Dinghy Towing

2008 Saturn changes looks, but is good RV dinghy

2007-12-16T11:38:00.000-08:00

By James Raia
www.TheWeeklyDriver.com

As the oldest and best-selling vehicle in the Saturn stable, the Vue has found a solid, well-deserved niche in the compact Sport Utility Market. But Saturn couldn't leave well enough alone.

Instead, Saturn wanted more success in the compact SUV segment and redesigned the Vue. The 2008 edition, nearly identical to its global counterpart, the Opel Antara, further establishes the Vue's reputation. It offers a smooth, steady ride and superior handling and steering. The new Vue also has a new Euro-style look with sleek exterior curves and improved cabin quality.

FOR RV ENTHUSIASTS, the Vue, like all Saturns, is designed to be flat-towed at normal vehicle speeds up to 65 mph.

In its early versions, the Vue was a lot cooler. It had a retro look with white background on instrumentation dials, for instance, and unique netting on map and accessory side door bins. Nonetheless, with the 2008 edition, the Vue is likely to turn a few more heads and it's a more comfortable vehicle than its predecessor.

My weekly test drive was XR edition with all-wheel drive. It included a 3.6-liter, 257- horsepower V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.

While its wheelbase is the same as previous editions, the new Vue is one inch shorter overall. It looks appreciably small, though, particularly with its angular rear end slope.

And that presents perhaps the Vue's only downfall. Its interior cargo volume is only 54.3 cubic feet, the smallest in its class. The Toyota RAV4 leads the compact category with 73 cubic feet of overall cargo volume. Surprisingly, the Vue has the longest wheelbase in its class, 106.6 inches.

Regardless, the Vue's improvements are commendable. Plastic body panels, for example, have been replaced by steel. A five-passenger SUV, the Vue is available in three trim levels: base XE, midgrade XR (my test vehicle) and sporting Red Line. All are available in front-or all-wheel drive. The XE features 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, keyless entry, full power accessories, OnStar telematics, steering-wheel audio controls, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat and a CD/MP3 stereo with satellite radio and an auxiliary jack.

The XR adds 17-inch alloy wheels, luggage rack rails, automatic climate control, a power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated mirrors and lighted vanity mirrors. The Red Line features a lowered, sport-tuned suspension, rear spoiler, chrome exhaust outlets, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front sport seats, leather and suede upholstery and unique instrumentation.

Most of the XR's additional features are available as options on the XE, and leather seating and heated seats are also available on those models. Other available features include a premium audio system and CD changer, a navigation system, rain-sensing wipers and a remote vehicle
starter.

There's no doubt Saturn has improved the Vue, and it should fare well in a tough market segment that includes the previously mentioned Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester. But it's just that some of its original uniqueness is no longer around.

Base Price — $26,270.00.

James Raia writes the syndicate auto review column, The Weekly Driver. To read more of his reviews or to subscribe to his free electronic newsletter, visit: www.theweeklydriver.com.

Futuristic Looking "Bird" May Be Toad of Future

2007-11-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

A California firm has a new wrinkle in the world of eco-friendly autos: It's a three-wheeled, bird like mobile that promises nearly 300 miles per gallon in its hybird version, and a 120 miles "per charge" in its all electric variety. Can you buy one? Not yet--but you can put down a deposit on one, provided you live in California.

Aptera Typ-1 is actually registered as a motorcycle, but don't let that scare you. The vehicle safety design and statistics are impressive, and includes airbags as part of the standard equipment. The two-seater gains its fuel efficiency from aerodynamic design, light-weight construction, and with "three on the ground" instead of the typical four wheels, less rolling resistance.

California buyers will have first crack at the new bird-mobile, but the company promises all across the US these new high-flyers will soon be available. According to the company, the first Aptera vehicles will begin rolling off to buyers in the fall of 2008. Meantime, a $500 deposit will hold your place in the line. And how much does it cost? At this point Aptera coyly says, "The purchase price is yet to be determined." Visit the Aptera website for the full scoop.

