Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
As I think we are closing in on a RV the next area of study is Toads. Our current vehicles are as follows: 1) Lexus 2007 IS 250 AWD - Remco says not towable 2) Lexus 2000 RX 300 AWD - Remco says use Lube pump LP7
The question is if it is worthwhile to equip the rx300 for towing. As I understand it the Lube pump and 7 hrs labor for installing on the car and RV will be $1500 to 2000, The brake controller must be installed for the car and the base plate and such. Bottom line is it looks like a large investment in this specific car (maybe $3000 total) plus the reusable towbar components and such. So I am thinking that maybe we should just bite the bullet and get a car more optimized for towing. I understand Jeeps are good and easy. While the RX is a nice and reliable car it is 8 years old with about 80K miles on it, so I could view the extra $ I spend to make it towable as a discount on a different car. I guess I am questioning the wisdom of sinking lost $ into this specific older car.
Has anyone else gone through this decision. What did you consider and decide eventually. Just looking for thoughts.
By the way if I really had my choice I would take the IS in a trailer since we do enjoy that car. But I think a trailer is just going to be to hard to deal with.
-- Bruce
__________________
We are just going for broke as Firstimers and Fulltimers simultaniously.
Methodical questions. I have always kept cars for years and become accustomed and attached. I think the first question would be, what size motor home and what power plant? This includes towing and weight capacities. This will affect your decision whether to keep the RX, as well as what to purchase, if that is the decision.
Personal comfort as well as your likes and dislikes must be considered Quite important is the availability of service nationwide, as you will lose relationships with "regular service centers".
Jeeps make a great toad, as is witnessed by their popularity. If you want a sedan, Saturns are the most popular. Due to using a toad for hauling some items and even storage, SUV's are also very popular.
Honda is a strong contender, is well made and is very popular among RVers (including us).
If you are to purchase a new vehicle, consider vehicles approved to be towed "four wheels down" without modifications. Supplemental braking is a must have for safety and liability.
I am sure others will weigh in with even more sage advice.
Charles
__________________
Ethel & Charles Henry, Itasca Horizon DP/Honda Element Toad Traveling with our furry-snouted, four-legged children.
"Each of us must take part in making this a better world for all people."
A lot depends on your financial situation and how much you are willing to spend for a new toad. From my experience the easiest toads are the Jeep line of vehicles and the Saturn vehicles. However, purchasing either of these would cost much more than equiping the RX. What ever vehicle you choose you will still be out the expense of a tow bar, a base plate and a braking system so those expenses are a wash whichever way you go. Look basically at the expense of a new purchase versus equiping the RX. That is a no brainer. Keeping the RX is the least expensive way to go.
__________________
Full timing since 1/1/2005 American Tradition & Jeep Wrangler www.howethsjournal.blogspot.com
