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How big a toad?

livemusic
Explorer
Explorer
I don't even have a Class C! Or anything other than a camper trailer. But I might be buying something and am considering a Class C. It would probably be me and another person, plus gear. Wondering how big a toad you can pull.

I am first needing a new pickup, mine is falling apart! It's 15 years old and things keep breaking and I'm ready to buy something. I fear making a 500 mile trip in my old truck.

So, can a Class C pull something like a Chevy Colorado? I don't know what you call it. Is it a half ton? It's smaller than a half ton like a Silverado. I don't know if I've ever seen anyone pull a half ton. Anyway, since I have to buy a pickup, wondering about this. For just general use, I'd rather buy a half ton but... a small pickup could also serve as a toad. If a Class C will pull it. If a Class C won't, would a Class A? Or do you always need a real small toad?

Actually in today's truck world, I dunno if they even make real small pickups anymore, I can't think of one. Even a Toyota Tacoma appears to be about same size as a Chevy Colorado.
18 REPLIES 18

Powertour
Explorer
Explorer
bobndot wrote:
Ford or Chevy class C , like a 24’

A dolly needs to be registered and inspected


Perhaps where you live but not true where I live (Nevada). I specifically reached out to the NV DMV on this & got an answer back in writing confirming dollies do not need registration. Inspections are state-dependent on any type of vehicle, in NV there is no state vehicle inspection requirement on any vehicle.

ETA: I've been using a tow-dolly for about 3 years now. I can load or unload a vehicle on it in less than 10 min. I bought mine in like-new condition for about $1k. It has hydraulic brakes that I've never had to touch & has articulating wheels (so it's a nicer dolly).
2015 Itasca 25b Ford E350 V10

ferndaleflyer
Explorer III
Explorer III
As stated difference of opinion. I bought the dolly for $700 20+ years ago. Bought tires for it twice (I carry a spare tire but have never used it) We travel extensively and I only remember one time having to unhook the dolly. At home I store it in the alarmed garage, 52X40 garage, along with the DP. Not much trouble with thieves out here in the country. I am 82 years old and can move that dolly around with 1 hand, drop it on the ball, plug in the lights, and its ready to go. So since I never unhook it, except at home, all I have to do is unhook 1 pin roll the car (any front wheel drive car I have at the moment) on the dolly, tighten down 2 straps, put the pin back in and down the road I go. Me and that Road Master just don't get along I guess and I was using tow bars 60 years ago when you, some times, just clamped them on your front bumper. Remember those? Anyway that tow bar that came with this car is out there in the back of my pick up hoping to find a loving new home..Anyway, just having some fun here. Everyone be safe and have fun on your travels

DouglasC
Explorer
Explorer
Like every issue, there are differences of opinion. I owned a tow dolly 30 years ago. Used it for one travel season & hated it! Every time I got to a campground I had an extra piece of equipment that I had to find a place to store - - a real PITA. Then I had to find a place to store it at home. Left it in my backyard and the next spring I went on vacation in my car and when I came back, low & behold the tow dolly was gone - - stolen! All my friends wanted to know who I paid to steal it because they knew I hated it - - LOL!

I took the insurance money and got my Ford Escort wagon set up to tow 4 wheels down -- loved it! Since then (1993) I have outfitted 8 vehicles to flat tow. Yes, I spent a lot of money to do this but for me it's money well spent. And BTW, I can hook up my tow bar, safety chains, electrical connector and Brake Buddy and be on the road in well under 10 minutes! And I've never had a problem with "wheel wobble" either.
Doug
2006 Jayco Greyhawk Model 27DS
Towing 2019 Ford Fusion Energi with Brake Buddy

ferndaleflyer
Explorer III
Explorer III
Live music you ask why I use a dolly, I can load a dolly in 5 min and it takes 1/2 hour + to hook up that Roadmaster mess. It came with the car when I bought it is why I have it. + that wheel wobble business when making short slow turns. No thanks. I can tow different cars etc so I am not stuck using 1 car every time. I don't know what they cost now but when I bought mine it was $700. Tow Master, Fayetteville, NC. Anyone want to buy my Road Master less the plate for the car?

Grit_dog
Nomad III
Nomad III
MDKMDK wrote:
time2roll wrote:
How about one of those Jeep trucks? I assume they tow four down.

They're ugly as ****. They look like a field tomato basket retrieval truck. I know, I picked tomatoes as a kid.
Or, like the Beverly Hillbillies truck before the move.
They are Jeeps though. Not Wranglers, but not some Chrysler SUV with Jeep badges.


Wow dude, that’s a lot of anger over a truck….and one that you don’t even have to own. It must’ve stirred up some bad memories for you when it was released.
Maybe try some counseling.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold

msmith1199
Explorer
Explorer
I have a Class C on the E-450 Chassis with the big V-8 engine. I have a towing capacity of 7500 pounds. That’s enough to pull a one ton full size truck! But I can assure you I won’t be doing that. I do tow a 2019 Ford Ranger and it works just fine. If you get a bigger and heavier Class C you may lose some of that towing capacity. You’ll also have less capacity with the E-350 chassis. It should tow the Colorado okay. I think when I was looking the same configuration Colorado was about 900 pound heavier than my Ranger. Ford use the Aluminum body on the ranger which makes it much lighter for towing.

2021 Nexus Viper 27V. Class B+


2019 Ford Ranger 4x4

MDKMDK
Explorer
Explorer
time2roll wrote:
How about one of those Jeep trucks? I assume they tow four down.