2008 Guide to Dinghy Towing now available

2007-11-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

If you plan to pull a vehicle behind your motorhome, the 2008 Guide to Dinghy Towing from Motorhome Magazine should be an essential resource about how to do it -- and do it right. The slim but info-packed book outlines which 2008-model cars, SUVs and trucks can be pulled behind an RV with all four wheels down. Most vehicles are not classified by their manufacturers as suitable for towing because of concerns about damage to automatic transmissions. If a vehicle is not included in this guide, then it’s not officially approved for flat towing. Another very important consideration is the towing capacity of the motorhome chassis. This 2008 guide includes a comprehensive section that includes virtually all the major RV chassis and their weight ratings, plus information about towing equipment and dinghy braking systems. The editors profile many different tow bars to help you decide what’s best for you. The 2008 Guide to Dinghy Towing is a slim 32-pages, but it contains all the information an RVer needs to know about pulling a vehicle behind a motorhome.

Other books and DVDs about dinghy towing behind a motorhome.

Small Toyota SUV gets "best buy" ranking

2007-11-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

Thinking about buying a small SUV to pull behind your motorhome? Consumer Reports published its test results of 2008 model year small SUVs in its December issue, which you may wish to read before making a purchase. When the testing was done CJ put the Toyota RAV4 Limited (V6) at the top of the “Best Buy” category. Small SUVs, Consumer Reports noted “can handle some light off-road duties and light towing, and they get significantly better fuel mileage than larger SUVs." At the bottom of CJ’s ratings, in the 17th position, was the Dodge Nitro SLT (3.7) which the magazine reported had poor reliability even though it was among the highest priced of the vehicles rated, which ranged from roughly $21,000 to $30,000 as tested. Photo: 2008 RAV4 Limited V6.

An easy trick to ensure your RV dinghy tracks properly

2007-08-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

RVtravel.com blogger Jim Twamley provides a quick tip about how to determine when you're driving your motorhome that the vehicle you're towing is tracking properly. This is a simple little trick that will cost you next to nothing and help ensure that you don't make a costly boo boo.

Motorhome RVers Can Install Their Own Tow Bar System

2007-08-08T00:37:00.000-07:00

I’ve been RVing many years but this is my first experience with towing a vehicle behind my motorhome because it’s my first motorhome. I experienced a little angst at the prospect of ordering the equipment and installing it myself. You can get all the parts you need from your local RV dealer, or order online from an RV distributor that carries Demco products. I ordered a towing base plate for my 2000 Honda CRV, a tow bar, bulb kit and a six wire light cable. FedEx delivered the equipment right to our RV site a few days later and I couldn’t wait to unpack the boxes. Here’s what I ordered. Each towable vehicle make and model will have a different base plate and therefore a different installation procedure. I will describe what I did to successfully install mine. When I began this project I thought that it would take me a couple hours to install the base plate and maybe an hour and a half to install the bulb kit. As it turns out, it took me abut 30 minutes to install the base plate and an hour or two to install the bulb kit. The reason it took me so long to install the bulb kit was because I couldn’t decide where to run the electric wire. I played around with running it through the body panels and other ideas, but once I figured it out, it didn’t take long to install. All the newer model cars have a base plate that is "hidden" in the grill; however my installation on my 2000 CRV is on the outside of the grill. The base plate installation is straight forward. First you remove the bottom plastic splash cover and the tie down hooks. Next you attach the brackets using the existing holes, making sure you apply “Lock-tite” (supplied) to help secure the bolts in place. I didn't tighten the bolts completely until I inserted the cross-bar and loosely connected it. I tightened all the bolts, and reattached most of the plastic splash cover (don't button up the portion where the female receptacle will be installed). Next I puttered around trying to figure out how I would run the wire from the front the tail lights to the front receptacle. I was able to run the wire through an existing hole in the taillight section inside the sidewall panel and out another existing hole by the rear license plate. Next I ran the wire back out under the bumper and used wire ties to fasten it under the vehicle and brought it back up through the engine compartment (being careful not to locate the wire near the exhaust system or moving parts). I made sure that the ground was connected to each bulb all the way to the front receptacle (if you don’t this it probably won’t work!). I drilled a hole into the back side of the existing tail-light housings and inserted the bulbs.Use a hole saw to make an opening large enough to insert the female wire light cable receptacle in a “hollow” spot on your front bumper. Run the wire out, connect the receptacle, screw it into the bumper and button up the splash guard and you're in business. Now you’re ready to hitch-up and hit the road with your toad. Demco products can be purchased at your local RV store or you can contact Demco for a store location near you: Demco
If I can do this by myself without adult supervision, and you can use a wrench, then chances are you can do this too. The more stuff I can install myself, the better, because if something goes wrong, I can usually fix it myself. Helping you keep on top of your RV game – Jim Twamley

Dinghy towing: Don't back up!

