Toads

J

johnny

New member
May 10, 2011
8,287
9
3
What do we see behind GMCs, and why? The Suzuki SUVs seem popular (Tracker, etc.). I have the only Kia Soul as a toad I've seen, no idea why. The
little car is cheap reliable and comfortable. One look at the electrics, which I suspect were designed by Kim Jung - Un, sent me to get two
stop/turn/tail sockets and stuff them in the huge taillight assemblies in lieu of trying to get the fitted ones working from the trailer connector.
The odometer doesn't update on mine while towing either.
I see pickups, Rangers and S10s mostly but some full size. My Ranger is set up as a toad, I used it for a years or so. Problem is, it isn't really a
runabout when I get where I'm going. A stock one would be a good choice - the original body which is fairly light weight.
Various Honda models seem popular, not surprising when you look at how many are sold. I have heard of but haven't seen the Cruze and the Focus being
used.
It's getting harder and harder to find a manual shift car, but some of the automatics are now towable four down.

What do you tow, and why?
Accessory brake system, or using the coach brakes? I happened to have mine when I got the coach Ranger) and added a tow plate when I bought the Kia.
I use the coach brakes.

--johnny
--
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
 
1992 Geo Tracker. 5 speed manual tranny, with a drive shaft disconnect.
I use the coach brakes. Another reason I would like to have disc brakes in the rear.
Scott.
--
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera
installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
 
I pull a 3013 Honda Fit with automatic transmission four wheels down. It weighs just under 2600 pounds. The odometer does not register when towing.
Honda says after towing for 8 hours, start engine & run for 3 minutes before towing farther. Not a problem for me, I dont't like to drive very long
legs anymore. The newer Fits use a CVT transmission which cannot be towed four wheels down. The standard transmission can be towed, but they are
probably pretty rare.

I installed a SMI Stay in Play brake system in the Fit. It's a proportional system that senses brake lights on the coach and an accelerometer to
determine how much braking is needed. Works really well and gives me a little peace of mind since the Stretch is so heavy. JohnS
--
John Shutzbaugh, Vacaville, CA, ncserv;
77 Eleganza, bought it new, can't blame PO, and
78 Buskirk stretch, "What were we thinking?"
 
Looks like I am 100 years ahead of my time! JohnS
--
John Shutzbaugh, Vacaville, CA, ncserv;
77 Eleganza, bought it new, can't blame PO, and
78 Buskirk stretch, "What were we thinking?"
 
Towed a 1995 5 speed Toyota pickup for 15 years. It was never a problem.
--
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
 
A Suzuki X-90. 4x4. 1996 or 1997.

Same chassis and drivetrain as a Suzuki Sidekick and Chevrolet Tracker.

US Gear Brake System (no longer available). I think we might actually stop better with the toad attached !

We like the uniqueness and oddity. But I t it take a long time to get gasoline... if spectators aren't asking about the coach they're asking about
the Zuki. 😜

Steve W
1973 23'
Southern California

--
Steve W
1973 : 23'
Southern California
 
We tow ourfavorite vehicle - a 65 Corvair Monza, 140 hp, auto, w/ AC. It’s a blast.
Mike/The Corvair a holic

Sent from my iPhone

>
> 1992 Geo Tracker. 5 speed manual tranny, with a drive shaft disconnect.
> I use the coach brakes. Another reason I would like to have disc brakes in the rear.
> Scott.
> --
> Scott Nutter
> 1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera
> installed MSD Atomic EFI
> Houston, Texas
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
> What do we see behind GMCs, and why?
>
> What do you tow, and why?
> Accessory brake system, or using the coach brakes? I happened to have mine when I got the coach Ranger) and added a tow plate when I bought the
> Kia. I use the coach brakes.
>
> --johnny

We have a 12 Jeep Liberty 4500 lbs. and a 15 Mini Roadster S 6 speed 2500 lbs. both with tow plates and we use a Brake Buddy (because it is the law
in most states and we like to be able to stop quickly) We tow the Mini mostly due to the lighter weight. The jeep is setup to tow mainly for our
Diesel Pusher SOB where you barely know it is back there.
--
Tom Lins
St Augustine, FL
77 GM Rear Twin, Dry Bath, 455, FI-Tech EFI
Manuals on DVD
http://www.bdub.net/tomlins/
 
We tow either of two vehicles.