They're ugly as ****. They look like a field tomato basket retrieval truck. I know, I picked tomatoes as a kid.
Or, like the Beverly Hillbillies truck before the move.
They are Jeeps though. Not Wranglers, but not some Chrysler SUV with Jeep badges.
Mike. Comments are anecdotal or personal opinions, and worth what you paid for them.
2018 (2017 Sprinter Cab Chassis) Navion24V + 2016 Wrangler JKU (sold @ ????)
2016 Sunstar 26HE, V10, 3V, 6 Speed (sold @ 4600 miles)
2002 Roadtrek C190P (sold @ 315,000kms)

time2roll
Explorer II
Explorer II
How about one of those Jeep trucks? I assume they tow four down.

bobndot
Explorer II
Explorer II
Tnx for bringing this to my attention. Regarding registrations.
It seems MOST states don’t require registrations, which i didn’t know.
A very few do and a very few might only be needed if you tow the dolly empty without a car on it, transporting it i guess is what that means.

When my friend bought his used tow dolly the seller sent him a pic before he made the out of state trip to buy it.
I don’t remember the state but the dolly did have a plate as well as a plate bracket.

I think the Roadmaster dolly has an OEM plate bracket and etrailer sells a tow dolly plate bracket. I only assume if its manufactured, there’s a need for it somewhere.

I looked up Louisiana and found a 1988 DMV law that says no reg required. So like all else, always verify any info , its common sense.

livemusic, if you decide to buy a dolly , it seems they have vin numbers and a title in order to prove ownership. If you buy used it might be to your advantage to get that from the seller. It would protect you from buying a stolen one .

Grit_dog
Nomad III
Nomad III
Verify, but “most” newer actual 4wd (not AWD but those with a T case neutral position) are flat towable.
If going for one all around truck/vehicle that can do everything, then I think you’re on the right track.
That said idk how or why your 15y/o truck is “falling apart”, but financially, I’d still hold off on buying anything newer, especially pickups, if you can. For a while. Prices will come down more. Just finally leveled out 6-8months ago and have started dropping.
But generally the better the fuel economy or the more loaded features haven’t dropped as much. (Gas prices are supporting the better mpg truck prices a bit imo)

I’d be more inclined to have a primary vehicle and have the capability and comfort of a full size (and I need a full size truck). And then have a secondary vehicle to use as a 2nd vehicle/toad.
Jeep YJ/TJ/XJ are great toads. Slap some mounts or a bumper that will accept a tow bar on it and some may mount tail lights and let ‘er rip. Provided the moho isn’t on the edge braking wise. I’d not prefer to integrate braking into any newer vehicles.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold

livemusic
Explorer
Explorer
ferndaleflyer wrote:
Never heard of having a tow dolly registered and inspected, at least in the 3 states I have lived in. I always use a dolly even though my current toad is set up to flat tow. You have a lot to consider just make sure those offering advice here actually know what they are talking about.


You say you are set up to flat tow but you use a dolly. Why?

ferndaleflyer
Explorer III
Explorer III
Never heard of having a tow dolly registered and inspected, at least in the 3 states I have lived in. I always use a dolly even though my current toad is set up to flat tow. You have a lot to consider just make sure those offering advice here actually know what they are talking about.

livemusic
Explorer
Explorer
I don't have to have a small truck but, as I said, I need a new truck right now, mine is worn out. So, buying a truck, I would kill two birds with one stone. A truck for right now and a toad if I get an RV.

Appreciating the responses.

MDKMDK
Explorer
Explorer
Here's a good place to start. It isn't actual manufacturer's towing specs, which is the final guide for any vehicle, but it's a good list of what can be flat towed, taken from manufacturer's data.

Dinghy Guide

If this is mostly a towing question,
I flat tow a 2016 Wrangler JKU Sahara that weighs around 4500lbs, loaded for travel (1/4 tank of gas), including all towing accessories, braking system, towbar, safety cables, wiring, et al.
Most Wranglers are easy to flat tow, partly because the steering doesn't lock, so no key in the ignition required.
Put transmission in Park, and transfer case in Neutral, and off you go.
My 2018 Navion weighs around 10,600lbs loaded for travel (full tanks diesel/propane, 1/3 water, empty black/gray) and including our "stuff".
Towing anything with motorhomes is more than just subtracting the GVWR from the GCWR. How much you can tow is simple math.
The weight of the "towed" can't exceed (3,500, 5,000, 7500 lbs) the maximum weight capacity of the hitch/towbar.
The total weight of motorhome + towed can't exceed the GCWR, which is 15,250lbs in my case.
So, for me 10,600lbs + 4,500lbs, and my total weight is 15,100lbs.
I have around 150lbs of buffer, which isn't much, but it's within the chassis specs.
I do my weighing just prior to departure, at a nearby MTO (government) Inspection Station scale.
Getting the weights done accurately is the most important part of towing.
After that, it's just simple math. You know your fixed limits, and just need to know the variables.
Mike. Comments are anecdotal or personal opinions, and worth what you paid for them.
2018 (2017 Sprinter Cab Chassis) Navion24V + 2016 Wrangler JKU (sold @ ????)
2016 Sunstar 26HE, V10, 3V, 6 Speed (sold @ 4600 miles)
2002 Roadtrek C190P (sold @ 315,000kms)