2007-07-12T19:25:00.000-07:00

Jerry Dale, representing Blue Ox Towing, offers a short tip to RVtravel.com readers about backing up a motorhome with a dinghy in tow. "Don't ever do this," warns Jerry.

RVer Takes His Golf Cart on the Road

2007-07-07T23:00:00.001-07:00

If you love golf and RVing you’ll appreciate this RVers solution for taking his golf cart with him. As you can see he uses his pick-up as both his towed vehicle and a trailer. I’m not sure how he loads the golf cart into his truck (maybe he uses ramps or backs it up to a loading dock) but however he manages it, he’s able to take his toys with him. Jim Twamley

Visit this forum to discuss RV dinghy towing issues

2007-04-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

A superb resource for learning about everything to do with towing a dinghy behind a motorhome can be found at the RVtravel.com forum, where readers ask and answer questions on the subject. At last count, more than six dozen topics were covered, from ones discussing specific vehicles and which can be towed four-wheels down, to brake system recommendations, to discussion of tow bars. And the list is growing. If you have a question about dinghy towing, head to this forum and ask it. Or just visit to read the information that's there. You'll pick up some helpful tips and information.

Be safe with a supplemental breaking system on towed vehicle

2007-04-18T15:51:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of discussion and confusion on RV forums regarding the need for a supplemental braking system on a towed vehicle. Most U.S. states and Canadian provinces have their own laws on the requirement for brakes on a towed trailer. The word trailer also applies to a vehicle being towed behind a motorhome. These laws are normally based on the amount of weight being towed. Add to this your insurance company may not cover you in the event of an accident involving a trailer with no braking system. And you can possibly void the chassis manufacturer warranty if you tow over a certain amount of weight without a supplemental braking system. But the biggest factor regarding supplemental brake systems is Safety, Safety, Safety!

I, for one, almost learned this the hard way. A close call, while towing a vehicle without a brake system, through a major city during rush hour suddenly educated me on how important it is. You do not want to be involved in a lawsuit, insurance related problem, or endangering other people. I can't stress enough, the most IMPORTANT reason for a braking system on a towed vehicle is that it SAFELY reduces the stopping distance and helps to protect you, your loved ones and the safety of others. -- Mark Polk, RV Education 101

Do your homework when buying RV dinghy

2007-04-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

Before you make the decision to tow a vehicle with all four wheels down you need to do your homework. There are some manufacturer approved vehicles that can be towed without any modifications to the drive-train or transmission, but there are a lot more that will require some type of modification to tow it with all four wheels on the ground. There are many factors involved such as automatic transmissions, two wheel drive vehicles, four wheel drive vehicles, the type of transfer case and more.

Most vehicles with an automatic transmission cannot be towed with all four wheels down unless it is a four wheel drive, and even then it requires a transfer case that can be shifted into neutral. Front wheel drive vehicles with manual transmissions and most four wheel drive vehicles with a manual transfer case are among the best choices for towing with all four wheels down. Even if you have a vehicle that can be towed with all four wheels down it’s quite possible that it will have towing speed and/or mileage restrictions. -- Mark Polk, RV Education 101

Learn which 2007 vehicles can and cannot be towed behind a motorhome.

Newspaper provides dighy towing overview

2007-03-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

A weekly newspaper in Bend, Ore. recently published an article on dinghy towing. It's pretty basic information, but for someone who is new to the subject, it's definitely worth reading. Read the article.

