiple vehicles, then the dolly makes more sense. Unless of course, you have a boat load of money!
Also, you need to check to see if those cars can be towed 4-down....quite a few Hondas can't...and as you mentioned, you may need additional adaptions to make it work for you.
Good luck, Happy Camping!!
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris
Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie & Beau 
RIP: Cookie (Sheltie) & Gidget (Lab-mix) over the Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293
The Pets
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brobox
Sunny SW. Florida
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Joined: 11/18/2003
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According to Remco's web site the Corolla is not towable without an expensive modification to the transmission. The Honda, well there is a lot of discussion here regarding it being towable, so that would be a decision you would have to make.
If you want to tow both cars, then the dolly is the best way to go, although more of a hassle for towing. It depends a lot on how you travel. If you stay for longer periods of time a dolly is fine. If you are only staying for a day or two and want to use the toad at each stop, the dolly can become a chore, loading and unloading and then storing the dolly.
Chuck
02 Travel Supreme, 2 street side slides
09 Toyota Tacoma 2WD
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rwwhite29b
FL
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Joined: 10/10/2009
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I think that the dolly is your best bet. Especially since you want to use either car as a TOAD. Just make sure that the dolly you choose has some sort of supplemental braking system, surge brakes at a minimum, but electric are preferable. Your coach will need all the help it can get stopping the combined vehicle weight of the coach and the TOAD.
rwwhite29b
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Deen
Vancouver, WA
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Joined: 12/07/2000
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brobox wrote:According to Remco's web site the Corolla is not towable without an expensive modification to the transmission. The Honda, well there is a lot of discussion here regarding it being towable, so that would be a decision you would have to make.
If you want to tow both cars, then the dolly is the best way to go, although more of a hassle for towing. It depends a lot on how you travel. If you stay for longer periods of time a dolly is fine. If you are only staying for a day or two and want to use the toad at each stop, the dolly can become a chore, loading and unloading and then storing the dolly. Honda says the Civic isn't. And I sure wouldn't want to second guess their official policy. But, it's your call since it's out of warranty now.
And Remco's "advice" is worthless since they won't pay for damage even if it's their unit that causes it. In fact they wouldn't even warranty a faulty pump let alone the transmission rebuild that was needed when the pump failed.
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randco
Sarasota, Florida
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Joined: 06/03/2007
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Deen wrote:And Remco's "advice" is worthless since they won't pay for damage even if it's their unit that causes it. In fact they wouldn't even warranty a faulty pump let alone the transmission rebuild that was needed when the pump failed.
I have seen this said before. Did this happen to you? Do you have first hand knowledge of the circumstances? This is most likely one of the "I heard about a guy" or "A friend of mine" stories that find their way into discussions.
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Stennis
Starkville, Mississippi
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Joined: 04/28/2003
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I thought I had replied to this topic. Please go to the Topic on towing a Honda Fit for more detailed comments.
Whether you use a dolly or tow four wheels down is a matter of preference. I have chosen to tow four down - I have done both (very limited dolly) and I feel more comfortable with four down. A trailer would be preferred for driving but that is too much extra weight for me.
Yes, in my opinion, you can tow your Honda automatic four down if you follow Honda's procedures for towing with all four wheels down. The exception is CVT transmissions.
No, you do not need a transmission pump.
In my opinion, the Civic four down is a good option - not the best because, like a rear end, everyone has their own.
How do I know the above? Experience. We have had four Honda's - the last, a Fit, does not count because it has not yet been on the road. Three Honda automatics, thousands of miles (one trip over 10,000 miles), and no problems. I tend to think Chicken Little is getting too excited.
I may think the Honda's are one of the very best tow vehicles but that is just for me. For us, we want four down without modification, automatic transmission, and a low vehicle weight. That does not leave many options - some GM products, Honda, and Smart Car (there are perhaps more options I did not recognize). That is why we have tended toward Honda's but that certainly does not mean they are best for others.
I think the first Honda we had was a 1995 so I would limit my coments to that year forward. Also, know for sure my comments do not apply to a CVT transmission - I am almost certain they cannot be towed four down - but I could be wrong. Do you have a CVT?
Dinghy's are like RV's, there is no one answer for everyone. You just have to do what fits for you.
Good Luck,
Earl
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