1991 Honda Civic SI with manual transmission. Weight is 2260lbs Has AC, PB, PS, Cruise. Clocks milage towing. Gets great gas milage, comfy on the
highway, and cheap to insure.
1996 Geo Tracker 4WD, manual transmission. Weight is 2460lbs. Has AC, PB, PS. Fair gas milage, rough ride on highway, great for off road use, cheap to
insure, and have used it to push the GMC when it would not move on wet grass.

Use a Brake Buddy for towd braking, but in the process of installing a different braking system from M&G Engineering.

Just what we tow.
--
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
 
Our driveway insists on a 4wd for snowy days. Sometimes we have to drive
up and down it half a dozen times or more to pack the snow down so nobody
gets high-centered after the next snow. Towed a Suzuki sidekick 4wd with
a Brake Buddy for a while. It's a true off-road vehicle. Changed to a
Honda CR-V (a freeway four wheeler), for the softer ride. My back thanked
me for that. Six wheel disks on the coach, now, no tow'd braking system.
Ron C

Ron & Linda Clark
North Plains, ORYGUN
1978 Eleganza II

On Wed, 15 May 2019 09:45:04 -0600 Justin Brady via Gmclist

> I tow a JDM Suzuki Jimny.
> Why? Because it's super light (1700lbs), extremely capable offroad,
> and it's a hoot to drive!
> I also use it for a runabout around the farm.
>
> http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/gmcjimny.jpg
> http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/jimny3.jpg
> --
> Justin Brady
> http://www.thegmcrv.com/
> 1976 Palm Beach 455
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

Ron & Linda Clark
North Plains, ORYGUN
1978 Eleganza II
 
" have used it to push the GMC when it would not move on wet grass."

Yeah, that's a definite plus!!!! BTDT. Works on loose gravel, too

RonC

On Wed, 15 May 2019 10:46:17 -0600 Larry via Gmclist

> We tow either of two vehicles.
>
> 1991 Honda Civic SI with manual transmission. Weight is 2260lbs
> Has AC, PB, PS, Cruise. Clocks milage towing. Gets great gas
> milage, comfy on the
> highway, and cheap to insure.
> 1996 Geo Tracker 4WD, manual transmission. Weight is 2460lbs. Has
> AC, PB, PS. Fair gas milage, rough ride on highway, great for off
> road use, cheap to
> insure, and have used it to push the GMC when it would not move on
> wet grass.
>
> Use a Brake Buddy for towd braking, but in the process of installing
> a different braking system from M&G Engineering.
>
> Just what we tow.
> --
> Larry
> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> Menomonie, WI.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

Ron & Linda Clark
North Plains, ORYGUN
1978 Eleganza II
 
Since Grace does not like to operate a Stick Shift we tow automatic trans
with the trans pump system with various toweds the last 40 years.
Since most toweds we pull were over 2,500 lbs. I use the US Gear brake
system as there is no hassle clipping the plunger on the pedal.
I tend to tail gate, so the braking system is a must for me. Did you know
that the coach stops in shorter distance with the toad brakes working.
Since were a major BLUE OX Dealer and installer, we do the full tow
,electrical and brake or all.
Again, I say call me as I can advise you and your never obligated to
purchase anything from us.

On Wed, May 15, 2019 at 9:52 AM rallymaster--- via Gmclist <

>
> Our driveway insists on a 4wd for snowy days. Sometimes we have to drive
> up and down it half a dozen times or more to pack the snow down so nobody
> gets high-centered after the next snow. Towed a Suzuki sidekick 4wd with
> a Brake Buddy for a while. It's a true off-road vehicle. Changed to a
> Honda CR-V (a freeway four wheeler), for the softer ride. My back thanked
> me for that. Six wheel disks on the coach, now, no tow'd braking system.
> Ron C
>
> Ron & Linda Clark
> North Plains, ORYGUN
> 1978 Eleganza II
>
>
> On Wed, 15 May 2019 09:45:04 -0600 Justin Brady via Gmclist

> > I tow a JDM Suzuki Jimny.
> > Why? Because it's super light (1700lbs), extremely capable offroad,
> > and it's a hoot to drive!
> > I also use it for a runabout around the farm.
> >
> > http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/gmcjimny.jpg
> > http://www.thegmcrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/jimny3.jpg
> > --
> > Justin Brady
> > http://www.thegmcrv.com/
> > 1976 Palm Beach 455
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
>
>
> Ron & Linda Clark
> North Plains, ORYGUN
> 1978 Eleganza II
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Over the years we have had a 1992 small chevy blazer, 2dr,4wd. Went lighter with a 1998 Geo Tracker 2dr 4wd rag top, towed well road rough. 2001 Chevy tracker 4dr, 4wd, AT, Nice towed, towed well road well. 2009 Honda FIT, AT paddle shift, great car until Honda put the CVT in the car and eliminated the ability to flat tow. Presently have a 2011 Honda CRV AT loaded, it too now has a CVT. 2014 all came with a CVT. Except for the first 2 the rest never recorded miles on the odometer.