Smart Car: Maybe not a smart purchase

2007-03-03T07:03:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has spent much time in Europe will instantly recognize the Smart Car (the slightly longer Smart ForTwo is pictured here). In 2008, the vehicles will be introduced to the United States (although some have already debuted at a much higher price than the anticipated $12,000 to $15,000 for the 2008 models). The tiny two-seater will hold two six-foot passengers, impressive for such a pint-sized vehicle. The U.S. gas-powered version of the car will likely be powered by a 1.0-liter turbocharged, three-cylinder engine that will develop 84 horsepower. At first glance the Smart Car may appear a good choice as a dinghy vehicle for RVers who seek a very lightweight towable (the smallest Smart Car weighs only 1,653 pounds). But according to Consumer Reports, which tested the diesel version of the car recently, it may not be the cat's meow. Its conclusion: It was "the worst vehicle we've experienced in many years." Sounds a lot like the Yugo. Remember that one?

Nightmare for RV driver with dinghy

2007-02-26T09:43:00.000-08:00

See what can happen when the driver of a long motorhome with dingy pulls out of a parking lot, but doesn't pay attention to how he's doing it. Check out a one-minute video at RVvideos.com.

Dinghy folds up to fit most campsites

2007-02-23T09:18:00.000-08:00

At GreatRVstuff.com, Jim Twamley writes about The Kar Kaddy SS, a dinghy that folds up. "It's is a great choice for RVers because the engineers actually listened to us RVers before they designed it," he writes. The dinghy's tongue folds back to the side and the ramps fold up for a neat and small profile that will actually "fit" in most campsites. It starts out 133 inches long and folds up to 67 inches. Read more.

2007 Dinghy towing guide now available

2007-02-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

If you plan to pull a vehicle behind your motorhome, the 2007 Guide to Dinghy Towing from the editors of Motorhome Magazine should be an essential resource about how to do it -- and do it right. Plus you will learn which 2007-model cars, SUVs and trucks can be pulled behind an RV with all four wheels down. Most vehicles are not classifed by their manufacturers as suitable for towing because of concerns about damage to automatic transmissions. This year is a vintage year for dinghy vehicles that are officially approved by their manufacturers as towables. If a vehicle is not included in this guide, then it’s not officially approved for flat towing. Another very important consideration is the towing capacity of the motorhome chassis. This 2007 guide includes a comprehensive section that includes virtually all the major RV chassis and their weight ratings. Don’t buy a dinghy before learning how much your RV can tow without exceeding its weight limits (bad!). You’ll also learn about towing equipment. The editors profile many different tow bars to help you decide what’s best for you. The 2007 Guide to Dinghy Towing is a slim 34-pages, but it contains all the information an RVer needs to know about pulling a vehicle behind a motorhome. The guide is available from RVbookstore.com.

The Weekly Driver: 2007 Saturn Aura

2007-01-17T08:32:00.000-08:00

By James Raia

With 16 manufacturers offering midsize cars and another 10 manufacturers in the premium midsize market, newcomers in the exceedingly popular category often face rough sales roads.

Saturn didn't fare well with its midsize L-Series, which was discontinued in 2004. But the General Motors division is trying again with the 2007 Aura.

There's little doubt Honda, Toyota and Nissan will remain category frontrunners, at least for now. But like updated and soundly improved sedans offered by Hyundai and Mercury, the Aura should soon be in the mix among the small corps infiltrating the leaders' dominance.

The Aura, which shares its wheelbase and front-wheel platform with the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx hatchback and Pontiac G6 sedan, is available in XE and XR models. Both are four-door-only sedans with the latter model the premium offering.

Both models are manufacturer-approved for four-down towing, with instructions available in the driver's manual. The Aura, with a base curb weight of 3,529 pounds, is not available with a manual transmission, but can be towed four-wheels down with its automatic.

My weekly driver was the XR model, which has a slightly larger and more powerful, 3.6-liter, 252-horsepower engine, 18-inch wheels and a six-speed automatic transmission, The XE features a 3.5-liter, 224-horsepower engine, with a four-speed automatic and 17-inch wheels.

A hybrid model is scheduled for debut in mid-2007, and it will be GM's first hybrid passenger car.

The XR is offered at $4,000 more than than XE and beyond the aforementioned differences, the increase seems worthwhile.

Saturn doesn't skimp on standard features. The XE's list is long, but the additions to the XR include: manual-shift capability (small steering wheel shifting paddles), an anti-skid system, automatic climate control, heated front seats, eight-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, remote engine start, in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 player, steering wheel front and rear radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, fog lights and alloy wheels.

