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View Full Version : Dinghy Towing by a 2005 GulfStream workhorse 8.1


Chuck v
09-16-2011, 09:41 AM
Slice,

If you want a compact SUV style toad, the Honda CRV is a pretty good choice -- even towable four down in the AWD version. I tow the larger MDX by Acura which is a larger version of the same concept, but my TourMaster does not have the same weight limit as your gas coach. I have never used a tow caddy, but the idea of dealing with storing that either at my house when not in use, or at the destination when I get there did not appeal to me.

Both the Blue Ox and the RoadMaster line of towing products are highly rated -- I chose the latter mostly because I live quite near their factory and for heavily built mechanical products made mostly of metal, shipping can be an added cost that swamps out minor differences in list prices, plus they always seem to be on sale locally.

Chuck

pgirardet
09-17-2011, 02:21 PM
I have a Blue Ox tow bar and a 2010 Honda Fit and I have not had a problem. The Fit is only 2500 lbs.

pgirardet
09-17-2011, 10:08 PM
I should have added that the 2010 honda fit is an automatic and is one of the few small automatics that can be towed flat.

holmesaw
09-18-2011, 09:40 AM
We tow 2009 Chevy Malibu and barely know it is back there. Blue Ox tow bar and SMI Duo braking system.

JoeS
09-19-2011, 01:44 PM
We use the Acura MDX also and it works great.

J79Engine
09-22-2011, 06:24 AM
I have the same 2005 coach with the 8.1 gas engine and I just purchased a 2012 GMC Terrain that will be fitted to tow by the dealer. I know he is expensive $3950. out the door using the car's electrical break system not a brake buddy. I don't know how to do it cheaper and be confident all would be good so the car/dingy does not ever pass me on a down hill road while towing! If someone know how or where (Ohio/Indiana/Kentucky)to do this cheaper let me know. Im open for suggestions. Curb weight is under 4K which I checked before I purchased the SUV. We had an 2007 Envoy but it was too heavy but had lots of comfort in the ride, however when towing scrafices need to be made unless someone knows where that money tree is growing!

holmesaw
09-22-2011, 06:44 AM
J79Engine
Does the $3950 include the hitch and baseplate or just to hook up the braking system? Seems very expensive to me.

J79Engine
09-22-2011, 11:17 AM
That price includes the entire metal, brackets and wireing ready to tow after they explain how to do everything.

RayChez1
09-24-2011, 06:06 PM
I tow the Honda Pilot EXL 4WD and it weighs in at 4200 lbs. I don't even know it is back there while towing it. I have the Blue Ox Aventa II rated at 10K lbs which works pretty good. They are a very good outfit to do business with.

I do believe that the price quoted to J79engine is high. I bought my tow bar, base plate installed with wiring using the toads taillights for around $1200.00.
Then I bought a brake buddy for around the same price, But if your coach is a diesel you can get a system which is an adapter which goes between the master cylinder and your brake booster for around six hundred dollars and that uses the air off your coaches air brakes. I wish I had done that instead of the brake buddy, but at the time I had a Ford Ranger as a toad and I would have to modify some components, like moving a fuse box that was in the way in order to make it fit. But it is the best if you have a diesel.