J.R. Wright
GMC Great Laker MHC
GMCGL Tech Editor
GMC Eastern States Charter Member
GMCMI
78 GMC Buskirk 29.5’ Stretch
75 GMC Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan

>
>
> " have used it to push the GMC when it would not move on wet grass."
>
> Yeah, that's a definite plus!!!! BTDT. Works on loose gravel, too
>
>
> RonC
>
> On Wed, 15 May 2019 10:46:17 -0600 Larry via Gmclist

>> We tow either of two vehicles.
>>
>> 1991 Honda Civic SI with manual transmission. Weight is 2260lbs
>> Has AC, PB, PS, Cruise. Clocks milage towing. Gets great gas
>> milage, comfy on the
>> highway, and cheap to insure.
>> 1996 Geo Tracker 4WD, manual transmission. Weight is 2460lbs. Has
>> AC, PB, PS. Fair gas milage, rough ride on highway, great for off
>> road use, cheap to
>> insure, and have used it to push the GMC when it would not move on
>> wet grass.
>>
>> Use a Brake Buddy for towd braking, but in the process of installing
>> a different braking system from M&G Engineering.
>>
>> Just what we tow.
>> --
>> Larry
>> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
>> Menomonie, WI.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
>
> Ron & Linda Clark
> North Plains, ORYGUN
> 1978 Eleganza II
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Nobody has mentioned towing a Chevy HHR. Several GMCers had them,
including us, a 2010. Automatic tranny. Weighed 3300 and we pulled the
fuse to keep towed miles from wracking up. Used a Brake Buddy. Good setup.

Still see quite a few on the road.

Sandra and Bob

On Wed, May 15, 2019, 12:36 PM John Wright via Gmclist <

> Over the years we have had a 1992 small chevy blazer, 2dr,4wd. Went
> lighter with a 1998 Geo Tracker 2dr 4wd rag top, towed well road rough.
> 2001 Chevy tracker 4dr, 4wd, AT, Nice towed, towed well road well. 2009
> Honda FIT, AT paddle shift, great car until Honda put the CVT in the car
> and eliminated the ability to flat tow. Presently have a 2011 Honda CRV AT
> loaded, it too now has a CVT. 2014 all came with a CVT. Except for the
> first 2 the rest never recorded miles on the odometer.
>
> J.R. Wright
> GMC Great Laker MHC
> GMCGL Tech Editor
> GMC Eastern States Charter Member
> GMCMI
> 78 GMC Buskirk 29.5’ Stretch
> 75 GMC Avion (Under Reconstruction)
> Michigan
>
>
> > On May 15, 2019, at 1:15 PM, rallymaster--- via Gmclist <

> >
> >
> > " have used it to push the GMC when it would not move on wet grass."
> >
> > Yeah, that's a definite plus!!!! BTDT. Works on loose gravel, too
> >
> >
> > RonC
> >
> > On Wed, 15 May 2019 10:46:17 -0600 Larry via Gmclist

> >> We tow either of two vehicles.
> >>
> >> 1991 Honda Civic SI with manual transmission. Weight is 2260lbs
> >> Has AC, PB, PS, Cruise. Clocks milage towing. Gets great gas
> >> milage, comfy on the
> >> highway, and cheap to insure.
> >> 1996 Geo Tracker 4WD, manual transmission. Weight is 2460lbs. Has
> >> AC, PB, PS. Fair gas milage, rough ride on highway, great for off
> >> road use, cheap to
> >> insure, and have used it to push the GMC when it would not move on
> >> wet grass.
> >>
> >> Use a Brake Buddy for towd braking, but in the process of installing
> >> a different braking system from M&G Engineering.
> >>
> >> Just what we tow.
> >> --
> >> Larry
> >> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> >> Menomonie, WI.
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> GMCnet mailing list
> >> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> >> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >>
> >
> >
> > Ron & Linda Clark
> > North Plains, ORYGUN
> > 1978 Eleganza II
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
We towed a 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman (standard trans) behind our two GMCs and now behind the Prevost. Weighs about 2700 pounds, hook up and go in neutral, odo does not spin, steering wheel does not lock, no messing with fuses or special lube sequences or limits on mileage/speed. The two doors in the rear and the three doors on the sides make accessing the interior worlds easier than normal Minis. Four real adults with legs fit inside and enough cargo room for shopping and such. A blast to drive once you remove the 17” rims and run flat rubber band tires. With 16” Nokian tires it is comfortable even in Mexico. I used a NSA hitch with a surge brake built in that I adjust to only pull on the brakes under extreme breaking conditions. Works well for us.