Four "major" optional packages are also available, and my test drive featured the Premium Trim package ($1,050), which included all leather options and a power sunroof.

The more powerful Aura, like the mainstream version, may be the best Saturn ever offered. The exterior is angled and chiseled, and its Euro-styling works well with an improved, roomy interior that features quality materials as well as complementary wood and metal trimming.
Saturn's instrumentation style is straightforward and stylishly simple. In short, the Saturn's staid reputation is gone.

I didn't drive the standard XE model, but the higher-powered XR model does well in start acceleration situations and throughout the entire array of driving scenarios. The ride is smooth, quiet and confident, and the Aura fits its name well.

The new vehicle has an aura, no doubt. It's a midsize family sedan that wouldn't lose much status if it were positioned in the premium midsize class.

The Weekly Driver: 2007 Saturn Aura

Safety features – Dual front side and side curtain airbags.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) – 18 mpg (city), 27 mpg (highway).

Warranty – Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5
years/60,000 miles, Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles; (24-hour)
roadside assistance program, 3 years/36,000 miles.

Base price – $23,945.00

Read more of James Raia's car reviews and subscribe to his free electronic newsletter, The Weekly Driver, by visiting his web site TheWeeklyDriver.com.

Dinghy of the future?

2006-12-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

How about this for a great little dinghy? Mitsubishi Motors (MMC) has unveiled a new, single-motor research electric car. The new Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (i MiEV) will be used for joint research programs with Japanese power companies in fleet tests in 2007. The companies will gather data and evaluate its commercial viability. The i-MiEV is powered by a compact 47 kW motor that develops 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque and a 330V, 16 kWh or 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Top speed is 81 mph with a range of up 81 miles for the 16 kWh pack or 99 miles for the 20 kWh pack. The motor is coupled to a reduction gear and differential to drive both rear wheels.

Saturn unvieils new RV-towable cars

2006-12-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

Saturn has introduced the all-new 2008 Saturn Vue, a compact five-door crossover vehicle with European design and sporty ride and handling. The new Vue is the latest Saturn model to showcase the brand's new design character and intensified focus on driving characteristics. When it becomes available in the second quarter of 2007, it will be the fourth new Saturn model since the beginning of 2006 calendar year. A towing package with hitch and wiring is available on all models. A towing stabilization system uses active braking to help control the vehicle in trailering situations. The Vue (except Red Line model) can be towed as an RV "dinghy vehicle" with all four wheels on the ground. Read the full press release from General Motors.

How NOT to Tow Your Dingy

2006-12-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

Cruising down the highway with an Arizona state trooper on patrol is an interesting time to ask your favorite questions. Like: "What kind of dumb things do you see RVers do?"

Arizona DPS Office Joe LaPre gave me the usual rundown on slow moving rigs in the hammer lane, but one of his favorites? Trying to tow "doubles" illegally. No, it's not a problem to tow your dingy behind your motorhome. And actually, it's not even illegal to tow your dingy behind your fifth wheel, being towed by your pickup truck. Not real common, but not illegal, at least not in the Grand Canyon State.

What some crazy folks try to do is to set that final "double" in the chain behind something other than a fifth wheel. Fer instance? Oh, try a motorhome, pulling a dingy, and the dingy pulling a boat, be it a dingy or a yacht. In LaPre's eyes, this makes the guy behind the wheel of the motorhome a bit dingy himself. Bottom line? Only one "hitch ball" anywhere in your combination. Check back with me later for his lecture on radar detectors stuck on the inside of your windshield.

Dinghy Guide for 2007 to be delayed

2006-11-30T18:18:00.000-08:00

Every year, Motorhome Magazine publishes a guide to vehicles suitable for towing with four wheels down. It's the only guide of its kind and is distributed free to Motorhome subscribers as a pull-out booklet from inside the magazine. The guide has been published in January in past years. But the "2007 Guide to Dinghy Towing" will move back one month to February. The editors say this will give them extra time to include late-breaking information from the nearly two-dozen manufacturers offering dinghy-certified vehicles. The 2006 guide is still available at RVbookstore.com.

