Barthmobile Portal
towed vehicle
08-23-2012, 01:28 PM
Jim and Teretowed vehicle
I'm thinking that one of the reasons Tere and I don't use our 85 Regal (454 with 4-speed + gear vendors)very much is that we don't have a tow vehicle. I know that the PO towed a old Volkswagon Beetle with no problems. I would like something that you can tow 4-wheels down and that is not very heavy, maybe 2000# or so. I also don't have very much money to spend, maybe $3000 and we would use it as our around town car replacing out 96 Chevy Cavalier. I'd tow it except it's automatic transmission and the book says you can't tow it 4-wheels down. Any help would be appreciated.
Jim
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1985 Regal 29' Chevy 454 P32 8411 3172 29FP3B Gear Vendor 6 Speed Tranny |
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08-23-2012, 02:30 PM
Don in Niagara2000 or so Chevy Tracker. Cheap and cheerful. The 4 door wagon weighs about #2900 and the little 2 door is probably 4--500 lbs less. Auto or standard gearbox don't matter cause they have a transfer case you put in neutral and drag her behind you like a wagon.
Ours has been back and forth to AZ 5 times without a problem.
Don
1990 Regency 34'
Cummins 6CTA 8.3 240hp
Spartan Chassis,
4 speed Allison MT643
08-23-2012, 02:34 PM
Don in NiagaraOh! and I forgot to mention you can load the car up with more crap (neccessities?) to take along with you.
Don
1990 Regency 34'
Cummins 6CTA 8.3 240hp
Spartan Chassis,
4 speed Allison MT643
08-23-2012, 11:08 PM
RustyI considered a toad, but due to the size and fuel economy of the diesel,decided against it. My Breakaway is compact enough to serve as its own runabout.
Rusty
"StaRV II"'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP
Nelson and Chester, not-spoiled Golden Retrievers
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke
It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I've been searching thirty years to find her and thank her - W. C. Fields
08-24-2012, 12:56 PM
Don in NiagaraAlso, how do you plan on using your Barth? It is a real pain to have to hook up and then leave your campsite every day to go touring around.
We spent 3 days seeing the sights in San Antonio last year. Stayed 20 min. from downtown and nipped into the city each day.
When we get to our winter hideout in Az the Barth is our home base for day trips all over the place in the Tracker. The Barth usually doesn't move until we decide to go to Yuma or Quartzsite.
We won't leave home without our towed!
Have fun!
Don
1990 Regency 34'
Cummins 6CTA 8.3 240hp
Spartan Chassis,
4 speed Allison MT643
08-24-2012, 04:31 PM
Gary CarterOn the tracker/suzuki keep in mind you need a 4 wheel drive.
'92 Barth Breakaway - 30'
5.9 Cummins (6B) 300+ HP
2000 Allison
Front entrance
08-24-2012, 08:11 PM
Francis BrantleyWhat about using a ford ranger????
08-24-2012, 08:41 PM
Mary RayFrancis, are you still at the State Park in Durant?
Mary
Don't mess with us old folks, we don't get old by being stupid!
1968 Barth trailer, 1975 Barth Motorhome and 1985 Barth Motorhome
08-24-2012, 08:54 PM
Mary RayBuying the vehicle is only the first item that is needed, you also need the towing attachments and possibly a brake system. When you figure in all these expenses you can rent a car many times and not have any maintenance, insurance, etc.
I plan ahead and stop and buy items before I get to my destination and can go at least a week without a need to go anywhere.
buting
Mary
Don't mess with us old folks, we don't get old by being stupid!
1968 Barth trailer, 1975 Barth Motorhome and 1985 Barth Motorhome
08-25-2012, 04:17 PM
Lance WaltonTell me about it. After getting our 2012 Focus we immediately spent about 3 grand for towing items. The cost was worth it though since the base plate for the Focus is very well blended in with the front end. We also went for the SMI Air Force One braking system which we love. I think it all could have been done for less but not with as pleasing outcome.
Lance & Sue Walton
Previous owner of a
1993 38ft Regency
Cummins 6CTA8.3 300HP
Allison MD3060 Transmission
Spartan Chassis
Loveland, CO
08-25-2012, 08:36 PM
Jim and Terequote:
Originally posted by Jim and Tere:
We are looking at these two tow dollies. Comments, suggestions, red flags, are appreciated.
http://cartowdolly.com/www.americancardolly.com
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1985 Regal 29' Chevy 454 P32 8411 3172 29FP3B Gear Vendor 6 Speed Tranny |
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08-27-2012, 11:38 AM
Jim and TereWe have purchased a car dolly from American Car Dolly of Colorado. It is a swivel type dolly, very sturdy, weighs 450#, electric disc brakes, ramps, straps, etc. When we found out that towing a 450# dolly with a 2500# Cavalier on it was no big deal for a 454, it was an easy decision. Will make our first trip with it next week--Townsend, TN. Total cost, including taxes, shipping, and a spare tire, was $1480.
Jim
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1985 Regal 29' Chevy 454 P32 8411 3172 29FP3B Gear Vendor 6 Speed Tranny |
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09-01-2012, 11:42 AM
Francis Brantleyquote:
Posts: 901 | Location: Obion, TN/Memphis, TN | Member Since: 11-23-2004 IP
Ignored post by Mary Ray posted 08-24-2012 08:41 PMShow Post
Mary Ray
1/12
Yep, Mary. I still hang out at the Holmes County State Park, Ms. About time U made another trip down. And any other Barthers would for sure be welcomed.