Jerry
Jerry Work
The Dovetail Joint
Fine furniture designed and hand crafted in the 1907 former Masonic Temple building in historic Kerby, OR

glwork
http://jerrywork.com
 
> We towed a 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman (standard trans) behind our two GMCs and now behind the Prevost. Weighs about 2700 pounds, hook up and go
> in neutral, odo does not spin, steering wheel does not lock, no messing with fuses or special lube sequences or limits on mileage/speed. The two
> doors in the rear and the three doors on the sides make accessing the interior worlds easier than normal Minis. Four real adults with legs fit
> inside and enough cargo room for shopping and such. A blast to drive once you remove the 17" rims and run flat rubber band tires. With 16" Nokian
> tires it is comfortable even in Mexico. I used a NSA hitch with a surge brake built in that I adjust to only pull on the brakes under extreme
> breaking conditions. Works well for us.
>
> Jerry
> Jerry Work
> The Dovetail Joint
> Fine furniture designed and hand crafted in the 1907 former Masonic Temple building in historic Kerby, OR
>
> glwork
> http://jerrywork.com
>
> We pull a Mini S also and we can fit 4 adults, of course, unlike Jerry's Mini two need to ride on the roof. :lol: Prior to the Mini we pulled a
> 2010 VW Sportswagon TDI which also did fine.
> Hal
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

--
1977 Royale 101348,

1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,

1975 Eleganza II, 101230,

1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,

Rio Rancho, NM
 
I started towing a 97 jeep wrangler. Bought used stowmaster
Tow bar and roadmaster even brake.

It was a little heavy, was not a good MN winter vehicle and was getting ready to need expensive tires.

I sold that and bought two other towds. A 73vw thing project. For super lightweight and fun car. Still not ready for prime time. Maybe next
summer???

I also bought a 99 honda crv. All wheel drive, automatic, power windows, power locks. a/C. Flat towable with no tranny pump or other cost. I
am also able to daily drive this, 12 months a year. Also la decent of room behind the back seats. The wrangler I could not even store the even
brake. So now chairs, bbq and misc fit in towd and if I want to use it, no need to move things.
Crv- $3000. Has 130000 miles on it and is ready to go another 100-200k. I easily found a used base plate set for the crv and use the stowmaster
I had on the wrangler. I did just find a roadmaster stearling tow bar I will switch to this year, as I learned I like a tow bar that stays with
coach rathwr then towd. Easier to hook up with bike rack I have on coach.

Vw thing hopefully will be my summer towd because of weight. But with comforts of a modern car, it may stay home more then the crv.

--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
Anybody know a source fairly close to Oklahoma where I could find a 1965 or later Corvair coupe (or ragtop) in good condition at a reasonable price? My first ever new car was a 1962 Corvair Monza coupe with a motor at least one step above the "standard" horsepower.

D C "Mac" Macdonald​
Amateur Radio K2GKK​
Since 30 November '53​
USAF and FAA, Retired​
Member GMCMI & Classics​
Oklahoma City, OK​
"The Money Pit"​
TZE166V101966​
'76 ex-Palm Beach

________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Mike Kelley via Gmclist
Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2019 11:20
To: gmclist
Cc: Mike Kelley
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Toads

We tow ourfavorite vehicle - a 65 Corvair Monza, 140 hp, auto, w/ AC. It’s a blast.
Mike/The Corvair a holic

Sent from my iPhone

>
> 1992 Geo Tracker. 5 speed manual tranny, with a drive shaft disconnect.
> I use the coach brakes. Another reason I would like to have disc brakes in the rear.
> Scott.
> --
> Scott Nutter
> 1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera
> installed MSD Atomic EFI
> Houston, Texas
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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