2007 Saturns: Consumer Reports not impressed

2006-11-30T17:29:00.000-08:00

Saturn automobiles have been popular dinghy cars for years now. The company actually promotes the vehicles to the RV community as the perfect motorhome tag along. The new 2007 Consumer Reports Buying Guide, however, offers a less than favorable opinion of Saturn automobiles. If you own a Saturn and wish to comment, please tell us what you think.

Review: 2006 Subaru Legacy

2006-11-30T17:16:00.000-08:00

BY JAMES RAIA
The Subaru Legacy, like all of the manufacturer's offerings, is a sure-bet for one outstanding characteristic. It has all-wheel-drive as a standard feature, and it's quite a feature.

Subarus corner and maneuver under any circumstance like no other vehicle. The ride is secure and steady, and drivers will have few worries in inclement weather, during sharp cornering or on rough roads.

With the 2006 Legacy, particularly the 2.5-liter GT that was my recent weekly drive, the brand's smooth rider was nicely complemented. The vehicle has impressive acceleration, above-average ride quality and a refined quietness often reserved for higher-priced sedans.

Remodeled in 2005, this year's Legacy is available in five configurations. With its newly lifted valve system, the horsepower and torque have been slightly increased. My test vehicle was the limited four-door sedan. The car's 4-cylinder 250-horsepower engine is turbocharged, and the feature is immediately noticeable.

With its five-speed manual transmission, the vehicle offers plenty of acceleration. It confidently powered down the road and has a reported speed of 7.8 seconds in the standard 0-60 mph test. With a dealer-installed Neutral Tow Kit, the Legacy has been approved by Subaru for flat-towing.

Beyond its quickness, the sedan has plenty else to offer. Its interior design is straightforward and the controls, console and gauges are easy to read and use. The GT edition features leather seats, and they're comfortable, they're black and they nicely complement the black plastic console and paneling.

The cabin offers adequate foot and head room in front seats, but the backseat configuration is less spacious. The Legacy's overall length in 186.2 inches, among the shortest in the midsize category. But the trunk is cavernous for the car's size, and while the rear seats don't fold, there's a passage entry to the rear seats for skis or other longer cargo needs.

The Legacy's control dial "hands" are thin red pointers. They flash across gauges against a non-defined black background for a few seconds before the instrumentation numbers and other designations appear. It's a small thing, but it's cool.

More impressive are the standard features, many of which would be included in premium packages in other manufacturers' cars. The could-be-options list includes: 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, projector beam Halogen fog lights, side-view mirror flashers, heated mirrors, windshield wipers, defogger and front seats and power moonroof.

The expected standard features list is also comprehensive: multifunction trip computer, air filtration system, cruise control, power doors, windows and locks, remote keyless entry and an AM/FM stereo with 6-CD in-dash changer.

My test vehicle had only one optional charge, $304 for its automatically dimming mirror and compass. With its $625 designation charge, the Legacy GT squeezes in just under the $30,000 price point. That's higher than some of its more well-known midsize rivals. But Subaru's all-wheel drive system can't be ignored.

Combined with its responsive engine, the Legacy is simply a pleasure to drive, particularly with the five-speed manual transmission option. It's a midsize sedan, for sure. But drivers can have fun with the car, and the Legacy seems ready and willing to favorably respond.

Safety features – Dual front and side airbags.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) – 14 mpg (city), 18 mpg (highway).

Warranty – Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles; (24-hour) roadside assistance program, 3 years/36,000 miles.

Base price – $28,795.00.

To read more of James Raia's car reviews or to subscribe to his free automotive newsletter, visit: www.TheWeeklyDriver.com

Dinghy Forum

2006-11-30T17:11:00.000-08:00

A good place to learn about dinghy towing is at the RV Travel Readers Forum. There's even a special forum specific about dinghy towing. Visit this forum to browse what others have written, leave a comment or ask a question. This is a terrific resource. Visit now.

Towing behind your motorhome

2006-11-30T16:39:00.000-08:00

Many RVers who travel with motorhomes pull along a car, SUV or small truck. These towables are typically referred to as dinghies or toads. We like the sticker found on many of these vehicles' back bumpers: "I go where I am toad." In this blog, we'll review vehicles suitable for towing behind an RV, and we'll keep you up-to-date on the latest news about dinghy towing.